New class of 100 corrections officers to begin training

Gov. M. Jodi Rell announced this week that she has authorized the Connecticut Department of Correction (DOC) to begin training a new class of 100 corrections officers, beginning Dec. 17.

The cadets will undergo 10 weeks of on-the-job training at the DOC’s nationally accredited Maloney Center for Training and Staff Development in Cheshire.

“Corrections officers have one of the most challenging, demanding and most critical jobs in state government,” Gov. Rell said. “Their job is essential and often underappreciated. We must ensure (the DOC) has an adequate number of staff members to continue meeting its important responsibilities.

“Retirements and other changes mean there is a steady demand for new officers,” Gov. Rell said.

Speaking today at graduation ceremonies for the most recent class of 117 corrections officers and 11 other DOC employees to complete training, Gov. Rell told the graduates: “The Connecticut Department of Correction shares the motto ‘PRIDE.’ That motto is an acronym for Professionalism … Respect … Integrity … Dignity … and Excellence. Our goal in the Connecticut DOC is far more than warehousing people – our goal is to make a difference… to put a wedge in the revolving door between prisons and the outside world – and to offer a real shot at a better life: for the offenders and their families; for their victims and for the families of their victims; and for their neighborhoods, our cities and our state.”

Posted Dec. 1, 2010