Abstract
The job of a Correctional Officer (CO) in California State Prisons requires a high level of sensory abilities, including the ability to hear speech and sounds. The hearing standard for entry-level COs was outdated and in need of revision. Institution incident reports, in addition to several other resources were used to perform the research necessary to update this standard. The institution incident reports were analyzed for content and subsequently used as a tool to guide where within the facility and at what times to conduct the on-site sound measurements. In addition, the incident reports provided information about the nature of the job, including what type of incidents occur, at what times, where within the facility, and what type of sensory cues alert COs to respond. The incident reports also provided evidence of the hearing critical functions of the job and the need to hear.