12th WSCC Corrections Academy class graduates.

12th WSCC Corrections Academy class graduates.

VICTORY TOWNSHIP – West Shore Community College has graduated its 12th Corrections Academy class. The corrections officers, from Mason, Grand Traverse, Alcona, Newaygo, Muskegon, Berrien, Manistee, and Crawford counties, completed the Michigan Sheriffs Coordinating and Training Council (MSCTC) approved 160-hour certification program for personnel supervising inmates in county jails.

The four-week academy program focuses on providing the skills necessary to maintain safety and security within a correctional facility. The coursework covers booking and intake, correctional law, cultural diversity, custody and security, defensive tactics, ethics, fire safety, interpersonal communications, Prison Rape Elimination Act, prisoner mental health/suicide/behavior awareness, professionalism, report writing, stress management, and First Aid/CPR/AED.

Charles Austin of Mason County, was awarded the outstanding leadership award for demonstrating exceptional leadership skills throughout the academy and Nicholas McQuade (Grand Traverse County), was awarded the academic achievement award for completing the academy with the highest grade of 98.75%.

Mason County Central student Nicholas Parker was also recognized as the first cadet to join the academy while still in the West Shore Educational Service District’s Career and Technical Education criminal justice program. As a graduate, he will be employable as a corrections officer after graduating high school next month.

“These officers had the task of working through our intensive four-week training during a pandemic,” shared Academy Director John O’Hagan.“The graduates remained focused on the task at hand by abiding by our strict protocols, and working together to successfully complete this mandatory training.”

The next Corrections Academy is scheduled for October 4 – 29, and is open to both active correctional officers and pre-service (no experience) applicants.

Contact the WSCC Criminal Justice office at (231) 843-5825 or cemitchell@westshore.edu for information regarding a future academy.

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