Inaugural Class of Basic Correctional Officers Graduate from Alabama Corrections Academy 61 Basic Correctional Officers Join ADOC Security Workforce to Bolster Public Safety

NEWS RELEASE



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 2, 2019
Inaugural Class of Basic Correctional Officers Graduate from Alabama Corrections Academy
61 Basic Correctional Officers Join ADOC Security Workforce to Bolster Public Safety

SELMA, Ala. – The Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC) increased its security workforce today by graduating 61 officers from the ADOC Basic Correctional Officer Training Course. The officers participated in an intensive six-week training program and received ADOC-certification in a graduation ceremony held today at the Alabama Corrections Academy in Selma. The new officers will be assigned to 20 correctional facilities across the state.

“Attracting new, qualified officers to the ADOC is a critical element of advancing both the department’s mission as well as our strategic plan,” said ADOC Commissioner Jeff Dunn. “A larger team of qualified officers will help to sustain safe and secure facilities for inmates and personnel, while preparing inmates for re-entry into society. With 61 new officers joining our team, we will be able to better carry out this important and meaningful work.”

The ADOC created the Basic Correctional Officer (BCO) position in May 2019 to accelerate the department’s employment pipeline by widening the pool of eligible candidates and generating additional efficiency with hiring security staff. The BCO graduates are ADOC certified to supervise inmates, conduct searches, assist with educational and vocational opportunities and managing and providing rehabilitative services. The new position gives a BCO a career path for advancement through professional development opportunities and by completing the Correctional Officer Trainee Academy after gaining valuable experience at the entry level position.

In 2019, recruitment of ADOC officers increased by more than 150 percent. The ADOC will graduate 70 new correctional officer trainees on Aug. 8.

The growth of the ADOC’s security workforce comes on the heels of the ADOC’s new compensation increases, which were implemented to help achieve the goals and priorities outlined in ADOC’s 2019-2022 Strategic Plan. The new BCO position, as well as the enhanced salary and bonus structures, resulted from the passage of HB468, which Gov. Ivey signed into law on May 29, 2019.

The ADOC has 125 applicants for the next BCO class that will begin on Aug. 19.
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