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Correctional Officers and Jailers

conducting head counts to ensure that each prisoner is present, using weapons and using nondisciplinary tools and equipment. If that's your week, this page is about your job.

The honest answer

AI changes the edges of this job, not the middle: inspecting conditions of locks, window bars, grills, doors and gates at correctional facilities to ensure security and help prevent escapes is work software can't reach.

Your move: what you can actually do about this ↓

What shifts is recording information, such as prisoner identification, charges and incidents of inmate disturbance: the paper around the work, not the work.

Your week, as this page understands it

Guard inmates in penal or rehabilitative institutions in accordance with established regulations and procedures. May guard prisoners in transit between jail, courtroom, prison, or other point. Includes deputy sheriffs and police who spend the majority of their time guarding prisoners in correctional institutions. The job title says “correctional officers” or “jailers”: officially one job, two names. The real job is the part underneath: inspecting conditions of locks, window bars, grills, doors and gates at correctional facilities to ensure security and help prevent escapes. That is the thing someone has to be right about.

The exposed part of this job is specific, and we won’t pretend it is coming back. But correctional officers and jailers is not one task. It is 27 scored ones, and they are nowhere near equally exposed. The most durable of them, on this evidence, is inspecting conditions of locks, window bars, grills, doors and gates at correctional facilities to ensure security and help prevent escapes, and the ledger below shows exactly why.

Where the work sits, by task weight

shifting to AI
0%
changing shape
16%
staying human
84%

These bars are tasks changing hands, not people being counted out. The ledger below shows which.

Whole-job exposure score 13 out of 100 (10–18 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, across 27 scored tasks. The number is the support for the sentence above it, not a headline about anyone’s future.

How we know this

What is measured: Every published task statement for correctional officers and jailers is rated on five dimensions: can a model produce the output, does the work need a body in a room, does it need a legally accountable person, does it depend on a person being trusted in the moment, and how much data exists. A published formula turns those five ratings into the score; the model never writes the number.

How the bar is built: Each task’s share of the bar is its published importance weight, so a task you do all day counts for more than one you do twice a year.

Release: 2026-q4.1, scores computed 2026-08-04. Read the full method.

Your job, task by task

These are the official task statements for this occupation, in plain English, sorted by what the evidence says is happening to each one. The official wording sits under every line so you can check the rewrite against it.

Shifting to AI

0 tasks

Tasks today’s tools can already do most of. This is the part we will not soften: where these rows are the bulk of your week, the week changes.

Nothing in this job’s scored task list landed in this group. That is the measurement, not an editorial choice, and it is worth knowing either way.

Changing shape

4 tasks

Tasks where the machine takes the producing and a person keeps the checking, the deciding, or the answering-for-it. For most jobs this is the biggest group, and it is where "transformation, not termination" is literally visible.

  • Recording information, such as prisoner identification, charges and incidents of inmate disturbance

    The software now makes the first pass at information, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.

    importance 4 · Core
    Source: “Record information, such as prisoner identification, charges, and incidents of inmate disturbance, keeping daily logs of prisoner activities.” (O*NET task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 49 out of 100 (45–53 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, high confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.

    The rating behind it: Custody logs and incident records are typed into systems, and drafting the write-up is straightforward once the facts are known.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.

  • Providing to supervisors oral and written reports of the quality and quantity of work

    The software now makes the first pass at supervisors oral, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.

    importance 4 · Core
    Source: “Provide to supervisors oral and written reports of the quality and quantity of work performed by inmates, inmate disturbances and rule violations, and unusual occurrences.” (O*NET task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 49 out of 100 (45–53 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, high confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.

    The rating behind it: Shift reports on work, incidents and rule breaches are written summaries that drafting tools handle well.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.

  • Maintaining records of prisoners' identification and charges

    The software now makes the first pass at records of prisoners' identification, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.

    importance 4 · Core
    Source: “Maintain records of prisoners' identification and charges.” (O*NET task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 49 out of 100 (42–56 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.

    The rating behind it: Identification and charge records live in booking systems that hold and update the details automatically.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.

  • Arranging daily schedules

    The software now makes the first pass at schedules, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.

    importance 4 · Core
    Source: “Arrange daily schedules for prisoners, including library visits, work assignments, family visits, and counseling appointments.” (O*NET task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 56 out of 100 (49–63 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.

    The rating behind it: Building a daily timetable for visits, work and appointments is scheduling that software already does.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.

