Corrections officers complete training

VICTORY TWP. – A group of area corrections officers recently completed West Shore Community College’s Corrections Academy, a Michigan Sheriffs Coordinating and Training Council (MSCTC) approved 160-hour certification program for personnel supervising inmates in county jails.

From left: Leala Eilers, Oceana County; Lucy Jones, Muskegon County; Brandon Coughlan, Mason County; Marci Neel, Muskegon County; Matthew Stoddard, Ottawa County; Crystal Greve, Muskegon County; Joseph Salisbury, Osceola County

The academy program focuses on providing the skills necessary to maintain safety and security within a correctional facility. Created in 1993, MSCTC requires county-level corrections officers to complete the training within a year of being hired.

During a four-week period, the academy covers  booking and intake, correctional law, cultural diversity, custody and security, defensive tactics, ethics, fire safety, interpersonal communications, prisoner behavior, report writing, workplace  harassment, stress management, suicide awareness and first aid/CPR/AED.

“The officers who attended this training were exceptional. The counties are doing a commendable job of selecting their corrections personnel,” said Dan Dellar, WSCC’s Director of Criminal Justice.

He added, “All of the personnel we’ve trained were already working in the field, so they are eager for instruction that will help them in the jail environment. It is a difficult and often a thankless job, but they are true professionals.”

Officers from Mason, Lake, Oceana, Manistee, Muskegon, Osceola, and Mecosta counties have participated in previous sessions.