WSCC corrections academy graduation is today.

WSCC corrections academy graduation is today.

VICTORY TOWNSHIP – West Shore Community College’s corrections academy will hold its 11th academy class graduation today, Friday, Oct. 30, at 4 p.m. at the Riemer Regional Public Safety Training Center, 6050 N. U.S. 31. 

A group of area corrections officers have completed the Michigan Sheriffs Coordinating and Training Council (MSCTC) approved 160-hour certification program for personnel supervising inmates in county jails throughout Western Michigan.

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 officers have taken the equivalent of a full-time college semester in a vigorous four-week training while wearing masks, during a pandemic,” said John O’Hagan, academy director.“All of the graduates did an exceptional job throughout the academy. They will be joining the frontlines in a trying and often unenviable profession, but have chosen to take that challenge head on with pride and enthusiasm. I have the utmost confidence these officers will only continue to enhance their skills and abilities in their respective agencies.”

Another session of the academy is scheduled during the winter semester, March 1-26, 2021, 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.