Men and women who are looking for a challenging career opportunity are invited to consider becoming a Correctional Officer. The Rhode Island Department of Corrections (RIDOC) will officially kick off the recruitment period for its next Correctional Officer Training Academy on Wednesday, June 1st, 2011, at 10:00 a.m., at the netWORKri office at One Reservoir Ave., Providence. The kickoff event is open to the public and members of the press are encouraged to attend.
Cheryl Burrell, program administrator with the Human Resources Outreach and Diversity Office, will emcee the event. Governor Lincoln Chafee will deliver opening remarks, followed by Directors A.T. Wall, II (RIDOC) and Charles Fogarty (DLT). Also bringing greetings will be partners in the recruitment effort: Jim Vincent, President of the NAACP’s Providence Branch; Marta Martinez, Communications Director at Progreso Latino; Dennis Langley, Executive Director of the Urban League of Rhode Island; Channavy Chhay, Executive Director of the Socio-Economic Development Center for Southeast Asians; and Darrell Waldron, Director of the Rhode Island Indian Council. Representatives Anastasia Williams (District 9), Grace Diaz (District 11), and Leo Medina (District 12) and Senator Juan Pichado (District 2) will also deliver greetings.
Partner agencies in the recruiting effort include the Cambodian Society of Rhode Island, the Department of Administration’s Human Resources/Outreach and Diversity Office, the Department of Labor and Training, the Laotian Community Center of Rhode Island, the NAACP Providence Branch, the Narragansett Indian Tribe, Progreso Latino, the Socio-Economic Development Center for Southeast Asians, Rhode Island Affirmative Action Professionals, the Rhode Island Indian Council, and the Urban League of Rhode Island.
Applications for the Academy will be accepted between June 1st and June 22nd, 2011. Optional two-hour Correctional Officer Training Academy information sessions will be conducted on: Wednesday, June 8, 2011 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm Saturday, June 11, 2011 10:00 am to noon Tuesday, June 14, 2011 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm Thursday, June 16, 2011 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm Saturday, June 18, 2011 10 a.m. to noon Monday, June 20, 2011 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm
These information sessions will address the following topics: The Mission of the Rhode Island Department of Corrections Corrections philosophy Correctional Officer duties The application and selection process, including physical fitness requirements The testing process
Interested individuals should pre-register by calling the RIDOC’s Training Academy at (401) 462-2697 at least two (2) days prior to the session you wish to attend.
Individuals interested in applying for a spot in the Training Academy for Class 79 can fill out an application on line at www.netWORKri.org. The RIDOC is an equal opportunity/diversity employer, and women and minorities are strongly encouraged to apply. Applications will be accepted through June 22nd or may also be obtained by calling the Training Academy at 401-462-JOBS. The dates for the Academy are January 23rd – March 23rd, 2012. The Department anticipates that approximately 50 officers will graduate from the academy.
Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, possess a valid photo ID, have a Social Security card or alien registration card, be a high school graduate or have a GED, and be fluent in English. The Rhode Island residency requirement no longer applies.
The selection process includes a written and video-based examination, BCI/NCIC, a physical fitness test, a background investigation, an appointment with the Director’s Interview Board, a psychological assessment, and a medical screening.
Those who are selected for the nine-week Training Academy will receive a weekly stipend of $500. The paramilitary training will include instruction on many subjects including the following: security procedures, supervision of inmates, suicide signs/precautions, use of force, report writing, inmate rules and regulations, inmate rights, fire and emergency procedures, safety procedures, firearms training, defensive tactics, CPR/First-aid certification, baton certification, physical training, O.C. certification, key and tool control, communication skills, inmate lifestyles, and stress management.
The duties of a Correctional Officer include the supervision, custody, and control of adult inmates incarcerated at the Adult Correctional Institutions (ACI) in Cranston. Upon appointment, the starting salary is $45,506, and benefits include health, dental and vision coverage, pension plan, paid vacations, paid personal days, paid holidays, sick leave benefit, step pay increases, college incentive pay, and clothing maintenance allowance.
For further information about the Training Academy or the Department of Corrections, please visit www.doc.ri.gov.