Staying human

23 tasks

Tasks that stay with a person, because they happen in the physical world, because the rules need someone accountable, or because the value is that a specific person does them.

  • Inspecting conditions of locks, window bars, grills, doors and gates at correctional facilities to ensure security and help prevent escapes

    This work happens in the physical world: conditions of locks, window bars, grills, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 5 · Core
    Source: “Inspect conditions of locks, window bars, grills, doors, and gates at correctional facilities to ensure security and help prevent escapes.” (O*NET task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: Checking locks, bars, doors and gates means walking round and testing them.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.

  • Conducting head counts to ensure that each prisoner is present

    This work happens in the physical world: head counts, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 5 · Core
    Source: “Conduct head counts to ensure that each prisoner is present.” (O*NET task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: Counting prisoners means physically seeing each person.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.

  • Monitoring conduct of prisoners in housing unit

    This work happens in the physical world: conduct of prisoners, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 5 · Core
    Source: “Monitor conduct of prisoners in housing unit, or during work or recreational activities, according to established policies, regulations, and procedures, to prevent escape or violence.” (O*NET task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–7 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: Supervising prisoners on the wing depends on officers being there among them.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.

  • Searching prisoners and vehicles and conducting shakedowns of cells for valuables and contraband

    This work happens in the physical world: prisoners, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 5 · Core
    Source: “Search prisoners and vehicles and conduct shakedowns of cells for valuables and contraband, such as weapons or drugs.” (O*NET task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: Searching people, vehicles and cells is done by hand.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.

  • Participating in required job training

    This work happens in the physical world: required job, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 4 · Core
    Source: “Participate in required job training.” (O*NET task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 10 out of 100 (3–17 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: Training material can be prepared, but much prison training is practical and has to be done by the officer.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.

  • Conducting fire, safety and sanitation inspections

    This work happens in the physical world: fire, safety and sanitation inspections, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 4 · Core
    Source: “Conduct fire, safety, and sanitation inspections.” (O*NET task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 14 out of 100 (10–18 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: The checklist is easy to produce, but a fire or hygiene inspection means walking the building and looking.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.

Show the other 17 tasks

  • Processing or booking convicted individuals into prison

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: convicted individuals, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 4 · Supplemental
    Source: “Process or book convicted individuals into prison.” (O*NET task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 33 out of 100 (26–40 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: The booking paperwork is standard, but taking someone into the prison involves searching and processing them in person.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.

  • Using nondisciplinary tools and equipment

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: nondisciplinary tools, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 4 · Core
    Source: “Use nondisciplinary tools and equipment, such as a computer.” (O*NET task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 29 out of 100 (17–41 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, low confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: Some of this is ordinary computer work, but most tools and equipment in a prison are used by hand.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.

  • Investigating crimes that have occurred within an institution

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: crimes, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 4 · Supplemental
    Source: “Investigate crimes that have occurred within an institution, or assist police in their investigations of crimes and inmates.” (O*NET task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 19 out of 100 (12–26 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: Evidence and statements can be organised and summarised, but interviewing people and searching the wing happens in person.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 2/4.

  • Assigning duties to inmates, providing instructions

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: duties, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 4 · Core
    Source: “Assign duties to inmates, providing instructions as needed.” (O*NET task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 9 out of 100 (5–13 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; the value is that a specific person does it.

    The rating behind it: Work rotas are easy to draw up, but assigning and instructing inmates happens face to face on the wing.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 2/4.

  • Sponsoring inmate recreational activities, such as newspapers and self-help groups

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: inmate recreational activities, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 4 · Supplemental
    Source: “Sponsor inmate recreational activities, such as newspapers and self-help groups.” (O*NET task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 9 out of 100 (2–16 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; the value is that a specific person does it.

    The rating behind it: Planning an activity is easy, but running a group or club depends on staff being there with it.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 2/4.

  • Counseling inmates and responding to legitimate questions

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: inmates, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 4 · Core
    Source: “Counsel inmates and respond to legitimate questions, concerns, and requests.” (O*NET task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 7 out of 100 (3–11 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; the value is that a specific person does it.

    The rating behind it: Answering an inmate concern properly depends on being there and being trusted to follow through.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 3/4 · how much data exists 2/4.

  • Supervising and coordinating work of other correctional service officers

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: work of other correctional service officers, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 4 · Supplemental
    Source: “Supervise and coordinate work of other correctional service officers.” (O*NET task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 6 out of 100 (2–10 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; the value is that a specific person does it.

