Corrections is ever-changing. We seek to hire individuals with a keen interest in this industry. How do you stay up to date on law enforcement related current events?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Focus Your Answer On
What to Avoid
Entry Level Example
Answer Example
Experienced Example
Community Answers

The interviewer would like to confirm that you have a genuine interest in becoming a correction officer. Perhaps you read law-related books, follow particular journals, or subscribe to a blog related to law enforcement. Briefly share with the interviewer how you stay up to date on current events related to corrections or the prison system.

Focus on specific blogs you read, magazines you subscribe to, or courses you take to stay current in your profession. The interviewer would like to hear the methods you use to stay up to date on the latest issues regarding corrections and law enforcement.

Avoid not having resources to stay current on law enforcement issues. If you are new to the industry, explain that to the interviewer and ask what they recommend to stay up to date on current events in law enforcement. Suppose you are an experienced correction officer and do not feel it is necessary to stay up to date on current events. In that case, the interviewer may feel you are not genuinely interested in this profession.

"While attending school to be a corrections officer, I received a few resources from the professors that I quite enjoy. My favorite one to follow is the National Institute of Corrections, which offers webinars and broadcasts. I also have Google alerts set up so that any changes in the industry are sent straight to my email inbox. Are there any publications you recommend to stay up to date on current events?"

"I am always interested in learning more about this industry and the changes taking place. It's truly fascinating how the law can change, and I like reading about different case studies. Most frequently, I read The Police Journal. There are also a couple of blogs that I follow, including Brian Cain's 'Just a Cop.'"

"My absolute favorite resources are policeone.com and justice.gov. I also have a mentor who I meet with a couple of times a month to catch up and discuss current events. Which are your favorite resources?"

Anonymous Answer

"I follow the county Facebook page. I look every day at the updated list of people who the prison booked that day. I find it a very good teaching tool because it shows me the different violations that are committed in our area."

Rachelle's Feedback

Great response! This is a unique way of staying up-to-date and shows that you have a genuine level of engagement already.

"I follow the {police county} Facebook page and visit it every day to see the list of people booked that day. I find this a beneficial teaching tool because it shows me the various violations committed in our area."

Show More Answers

Anonymous Answer

"I have been following a department page on Facebook to keep myself updated with what is happening right now. Also, besides the department, I follow other Facebook pages to find a better way to do the job based on the scenario I watch. I will look for a mentor at my workplace so that I can learn from his success."

Rachelle's Feedback

It sounds like you take on a nice variety of resources when it comes to educating yourself. Also, a mentor is always a great idea. Nice work!

Anonymous Answer

"I stay up to date by following law enforcement social media pages. I pay attention to issues including how they're handled and what the outcome is."

Rachelle's Feedback

This response is quite vague. Be sure to give the interviewer specifics on which pages you follow, and what issues are grabbing your attention.

Anonymous Answer

"My sister-in-law is a corrections officer at an institution, and I often ask her about the changes in work and what they are doing to continue to help offenders."

Rachelle's Feedback

It's nice that you have such a hands-on resource for your information related to corrections! In addition to your sister-in-law, are there any other publications or formal industry resources you find helpful?

How to Answer: Corrections is ever-changing. We seek to hire individuals with a keen interest in this industry. How do you stay up to date on law enforcement related current events?