By Sarah Roebuck
Corrections1
VASSALBORO, Maine — The Maine Criminal Justice Academy conducted a graduation ceremony for its Basic Corrections Training Program, marking the largest class to graduate in the program’s history, WABI reports.
The 80th class to take part in the program graduated 67 corrections officers on Feb. 23, according to WGME.
“As you know, nationally and in the state of Maine, there are shortages in corrections for staffing, so the county and the state have spent a significant amount of effort in recruiting and retention, and that is starting to pay off,” Corrections commissioner Randall Liberty told WABI.
The Basic Corrections Training Program offers 200 hours of training across five weeks, primarily at the Academy in Vassalboro, with occasional off-site sessions, according to the Maine Department of Public Safety. While focusing on inmate management in State and County facilities, the program also includes courses on officer safety and stress management.
The graduates will now undergo on-the-job training prior to commencing their official responsibilities.