Correctional Officer Certificate

Correctional officers are sometimes called detention officers. They work in prisons, jails, reformatories, and penitentiaries. They may also work in courthouses or with the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS). Their job is to oversee, secure, and control people arrested and awaiting trial, or those convicted and incarcerated.

SCC's Criminal Justice Academy offers a training program for correctional officers. This program focuses on:

• Dealing with emergency situations
• Defensive tactics and weapons
• Communicating with the institution's population
• How correctional institutions operate
• Legal issues

This program prepares you for the FDLE exam. You cannot be employed as a correctional officer in Florida unless you pass this exam.

Why should I take this training program at SCC?

SCC's Criminal Justice Academy is a state-certified training center. We have been preparing students for careers in law enforcement since 1969.

The Corrections Officer Academy was founded in 1994. Its success is due to:

• Thorough selection process
• Small class sizes that provide the opportunity for individualized training
• Teaching traditional law enforcement with modern techniques and technology
• Adherence to Florida state requirements and regulations

How do I earn the Correctional Officer Certificate?

To earn the certificate, you must complete the curriculum.

Earning the Correctional Officer certificate does not mean you are certified to work as a correctional officer in Florida. You must pass the FDLE exam to earn the certification.

How does Florida determine correctional officer standards and requirements?

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) determines correctional officer:

• Main responsibilities
• Eligibility requirements
• Certification and testing requirements
• Specialized and advanced training

There are also two nationally recognized organizations that define and set regulations for correctional officers.

• American Correctional Association (ACA)
• American Jail Association (AJA)