Correction Officer

Employees in this class are responsible for the custody and supervision of prisoners, seeing that their personal needs are attended to, and maintaining security and order in the jail during an assigned shift. Assignments may involve the supervision of inmates on a jail floor, in a kitchen, laundry room, recreation yard, I.D. room, transportation, hospital, or transition programs, both within and outside of the facility. Work is performed under direct supervision philosophy; as such, Correction Officers must be adept at communication and effectively interact with inmates, including participating in organizational efforts designed to reduce recidivism. Employees in this class must have the ability to work varying shifts and overtime.

On or before September 30, 2026, to be eligible for this examination, applicant must meet
the following minimum qualifications:
Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma.
Anticipated Eligibility – Age and Educational Requirements:
According to Civil Service Law, section 54 which became effective September 4, 2024, applicants who are within 12 months of meeting the minimum age or attaining the minimum educational requirements following the date of examination, may take the civil service exam, but will be restricted from certification until such a time that the minimum age or educational requirements are met.

There is no written multiple-choice test. This is an online examination questionnaire that asks questions about your education, training, and work experience. This online questionnaire IS YOUR EXAMINATION. If you meet the minimum qualifications, you will receive a rating based upon an evaluation of your training and experience against the duties of the position being tested. Candidates must complete an examination application and submit it to the Dutchess County Department of Human Resources on or before the last filing date of September 30, 2026. Approved candidates will be sent a notice containing directions to a website address needed to complete a Training and Experience Questionnaire. The Training and Experience (T&E) Questionnaire will be available on November 1, 2026, and approved candidates will be required to complete and submit this questionnaire between November 1, 2026, and midnight November 30, 2026. Candidates will not be able to claim any credit for training and experience to be gained after the application filing deadline of September 30, 2026. Candidates who fail to submit their questionnaire by November 30, 2026, will receive the minimum rating of 70 on the eligible list. Note: Individuals can participate in Correction Officer examinations for other municipal civil service agencies to maximize their opportunity for appointment. Interested candidates will need to separately apply, be registered, and complete the T&E questionnaire for each municipal civil service agency according to each agency’s guidelines. In addition, the application and T&E questionnaire process for the NYS Correction Officer Trainee exam program is separate from the Correction Officer T&E exam program for municipal civil service agencies. Visit cs.ny.gov for more information on applying to State exams.

Pursuant to Section 23.4a of Civil Service Law, preference in appointment from open-competitive lists may be given to candidates who have been residents in a locality or school district in which appointment is to be made for at least 30 days prior to certification of the eligible list. For appointment in some jurisdictions you may be required to become a resident thereof in accordance with law or resolution.

The eligible list established as a result of this examination will be used, when appropriate, to fill vacancies as they occur in the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office - Corrections Division. NOTE: Pursuant to Section 23.4a of Civil Service Law, preference in appointment from open competitive eligible lists may be given to candidates who are residents of Dutchess County for at least 30 days prior ...