    The rating behind it: Supervising officers on shift means being on the wing with them and answering for what happens.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 2/4.

  • Settling disputes between inmates

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: disputes, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 4 · Core
    Source: “Settle disputes between inmates.” (O*NET task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 3 out of 100 (0–10 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; the value is that a specific person does it.

    The rating behind it: Calming a dispute between inmates depends on an officer being present and known to the people involved.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 3/4 · how much data exists 1/4.

  • Guarding facility entrances to screen visitors

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: facility entrances, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 5 · Core
    Source: “Guard facility entrances to screen visitors.” (O*NET task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: Guarding an entrance and screening visitors requires standing there in person.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 2/4.

  • Searching for and recapture escapees

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: and recapture escapees, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 4 · Supplemental
    Source: “Search for and recapture escapees.” (O*NET task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: Searching for and recapturing escapees is physical pursuit.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.

  • Inspecting mail for the presence of contraband

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: mail, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 4 · Core
    Source: “Inspect mail for the presence of contraband.” (O*NET task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: Checking mail for contraband means physically opening and examining it.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.

  • Taking prisoners into custody and escorting to locations within and outside of facility

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: prisoners, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 4 · Core
    Source: “Take prisoners into custody and escort to locations within and outside of facility, such as visiting room, courtroom, or airport.” (O*NET task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: Taking someone into custody and escorting them is physical control of a person.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.

  • Using weapons, handcuffs and physical force to maintain discipline and order among prisoners

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: weapons, handcuffs and physical force, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 4 · Core
    Source: “Use weapons, handcuffs, and physical force to maintain discipline and order among prisoners.” (O*NET task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: Using restraints or force is physical action in the moment.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.

  • Driving passenger vehicles and trucks used to transport inmates to other institutions

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: passenger vehicles, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 4 · Core
    Source: “Drive passenger vehicles and trucks used to transport inmates to other institutions, courtrooms, hospitals, and work sites.” (O*NET task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: Transporting inmates requires a driver in the vehicle.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.

  • Issuing clothing, tools and other authorized items to inmates

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: tools, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 4 · Core
    Source: “Issue clothing, tools, and other authorized items to inmates.” (O*NET task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: Issuing clothing and tools means handing items over and checking them back in.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.

  • Serving meals, distribute commissary items and dispensing prescribed medication to prisoners

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: meals, distribute commissary items and dispensing prescribed medication, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 4 · Core
    Source: “Serve meals, distribute commissary items, and dispense prescribed medication to prisoners.” (O*NET task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.

    The rating behind it: Handing out meals, commissary items and medication is done in person on the wing.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.

  • Taking fingerprints of arrestees, prisoners or the general public

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: fingerprints of arrestees, prisoners or the general public, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 4 · Supplemental
    Source: “Take fingerprints of arrestees, prisoners, or the general public.” (O*NET task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: Taking fingerprints means physically handling someone at the scanner.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.

What this job pays, and how many people do it

Median pay
$58,940a year, the middle of the range, so half earn more and half earn less.bls-oews, 2025 · May 2025 estimates (national_M2025_dl.xlsx)
How we know this

Source: bls-oews

Reference period: May 2025 estimates (national_M2025_dl.xlsx)

Rounding: Shown as published.

People doing this job
380,500in the US, 2025.bls-oews · May 2025 estimates (national_M2025_dl.xlsx)

What is deliberately not here: a forecast of how many of these jobs exist in ten years. Where an official projection exists for a market we publish it with its vintage; where it does not, we leave the space empty rather than borrow the other country’s number.

Why this is shifting

The reason is boringly specific. Most of what is shifting here is reading one thing and writing another: information in, a record out. The rows above are exactly that shape: recording information, such as prisoner identification, charges and incidents of inmate disturbance. What it cannot do is be there in the room, and that is still where conditions of locks, window bars, grills get done. Which is why this page talks about your tasks changing, not your job ending.

Your move

Over a pint: what I’d tell you if you were my friend

Start with what does not change: inspecting conditions of locks, window bars, grills, doors and gates at correctional facilities to ensure security and help prevent escapes is the middle of this job, and the evidence on this page says it stays with a person.

So, given all that: 0% of this job's task weight sits in rows the software is already learning, 16% in rows that change shape rather than disappear, and 84% in rows it is nowhere near. That is the position, measured across 27 scored tasks. It is not a forecast about you.

