With the Florida Department of Corrections announcing plans to hire more than 4,000 correctional officers statewide over the next year, now is the ideal time to explore training options at North Florida Community College’s (NFCC) Public Safety Academy. NFCC’s Correctional Officer Basic Recruit program offers quick training and night classes to make seeking a career in corrections more convenient for working adults. New classes begin Monday, May 9.
“I invite anyone interested in a career in corrections or anyone with questions about our programs to arrange a tour of our facility or meeting with me or any of the Academy staff,” said Rick Davis, NFCC Public Safety Academy Director. “We will be glad to show anyone around our training center and provide information on corrections or law enforcement career paths. We have a great facility here and our classes are geared toward helping students get a quality education, succeed in the classroom, and find employment after graduation.”
Students can complete the Correctional Basic Recruit program at NFCC in about five months. Classes are held Monday through Thursday from 6-11 p.m. at the NFCC Public Safety Academy complex in Madison.
Correctional officers are responsible for the supervision, care, custody and control of inmates in a correctional institution or facility. With experience and additional training, correctional officers have opportunities for advancement in the field ranging from the entry-level correctional officer position all the way up to warden of a correctional facility.
A new correctional officer basic recruit class begins May 9 at NFCC. Those interested in enrolling in this program are encouraged to contact the Public Safety Academy now to begin the application and enrollment process.
Individuals must be at least 18 years old to enter NFCC’s Law Enforcement and Correctional Basic Recruit programs and must pass the Florida Criminal Justice Basic Abilities Test (CJBAT) before submitting an application for admission. The CJBAT can be taken on the NFCC campus. Official high school/GED diploma and transcripts and passing background checks are also required for admission. Tuition assistance may be available to qualified students; those seeking financial assistance should apply as soon as possible. Students applying for financial aid must complete the FASFA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
The NFCC Public Safety Academy is one of 40 criminal justice training centers approved by the Florida Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission (CJSTC) to train basic recruits in law enforcement, corrections, recertification programs, and continuing workforce education. NFCC’s Correctional and Law Enforcement Basic Recruit programs prepare students for the certification exams required for all Florida officers.
For more information, contact Gail Hackle, at (850) 973-1617 or hackleg@nfcc.edu. Information is also available at nfcc.edu.
