Correctional Officer Certificate of Achievement

The Correctional Officer Certificate of Achievement prepares students for entry-level positions in the field of corrections. This program will introduce the student to adult corrections procedure, interviewing, counseling techniques, defensive tactics,public relations, and oral and written communications. Security and supervision techniques in adult institutions are stressed. The Correctional Officer Training course meets or exceeds the mandates of the California Board of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Check the program website for additional information.

Each of the courses in this Certificate already exist at College of the Desert. We anticipate that the new Certificate of Achievement will increase these enrollments by offering students a new career pathway aligned to the corrections profession. The Spring 2020 semester will be the first offering of this course a t College of the Desert.

An existing advisory committee is made up of local law enforcement executives representative of state, county, and municipal agencies. This close relationship with local and regional public safety professionals will enhance opportunities for learning and working in the corrections field.

The Correctional Officer Certificate of Achievements intended to represent more than an accumulation of units.  Listing of the Certificate of Achievement on a student transcript symbolizes successful completion of patterns of learning experiences designed to develop specified knowledge, skills, and abilities that may be oriented to a career or general education.

This 17-unit certificate program prepares students for entry-level positions in the field of corrections.

The Correctional Officer Certificate of Achievement will allow successful graduates of the Basic Correctional Officer Training to effectively position themselves for employment locally and regionally. 

The certificate will allow successful graduates of the Basic Correctional Officer Training to be eligible for employment as a full-time correctional deputy or custody officer with county or local law enforcement agencies. 

The field of Corrections is a growing job sector. Successful completion of this Certificate provides students with the opportunity to compete for jobs locally. The Riverside County Indio Jail expansion is nearing completion and is increasing from just over 300 beds to over 1,600 beds. Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco has specifically requested that College of the Desert present this course so that he can hire correctional officers from the Coachella Valley to staff correctional facilities in the region. 

The Correctional Officer Certificate of Achievement includes the 14 unit Basic Correctional Officer Training and one additional Administration of Justice course to introduce students to career options that can be available beyond Corrections and provide them with a wider understanding of the Corrections and Administration of Justice field.  

 Program Learning Outcomes:

        Upon successful completion of Correctional Officer Certificate of Achievement, the students will be able to:

·        Interpret codes, statutes, and policies as they relate to the care and custody of inmates in a correctional facility.

·        Discuss the importance of physical fitness in meeting the demands of the corrections environment and identify the different types of training styles best suited for correctional officers.

·        Apply the principles of group dynamics to maintain control and security while working with groups of inmates in a correctional facility.

·        Demonstrate the ability to provide basic first aid and life support measures as prescribed by the California Code of Regulations.

·        Explain the importance of teamwork as it pertains to a correctional facility.

·        Critically compare and contrast basic techniques for evaluating and analyzing occupationally hazardous situations and selection of the appropriate response procedure.

·        Identify proper application of defensive tactics techniques and their responsibility after the use of force has occurred.

·        Discuss the proper application of safe tactical less-lethal munitions techniques.

·        Recite and explain the Correctional Deputy Code of Ethics.

·        Articulate the basic concepts of law enforcement writing.

·        Outline the duties and responsibilities of a correctional deputy/officer in a city or county jail.