So the thing worth your attention is not the job going away. It is the layer around it. Recording information, such as prisoner identification, charges and incidents of inmate disturbance is the part turning into software, and being the person who understands that layer is worth money.

This week: one thing

Ask the one question. Find whoever is bringing new software into your workplace (the manager, the office, whoever runs the system) and ask them what it is meant to do to information, and what it is not meant to touch. Ten minutes, this week, before anyone decides it for you.

What you end up holding
a straight answer about what is actually being rolled out, and when
How long it takes
ten minutes

If there’s nobody obvious to ask, or you’d rather not ask your manager: Put the same question to your union rep, your shift lead or the person who has been there longest, in person, over a break. Same ten minutes, same answer, and you will usually get a straighter one. Write down what they say. The note is the artifact, and it tells you whether conditions of locks, window bars, grills are in scope or not. Nothing to log into, no license needed.

Over the next 90 days

Get inside the tool rollout rather than waiting for it. Over the next ninety days, ask to be in the group that tests, checks or signs off whatever new system arrives near recording information, such as prisoner identification, charges and incidents of inmate disturbance. It is usually an unglamorous seat that nobody fights for, and it is the one that decides how the software is used on your job rather than to it.

Over the next 12 months

On this evidence I would not retrain out of this job, and I will say that plainly rather than hedge it. The task list here is dominated by work that stays with a person. What I would do with a year is get formally recognised for the layer around it (the systems, the compliance, the planning), so you are the one who understands the software instead of the one it is done to. Before you pay for anything, use CareerOneStop - Find local training. It is free, it is the Labor Department's own service, and it is listed below with the rest of the free routes.

The roads out of here, and why I am not sending you down them

I looked at the obvious moves out of this job, and here is what I found.

I checked the 12 nearest US occupations to correctional officers and jailers (nearest by the work that AI is not taking, not by job title), and none of them survived. The closest was first-line supervisors of correctional officers: only about 10% of its durable work is work you already do and there are far fewer of those jobs than of yours. And on the numbers you do not need one. This job scores 13/100 here, with only 0% of the task list in the top band, and “inspect conditions of locks, window bars, grills, doors, and gates at correctional…” is not work that hands over cleanly. None of them beats deepening what you already have.

How that was checked: this job was compared against all 830 US occupations in this release on their official task statements, and the 12 nearest were examined one by one. A move that turns on an industry, an employer or a qualification rather than on the work itself will not show up in a check like that. And this release carries no licence register, so anything you are weighing needs that looked up separately.

3 moves I checked and rejected

These are the obvious-looking jumps. They are here with their reasons rather than quietly dropped, because the ones that fail are worth knowing about. It is one less thing to turn over at night.

  • First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers

    Why it looked obvious: It came up as a near neighbour on the work AI is not taking: you already participate in required job training, and their equivalent is to instruct employees or provide on-the-job training. Across both published task lists that is about 10% of the durable work in that job.

    Why I am not recommending it: You would be starting most of it from nothing: about 10% of the durable work in that job is work you do today, and the rest you would be learning while the bills carried on. And it is a narrow door: about 53,380 of those jobs against 380,500 of yours (OEWS May 2025), 14% as many seats.

    Look at that job’s page anyway →

  • Training and Development Managers

    Why it looked obvious: It came up as a near neighbour on the work AI is not taking: you already participate in required job training, and their equivalent is to conduct orientation sessions and arrange on-the-job training for new hires. Across both published task lists that is about 5% of the durable work in that job.

    Why I am not recommending it: Almost none of it is work you already do: about 5% of the durable side of that job. That is a different job, not a next step. The pay gap is the market pricing a barrier: $133,000 against your $58,940 is 2.26× (OEWS May 2025 (both)), and you would be crossing it holding about 5% of their durable work. A gap that size with an overlap that small is a wish, not a route. And it is a narrow door: about 48,050 of those jobs against 380,500 of yours (OEWS May 2025), 13% as many seats.

    Look at that job’s page anyway →

  • Fire Inspectors and Investigators

    Why it looked obvious: It came up as a near neighbour on the work AI is not taking: you already conduct fire, safety, and sanitation inspections, and their equivalent is to conduct inspections and acceptance testing of newly installed fire protection systems. Across both published task lists that is about 3% of the durable work in that job.

