Requirements for Becoming a Prison Warden
- The prison warden is responsible for hiring and training correctional officers in the facility. The warden also enforces the rules of the prison and determines punishment for those who disobey. In addition, a warden develops rehabilitation programs for prisoners to ensure the success of the facility while providing for the needs of the inmates.
- An undergraduate degree in criminal justice is necessary to enter the field of corrections as an officer. While working in a correctional facility, the individual may pursue advanced education in administration and management. The National Institute of Corrections offers training programs for corrections officers to gain management education. Some courses offered by the National Institute of Corrections include leadership during critical incidents, developing and designing programs and supervisor training courses, according to the organization's website. A master's degree in administration and management along with supervisor training programs can prepare the correctional officer for a career as a prison warden.
- Prison wardens usually begin their career in corrections as an officer. The experience in the prison system helps the officer learn to work with inmates and learn the rules in a correctional facility. The officer may advance to a deputy prison warden position, which provides the officer with an opportunity to gain experience supervising officers and developing rehabilitation programs before obtaining a position as a prison warden.
- A prison warden must have good verbal communication skills to address correctional officers, prisoners and the public. The individual must have skills in written communications to develop reports and programs for rehabilitating inmates. A prison warden also must have leadership skills when directing the activities of workers and maintaining discipline in the facility.
