Department of Correction marks officer training academy graduation

A total of 32 Department of Correction staff took their oaths of office and immediately began assignments in prison facilities across the state after graduating from the Correctional Officer Training Academy March 20. More than 200 family, friends, and colleagues celebrated their accomplishment at a ceremony in the DOC’s Dover headquarters.

The graduates, 28 correctional officers, three correctional officer food services specialists and one teacher, completed the  nine-week correctional employee initial training program and joined nearly 1,700 correctional officers who are assigned to Delaware’s state prison system.

Commissioner of Correction Robert Coupe applauded the graduates for making the commitment to join the dedicated, hardworking public servants at the Department of Correction who are convinced that their work is important and are proud to meet their mission to protect the public.

“Your chosen career path presents a demanding schedule and a challenging work environment, and thus this line of work puts increased demands on the people we care about the most, our families and our friends,” Coupe said. “The success of our department is dependent on the continued support of our families and friends, and for that we are grateful.”

During the ceremony, correctional officer candidates took the oath of office and received their facility assignments. Correctional officer candidate Christopher Skrobot was named Outstanding Cadet by Department of Correction training staff.

Correctional officer candidate Jamar Bundy, who was selected by his peers as class speaker, thanked the instruction team for preparing them with the knowledge and skills they need and instilling the core values of integrity and loyalty, and he expressed the confidence and excitement the class felt as they completed their training and enter into service.

Correctional employee initial training combines hands-on and classroom training in multiple subject areas, including inmate supervision, weapons familiarization, defensive tactics, emergency preparedness, report writing, substance abuse training, CPR/Basic First Aid and interpersonal communication.

CEIT Class 206 was led by the instruction team consisting of primary instructor Staff Lt. John Boor, Cpl. Lemuel Ross and Cpl. Chastity Smith.