    Why I am not recommending it: Almost none of it is work you already do: about 3% of the durable side of that job. That is a different job, not a next step. And it is a narrow door: about 13,800 of those jobs against 380,500 of yours (OEWS May 2025), 4% as many seats.

    Look at that job’s page anyway →

What I’d stop worrying about

A friend tells you what not to spend fear on. This is that list.

  • The headline number you read somewhere

    The big “X% of jobs” figures are about the whole economy, not about you. The number that describes your job is on this page: 0% of its task weight, across 27 scored tasks. Every row behind it is printed above with the source. Check ours; ignore theirs.

  • The headlines about your trade disappearing

    They are usually about the technology, not the timetable. Changes to work like inspecting conditions of locks, window bars, grills, doors and gates at correctional facilities to ensure security and help prevent escapes arrive through rules, insurance and money, slowly and visibly. This page tracks the task evidence and will move when it moves.

  • Retraining out of a job that is holding up

    On this evidence I would not spend money leaving. Spend it on the layer around the job instead: the tools, the paperwork, the planning. That is where the change actually is.

  • The “obvious” next job everyone suggests

    I checked the obvious moves and most of them did not survive. The reasons are printed with the routes above, including the pay and the gate. A move that fails on the numbers is worth knowing about so you can stop turning it over at night.

You are reading the United States figures

The United Kingdom splits this work across more than one official group, of which Prison service officers (below principal officer) is the closest. The pay and employment figures are not directly comparable, and we do not average them together.

Switch to the United Kingdom page →partial match

The other groups this work is counted across:

In UK official statistics this job is counted as Prison service officers (below principal officer) and Security guards and related occupations. Pay is shown separately for each of those groups (medians cannot be averaged together), while the task list and the scores on this page are for this group only.

Your route through this

Where to go next, and what it costs

Free, and complete

The moves above cost nothing. These are the real services that go with them: public, government-funded, and free at the point of use. Nothing on this page is behind an email address or a payment.

Why there is no community here

Collab365, who build this site, run paid Spaces for a small number of subjects, and none of them is built for this job. We are not going to point you at the nearest one and call it a fit.

So the free services listed on this page are the whole answer, and it is the same answer we would give a friend.

Noted, and thank you. We’ll email you if a Space for correctional officers / jailers launches. Nothing else.

That did not look like an email address, so nothing was saved. Have another go below.

We could not save that. The fault is ours, not yours, and your address was not stored. Please try again later.

No Space for correctional officers / jailers yet. Should there be one?

Collab365 Spaces is built by the same people as this site. We find the problems that AI and automation are creating inside one kind of work, then solve them as short courses, briefings and Blueprints. Each Space is the community too, so the research and the people doing your job are in the same place.

What a Space actually is, in full

Collab365 launches new communities where the need is real. If one for correctional officers / jailers existed, with researched problems, courses and people in the same boat, would you want in?

We use your email address for one thing: to tell you if a Space for correctional officers / jailers launches. We never sell it, never use it for unrelated marketing, and every email has a one-click unsubscribe. Our privacy policy has the full version.

This unlocks nothing. Every figure, every row and every step on this page is already yours, whether you fill this in or not.

No deadline on any of this. The page will still be here, and the data is refreshed on a published schedule rather than when someone wants a headline.

