Baldwin County Sheriff’s Corrections Center
New Corrections Officer Training

Training is a vital aspect of any professional law enforcement officer’s career, and professional corrections officers are no exception. The Baldwin County Sheriff’s Corrections Center Training Program has been developed with input from current and former officers and staff, other members of the Sheriff’s office, and other law enforcement agencies, as well as state and national agencies, such as the Alabama Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission, The National Sheriff’s Association, The Alabama Jail Association, The American Correctional Association, and The American Jail Association.

Corrections Center trainees experience seven weeks of total training, including three weeks of classroom and four weeks of On-The-Job Training (OJT). Classes cover a range of topics including Communications Skills, Documentation, Report Writing, Legal Liabilities, Searches, Use of Force, Gangs, Ethics and Professionalism, Suicide Prevention, Sexual Harassment, Substance Abuse, Inmate’s Rights, Types of Inmates, Inmate Games, Cross-Gender Supervision, Hostage Situations, Medical Issues, Critical Incident Response, Fire Safety, Escape Prevention, and Firearms as well as practical applications of Restraints, Defensive Tactics, OC Spray, the RACC Belt, AED, First Aid and CPR. There are also classes on the inner workings of a correctional facility, such as Pod Security, Housing Unit Management, Intake, Food Services, Mail, Commissary, Records, Recreation, Visitation, and Transportation. These classes are taught by members of the corrections center staff, who are considered experts in each field based on training and experience. Trainees also learn about other aspects of the sheriff's office, such as Community Corrections and Offender Compliance, as well as the court system.

Hands-on training is a vital part of any training. The trainees have the chance to work in most areas of the center, familiarizing themselves with the daily workings of the facility. Evaluation and testing occurs throughout the training process, gauging each trainee’s progress and providing valuable feedback for the continued development of the training program. The evaluation process continues throughout the six month probation period by Field Training Officers (FTO’s) assigned to work with and evaluate each officer.

The Training Program at the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Corrections Center is an intense and thorough introduction into corrections. The trainees learn and experience a great deal and this accomplishment is recognized and celebrated by the center and the sheriff’s office with a graduation ceremony that is held at the conclusion of the training period. The trainees’ family and friends are invited as well. A short reception is held immediately afterwards, where family, friends, and distinguished guests congratulate the newest members of the BCSO family, the new Corrections Officers.