The Most Common Misconceptions About Correctional Officers: Let’s Set the Record Straight

Correctional officers walk a unique and often misunderstood path. While society tends to glamorize or dramatize life behind prison walls through movies and headlines, the truth is far more complex—and far less recognized. In this blog, I want to unpack some of the most common myths about correctional officers—many of which I’ve personally heard or seen echoed on social media—and set the record straight.

Misconceptions about corrections are usually formed by those who have never set foot in a correctional facility or taken time to understand the role of a correctional officer. These assumptions can be dehumanizing and damaging, not just to the officers, but to the justice system as a whole. It’s time to separate fact from fiction.

Here are a few of the most persistent myths society holds—and the truth behind them:

1. "Inmates in solitary confinement are victims of cruel officers."

Truth: Inmates placed in solitary or administrative segregation are not being punished arbitrarily. In most cases, they’ve committed violent or disruptive acts that pose a threat to others or to the safety of the facility. Officers don’t make these decisions lightly—safety is the priority.

2. "The media always portrays corrections accurately."

Truth: Much of what people believe about prison life comes from dramatized series or biased narratives. What you won’t often see is the manipulation and deceit some inmates display—even toward their own families. True rehabilitation starts when an individual accepts personal responsibility, not when blame is shifted onto the system or others.

3. "Correctional officers are uneducated."

Truth: Correctional officers are skilled professionals, many of whom hold qualifications in fields such as Law, Psychology, Education, Nursing, Criminal Justice, Theology, and Statistics. Beyond formal education, they undergo extensive training in security, rehabilitation, crisis management, and human behavior.

4. "Officers are armed at all times and inmates stay locked up all day."

Truth: Firearms are not carried in the inmates’ living areas such as cellblocks or courtyards. Inmates are not locked up 24/7—they move about for meals, medical care, rehabilitation programs, exercise, and social interactions. Officers work actively during all of this—patrolling, responding to concerns, maintaining peace, and building rapport with inmates.

5. "All correctional officers are corrupt."

Truth: Like any profession, corrections has had isolated incidents of misconduct. But these actions reflect a very small minority. Unfortunately, the public tends to generalize the bad behavior of a few and ignore the daily acts of courage, professionalism, and integrity demonstrated by the majority. Corrections should be defined by the silent strength and commitment of many—not the failings of a few.

If corrections professionals had the opportunity to tell their story more openly, perhaps many of these damaging myths would be replaced by understanding and respect. Misconceptions not only hurt those in uniform—they harm the progress of prison reform and public trust in the justice system.

What other professions do you think are often misjudged due to misinformation or lack of exposure? Let’s talk about it.