Questions people ask about this job

Will AI replace Correctional Officers and Jailers?
Not as a job, but it is already doing parts of the work. Across the 27 official task statements scored for Correctional Officers and Jailers (United States, SOC 33-3012), 0% of the importance-weighted core work is made of tasks today's AI could already do most of. The overall exposure score is 13 out of 100 (range 10–18, band: minimal). That is a statement about tasks, not about headcount: this measures what AI could do, not whether any employer adopts it, whether the law allows it, or whether doing the routine parts faster creates more demand for the human parts. Figures are from release 2026-q4.1.
Which tasks in “Correctional Officers and Jailers” can AI already do?
The highest-scoring tasks in release 2026-q4.1 are: “Arrange daily schedules for prisoners, including library visits, work assignments, family visits, and counseling appointments” (56/100, partial); “Provide to supervisors oral and written reports of the quality and quantity of work performed by inmates, inmate disturbances and rule violations, and unusua…” (49/100, partial); “Maintain records of prisoners' identification and charges” (49/100, partial). Each score comes from five published 0–4 ratings turned into a number by a published formula, and each carries the model's one-sentence reason on the page.
Which tasks in “Correctional Officers and Jailers” stay human?
About 84% of this job's task weight sits in work that scores low for AI exposure. The lowest-scoring tasks in release 2026-q4.1 are: “Take fingerprints of arrestees, prisoners, or the general public” (0/100, minimal); “Serve meals, distribute commissary items, and dispense prescribed medication to prisoners” (0/100, minimal); “Search prisoners and vehicles and conduct shakedowns of cells for valuables and contraband, such as weapons or drugs” (0/100, minimal). Low scores usually mean the task needs a body in a room, a legally accountable human, or trust built in real time. Those are the three things the scoring rubric treats as gates rather than obstacles.
What should someone working in “Correctional Officers and Jailers” do about AI?
Start from the ledger rather than the headline: 0% of this job's weighted core work is exposed, and roughly 84% is not. The practical move is to spend more of your week on the tasks that score low, the ones above, and to get fluent at directing AI through the tasks that score high, because those are the parts that change whether or not you are ready for them. This page does not predict your job, and nothing here is career advice tailored to you: the score describes the occupation, not the person.
How is the AI exposure score for Correctional Officers and Jailers calculated?
Each official task statement for the occupation is rated on five published 0–4 dimensions (output replicability, physical embodiment, licensed accountability, real-time human trust, and data availability) by claude-opus-5 using scoring prompt task_scoring_v1.0. The model never writes the score; a published formula turns the five ratings into a 0–100 number, so every score can be recomputed by hand. The occupation figure is the importance-weighted mean across 27 scored tasks. The prompt, the rubric, the formula and the full dataset are published at https://futureproof.collab365.com/method and https://futureproof.collab365.com/data/2026-q4.1 under CC BY 4.0.

Where these numbers come from

About the data on this page

  • One row is marked low confidence, so treat it as a ballpark rather than a fine measurement.
  • The match between this job and its counterpart in the other country is partial, so the two pages count slightly different groups of people.
  • 5 of this occupation's scored task statements carry a score that was measured under a different occupation's context, because the statement is shared between jobs and has only been scored once so far. Each one names the occupation it was measured under in the free routes below; none is presented as a measurement for this job.
  • Task clusters are not derived in this release, so the task-cluster field is empty and no Collab365 Space routing is attached to this occupation yet.
Task statements
onet-dbProcessing: catalogue-bridge → onet-im-rt-weighting → task-scoring → score-aggregation
Task weights
onet-db (im-rt)
Scores
Rubric task_scoring_v1.0, model claude-opus-5, computed 2026-08-04.
Pay and employment
bls-oews (May 2025 estimates (national_M2025_dl.xlsx))bls-oews (May 2025 estimates (national_M2025_dl.xlsx))

Figures on this page come from release 2026-q4.1, published 2026-08-05. Every release keeps its own permanent address, so a figure you cite in March is still there, unchanged, in November.

The plain-English wording on this page is assembled directly from the task statements and the published ratings, not written by hand for this occupation. That is why it is specific, and it is also why we say so.

The routes and free resources further up are today’s, not the release’s (last reviewed 2026-08-05). A route is an offer, not a historical fact, so it moves on its own clock.

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Using these figures?

Cite this

Everything on this site is published under CC BY 4.0. Quote it, chart it, sell something built on it. Just say where it came from, and cite the dated release rather than the site, so the figure you quote stays checkable.

Plain text

Collab365 (2026). Collab365 Futureproof: task-level AI exposure for US and UK occupations, release 2026-q4.1 (methodVersion 2.0.0, promptVersion task_scoring_v1.0). https://futureproof.collab365.com/data/2026-q4.1. Licensed CC BY 4.0. Built with O*NET data (USDOL/ETA, CC BY 4.0); ONS data (Open Government Licence v3.0); GAISI task framework (arXiv:2507.22748, MIT); BLS data (public domain).

BibTeX

@misc{collab365futureproof2026q41,
  title        = {Collab365 Futureproof: task-level AI exposure for US and UK occupations, release 2026-q4.1},
  author       = {{Collab365}},
  year         = {2026},
  url          = {https://futureproof.collab365.com/data/2026-q4.1},
  note         = {Release 2026-q4.1, methodVersion 2.0.0, promptVersion task_scoring_v1.0, CC BY 4.0}
}

Permalink

https://futureproof.collab365.com/data/2026-q4.1

Data as of release 2026-q4.1, published . Releases never change after publication; when the figures move, a new dated release is published beside this one and this one stays exactly where it is.