According to the Florida Statutes, which statement best describes a correctional officer?

• A. A part-time guard under contract.
• B. A private contractor for facility maintenance.
• C. A person employed full time by the state or a political subdivision, responsible for supervision and control of inmates.
• D. A volunteer program coordinator.

Answer: (C)

The statement the Florida statute uses to define a correctional officer centers on employment status and duties: a correctional officer is a person employed full time by the state or a political subdivision who is responsible for supervision and control of inmates. This definition matters because it distinguishes sworn, full‑time public employees who hold authority over inmate safety and custody from others who may work in the system but aren’t full‑time public staff.

That’s why this description is the best fit: it captures both the public employment relationship and the core responsibility of overseeing and managing inmates. The other descriptions don’t fit because part‑time guards, private contractors, and volunteers aren’t full‑time public employees charged with inmate supervision and control.