LANSING, Mich. (WLUC) – The Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) has welcomed 281 new students to its fall Recruiting Officer Training Academy.
According to a press release from MDOC, the academy saw a 55% increase in the number of recruits from the previous graduating class, making it its largest recruiting class since 2015. Classes for John Davis at Lower Peninsula began on October 14 and accepted 233 recruits. Upper Peninsula John Davis classes began on September 30 and welcomed 49 new recruits.
“We are thrilled to see so many eager recruits joining the academy this fall to pursue careers in correctional facilities,” said MDOC Director Heidi E. Washington. “The numbers prove that our recruitment efforts are working. The Lower Peninsula class started with 100 more recruits than the previous academy, and the UP class almost doubled in size.”
MDOC says Michigan corrections officer recruitment training is considered among the most comprehensive in the nation. During the eight-week academy, recruits learn the basics of being a corrections officer, such as safety, de-escalation techniques, department procedures, legal compliance and more. After graduating from the academy, recruits will begin two months of on-the-job training, during which they will join the ranks of corrections officers across the state.
The department is currently recruiting for the next Officer Training Academies, which will begin in February.
Academy participants will receive a minimum starting wage of $21.50 per hour on the first day of classes and will be eligible to earn $68,500 per year before overtime in just three and a half years. In addition, they will have added value in the form of government benefits such as health and dental care, pensions and discounts on higher education.
Residents interested in a career in correctional facilities are encouraged to attend the recruiting event. Upcoming events, as well as information on minimum qualification requirements, salary and benefits, can be found at www.michigan.gov/mdocjobs.
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