Academy Curriculum
The Michigan Sheriffs’ Coordinating and Training Council (MSCTC)
has approved a one hundred sixty hour (160) Local Corrections
Officer Academy for correctional personnel supervising inmates in
county jails. The Academy consists of fourteen (14) modules and a
comprehensive Final Examination. The Academy is offered by various
Sheriff’s Offices and approved educational partners throughout the
state. The Academies are conducted by instructors who are
certified by the MSCTC, and depending on the location, the Academy
schedule may be modified to accommodate the unique needs of
students.
100% class attendance for all Academy modules is
mandatory. If any portion of a class is
missed, it is the responsibility of the student to arrange for
completion of the missed class.
Module Examinations
A written examination will be given at the completion of each
module. A passing score of 70% or better is required to
successfully complete each module. Note: A passing score for the
Defensive Tactics and the First Aid/CPR/AED modules will be
determined by the provider conducting the training.
Comprehensive Final Examination
A score of 70% or better is also required to pass the
comprehensive Final Examination and successfully complete a Local
Corrections Officer Academy.
Satisfactory completion of the 160 hour academy is one of the
requirements to become certified as a Local Corrections Officer.
Please see
Minimum Standards
to review other requirements.
The 160 hour program consists of the following training modules:
Booking and
Intake (8 hours)
This module is designed to create familiarity with the normal
sequence of events during the booking and intake process in a jail.
The module will include drug identification information, learning
the proper procedures for booking inmates, as well as understanding
legal responsibilities and potential liability of actions during the
booking and intake process.
Correctional Law (16
hours)
This module examines the legal principles and processes which impact
the custody of inmates and the management of local correctional
facilities by providing basic knowledge of the law and parameters of
legal decisions. Benchmark cases involving inmate and staff lawsuits
will be examined to provide insight and perspective about the basis
for many of the laws which affect daily responsibilities within a
jail.
Cultural Diversity
(4 hours)
This module is designed to develop understanding and sensitivity
about cultural diversity when dealing with inmates and staff.
Origins of cultural traditions are examined, as well as methods for
dealing with unique ethnic, racial and religious distinctions.
Custody and Security
(24 hours)
This module will focus on security issues and procedures within a
jail. Training includes weapons and key control, inmate counts and
security checks, inmate movement, contraband recognition and control
and searches. Security issues relative to trustee and day-parole
inmates are also covered, as well as transportation of prisoners,
courtroom security, hospital security, and hostage situations.
Defensive Tactics
(40 hours)
This course will introduce proven methods of defensive and offensive
techniques utilized in the management of inmates. This course
utilizes classroom and practical training to teach contemporary
principles and techniques for Local Correctional Officers and inmate
safety. The following defensive tactics programs have been approved
by the Council and satisfy this required training: Cutting Edge,
Krav Maga, Controlled F.O.R.C.E., West Michigan Criminal Justice
Training Consortium (WMCJTC) Physical Control Tactics, L.O.C.K.U.P.
Arrest and Control, and Human Factor Research Group (HFRG) formerly
known as Pressure Point Control Tactics (PPCT).
This module is designed to recognize, enhance and reinforce ethical
behavior and integrity. Ethical decision making exercises generate
discussions and are designed to help determine the most appropriate
manner to handle various situations which may occur during on-duty
and off-duty hours.
This module is designed to demonstrate basic fire science
procedures, including proper fire suppression techniques,
utilizing portable fire extinguishers and evacuation procedures.
Please Note: This module is not intended
to develop skills of a professional fire fighter, but will
demonstrate how to quickly recognize and suppress small fires and
effectively implement rescue procedures for personnel and inmates
during fire and smoke situations in a competent, confident and
professional manner. This course will also cover the basics of
using an Incident Command System.
First Aid/CPR/AED
(8 hours)
This module is designed to demonstrate the required skills for a
first responder in a jail. The approved programs for this module are
the American Red Cross, Workplace Training, Standard First Aid;
American Heart Association, Heartsaver First Aid; and American
Safety & Health Institute, First Responder.
Interpersonal
Communications (8 hours)
This module will focus on developing the skills to effectively
communicate with inmates and neutralize aggressive encounters. The
module utilizes a combination of classroom discussions and exercises
to demonstrate various skills including leadership, active listening
and problem-solving skills.
Prison Rape Elimination
Act (PREA) (4 hours)
This Module was designed by the Moss Group and the PREA Resource
Center to be interactive through small group activities and large
group discussions. This module assists with understanding the
zero-tolerance policy and discusses tools for preventing, detecting,
reporting, and responding to sexual abuse and sexual harassment.
Prisoner Mental
Health, Suicide and Behavior Awareness (16 hours)
This module is designed to provide a descriptive overview of mental
illness and associated disorders, including suicidal behavior and
substance use. The training will focus on improving Corrections
Officer recognition regarding the signs and symptoms related to
mental illness, suicidal observation and behaviors indicative of
substance use. This Module explores effective methods in dealing
with individuals suffering from a behavioral or substance induced
crisis and discusses prevention and intervention techniques.
Professionalism
(2 hours)
This module contains specific content designed to help participants
better understand their role in a Local Sheriff’s Office and how to
conduct themselves appropriately as a Local Corrections Officer
working within a jail setting. Objectives of this module include
basic para-military structure and common definitions, appearance and
conduct, fundamental rules of co-worker communication, how the
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) affects
the jail setting, and occupational safety when dealing with
bloodborne and air borne pathogens.
This module is designed to improve basic writing skills and provide
techniques which enhance effectiveness in documenting inmate
behavior and occurrences in the jail. Clear, concise, and objective
report writing is one of the most important tools in a correctional
facility. It will improve inmate management, enhance security, and
minimize potential liability for the agency.
Stress Management
(8 hours)
This module examines the causes and levels of stress and the effects
of stress on the mind and body. The module also explains and
demonstrates effective methods of stress reduction. Off duty officer
safety is also discussed.
(Comprehensive)
Final Examination (2 hours)
All Local Corrections Officer Academy participants will be required
to take and successfully pass a comprehensive written Final
Examination with a score of 70% or better. Participants will be
given 2-hours to complete the 125-question final examination.