Becoming a correctional officer indicates a strong dedication to public and inmate safety. Twenty-eight correctional officers expressed their willingness to serve and graduated from Delaware’s Correctional Officer training academy on March 20, 2015. They were the 206th class to graduate from the Correctional Employee Initial Training program.
Robert Coupe, the Commissioner of Correction, applauded the graduates for their commitment to public service at the ceremony at the Dover headquarters of the Department of Corrections. He also pointed out that the success of the correctional department depends on the support of friends and family. More than 200 family, colleagues, and friends showed their support by attending the ceremony.
The Department of Correction training staff chose candidate Christopher Skrobot as the Outstanding Cadet of his class. The candidates themselves chose correctional officer candidate Jamar Bundy to be their class speaker. He thanked the instruction team for their stellar training and expressed excitement and confidence on behalf of this new generation of correctional officers.
During the nine weeks of training, the instruction team taught the candidates in classrooms and with hands-on training such as defensive tactics, becoming familiar with weapons, and CPR/Basic First Aid. In addition, these correctional officers learned how to properly write reports, deal with substance abuse, supervise inmates, and become prepared for emergencies.
After taking their oath of office, the new graduates received their assignments and were ready to start work as bona fide correctional officers. They will join the nearly 1,700 correctional officers who serve in the Delaware state prison system’s four prisons facilities:
- Delores J. Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution
- James T. Vaughn Correctional Center
- Howard R. Young Correctional Institution
- Sussex Correctional Institution
In addition to the 28 correctional officers, three correctional officer food services specialists and a teacher took the oath of office to serve at Delaware’s state correctional facilities.