DOC Celebrates Graduation of 304th Class of Recruits

Milford (August 7, 2008)--The Massachusetts Department of Correction celebrated the graduation of its 304th class of Recruits on August 7, 2008 at Mechanics Hall in Worcester. The 304th graduating class had 152 corrections professionals, including 136 Correction Officers, two Correction Officer Head Cooks, 12 Correction Program Officers, and t wo Recreation Officers. Their achievements were recognized by Mary Elizabeth Heffernan, Undersecretary for Criminal Justice, Executive Office of Public Safety and Security; and Mass. Department of Correction Commissioner Harold W. Clarke, who administered the oath of office. John J. Larivee, Chief Executive Officer, Community Resources for Justice, gave the keynote address. William Dupre, Director of Staff Development, and Recruit Training Class President Michael Gallagher were among the speakers.

The correction officer graduates complete a rigorous ten-week training program, with classes at the Shirley Training Academy and on-the-job training at correctional facilities. The graduates receive training in skills including emergency response procedures, ethics and professionalism, and the inmate management system. Upon graduation, all begin immediate assignments in the correctional facilities. The program is accredited for 22 college credits.

The Mass. Department of Correction Division of Staff Development has been honored by the International Association of Correctional Training Personnel with its Innovative Approaches Award for its ground-breaking curriculum reflecting reality and performance based training.

Over the last four years, 19 classes of recruits have graduated, adding over 1,287 new corrections professionals to the Department.

The Mass. Department of Correction employs approximately 5,000 staff and houses over 11,000 inmates in 18 facilities, ranging from pre-release to maximum security.