North Carolina Correctional Officer Training
To become a correctional officer, an individual enters into the law enforcement field. This is a field that requires knowledge of laws, regulations and procedures as well as knowledge in self-defense, firearms training and dealing with inmates. In the state of North Carolina, correctional officers must complete training requirements established by the Department of Corrections.
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Training Centers
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Training for correctional officers is provided through the regional training centers by certified Department of Corrections instructors. New correctional officers and officers in need of in-service courses or additional courses receive training at the training center for the region in which the prison the individual works is located. These training centers are the Central Region Training Center, NCJA - Salemburg, Eastern Region Training Center, Piedmont Triad Training Center, Southern Coastal Training Center, Western Foothills Training Center and the Forestry Training Center.
Basic Training Program
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Newly hired correctional officers must complete a four-week training program consisting of 160 hours of training within 12 months of being hired. This training consists of classroom work in the essential concepts, knowledge and skills required for work performance at entry level, as well as training in firearms and self-defense techniques. Trainees must complete all training and classes with passing evaluation scores in order to meet the requirements for employment as a correctional officer.
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Self-Defense Training
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The Department of Corrections requires training in unarmed self-defense and straight baton techniques as these are the two methods of self-defense officers have while working inside a prison. Officers must be able to demonstrate basic knowledge of these self-defense tactics in order to successfully pass evaluation. This training is especially important because firearms are prohibited within the prison. Firearms training is required for handling the duty weapons issued by the prison when prisoners are being transferred and for perimeter posts.
Classes
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Classes required for basic training of officers includes policies and procedures of the Department of Corrections, inmate rights, cell extraction procedures, search and seizure procedures, criminal psychology, report writing and so on. These classes are intended to give officers the essential knowledge required to perform their duties. Written exams in these classes must be passed to complete the training program.
In-Service Training
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Corrections officers must complete annual in-service training required by the institution in which the individual is employed, as well as that required by the state. Training serves to keep certification in all areas current, a requirement for maintaining employment with the Department of Corrections. Officers must maintain certification in self-defense training, firearms training, procedures and regulations. Additional in-service training may include psychology, workplace harassment seminars, and cultural diversity, among others.
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References
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