- Categories:
- Federal
- Tags:
- AppreciationCareersSafety
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Week starting with the 1st Sunday of May
- Holiday emoji:
- 👮♂️
National Correctional Officer’s Week begins on the first Sunday of May, running from May 3-9, 2026. This week recognizes the vital contributions of correctional officers who ensure public safety and uphold justice. Take time to acknowledge their challenging work and express gratitude for their service.
Want to sponsor National Correctional Officer's Week? Learn how
History of National Correctional Officer's Week
Back in 1871, prison staff was minimal. At the time, the Colorado Territorial Prison employed just one warden and six guards who were known as ‘turnkeys,’ since their jobs were primarily locking and unlocking the prisoners’ cells. This position paid about $25 per month and required no education or physical competency. For many years, the turnkeys were not very serious about their role since it demanded little from them. They rarely wore the proper uniform or maintained a professional appearance in front of the inmates.
In the 1940s, the prison budget increased while the large prison population decreased. This allowed prison administrators to broaden their expectations of correctional officers and make their jobs more interdisciplinary. Correctional officers began to be more professional and specialized.
In the 1950s, prison institutions became less intense and inmate programs reoriented with a rehabilitative philosophy. Penitentiaries came to be called correctional institutions, and prison guards became correctional officers. Correctional officers received a hike in their pay grade, a professional work environment, and advanced training to perform better in their careers.
In the 1990s, with the increase in the prison population, correctional institutions neglected their rehabilitation and their treatment was severe. Several institutions came under attack by the public for civil rights breaches and the ineffective treatment of their inmates. Correctional officers were also criticized for their ineptitude in dealing with overcrowding. As a response to this, correctional institutions altered their training modules again and emphasized professionalism in the correctional officers.
National Correctional Officer's Week timeline
The Egyptians introduce the earliest known jailing systems.
The facilities housing prisoners change from large rooms to vast correctional housing systems, focusing on rehabilitation, not only incarceration.
The method of punishment is changed from corporal to psychological punishment, hard labor, and transportation.
President Ronald Reagan establishes National Correctional Officer's Week on May 5.
National Correctional Officer's Week FAQs
When is National Correctional Officer's Week?
National Correctional Officer’s Week in 2027 will be observed from Sunday, May 2, to Saturday, May 8. This annual event consistently highlights their commitment to public safety.
How many correctional officers are there in the U.S.?
The latest data indicates that the United States employs roughly 400,000 correctional officers and jailers. This substantial number underscores the continuous demand for professionals dedicated to maintaining security and order within correctional institutions.
What is the role of a correctional officer?
The primary role of a correctional officer involves overseeing incarcerated individuals, ensuring facility security, and upholding institutional regulations. They play a vital part in the justice system by managing inmate populations, responding to emergencies, and facilitating rehabilitation programs.
Is National Correctional Officer's Week a federal holiday?
While widely observed and officially designated by presidential proclamation, National Correctional Officer’s Week is not classified as a federal holiday. This means government offices and most businesses operate as usual during this recognition period.
How to Observe National Correctional Officer's Week
Send a thank-you card
It takes nothing to say a small thank you. Let your local correctional officer know that their work matters.
Read up about the role
If you find this job interesting, the best way to start is by reading up about what the profession entails. Find your nearest library or browse the internet for more knowledge about the role.
Tweet about it
Show how much you appreciate correctional officers by tweeting about them every single day of the week. Don’t forget to add the hashtag #NationalCorrectionalOfficersWeek!
5 Facts About Correctional Officers
They need a high school diploma
A high school diploma is a minimum requirement to apply as a correctional officer.
They go through training before employment
They are trained at an academy run by the hiring agency or a private company where they learn prison policies, operations, and security procedures.
Most officers average $43,300 a year
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, up until May 2011, most correctional officers made about $43,300 a year.
The highest salary was $69,840 per year
The highest compensation received by correctional officers was about $69,840 per year in New Jersey.
A 5% increase in job prospects
Study reports reveal a 5% increase in jobs for correctional officers in the future because of population growth.
Why National Correctional Officer's Week is Important
They do important work
Correctional officers help keep our community safe. They also help rehabilitate offenders.
We celebrate their contribution
It is crucial for us to celebrate the efforts of correctional officers. They play an important role in keeping order within the facilities.
It is an unseen public service
Since correctional officers’ place of work is in a secure and private location, we often don’t see them as part of our public life. However, it is important to remember that they play a big role in ensuring public safety.
