Minimum Qualifications for a Correctional Officer

Must be 21 years of age to apply. 

Overall good physical health; have a good, sound, mental and emotional condition, and lack of restrictions that would interfere with the full performance of the duties of a correctional officer. Must meet the Department of Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) medical standards. 

Have a high school diploma/GED certificate, or other proof of education at the same or higher level. Acceptable proof of all training and education listed on the application or background questionnaire must accompany your application. 

Must be a United States citizen in order to attend the DPSST academy. 

Must have a history of law-abiding conduct with no felony convictions. Each applicant must be of good moral fitness, should have no acts or conduct which would cause a reasonable person to have substantial doubts about the individual's honesty, fairness, respect for the rights of others, or for the laws of the state and/or the nation. Must be legally eligible to own, possess, and have custody/control of any firearm or other weapon authorized by the Department of Corrections. 

May be required to possess/or obtain a Class B Commercial Driver's License to operate vehicles more than 26,000 pounds, designed to carry 16 or more passengers.

Driving records will be analyzed on an individual basis for applicants who have had their license suspended and/or had a DUII. 

Interactions with inmates are core to the ultimate success of corrections and community safety. Each employee is expected to model appropriate pro-social behavior, support positive change in individual offenders and actively support the Oregon Accountability Model through day-to-day interactions with others.