College to Recognize Corrections Academy Graduates

First offered in June 2010, West Shore Community College’s local Corrections Academy will graduate the 20th class on Friday, Oct. 29, at 4 p.m., at the Riemer Regional Public Safety Training Center, 6050 N. U.S. 31.

A group of area corrections officers completed the Michigan Sheriffs Coordinating and Training Council (MSCTC) approved 160-hour certification program for personnel supervising inmates in county jails. The academy program focuses on providing the skills necessary to maintain safety and security within a correctional facility.

During the four-week training, the academy covers booking and intake, correctional law, cultural diversity, custody and security, defensive tactics, ethics, fire safety, interpersonal communications, prison rape elimination act, prisoner mental health/suicide/behavior awareness, professionalism, report writing, workplace harassment, stress management, suicide awareness and first aid/CPR/AED.

“The Deputies have taken the equivalent of a full-time college semester in four-weeks of intensive training,” shared James Taylor, academy director. He added, “All of the graduates did an exceptional job throughout the academy. They can now go back to their agencies with new skills and confidence for any situation that may present itself. The job they do is often unpredictable and challenging and with this training they can make jails safer for everyone. I have the utmost confidence these officers will only continue to enhance their skills and abilities in their respective agencies.”

Another session is of the academy is scheduled during the winter semester, Feb. 28 – Mar. 25, 2022, and is open to both active Correctional Officers and pre-service (no experience) applicants.

Contact the WSCC Criminal Justice office at (231) 843-5825 or cemitchell@westshore.edu for information about the upcoming academy.