Massachusetts Department of Correction celebrates graduation of 308th class of Recruits

Milford (July 22, 2011)--The Massachusetts Department of Correction (DOC) celebrated the graduation of its 308 ^th recruit class on July 22, 2011 at Mechanics Hall in Worcester. The 308 ^th graduating class had 151 corrections professionals, including 116 Correction Officers, 22 Correction Program Officers and 13 Industrial Instructors. Their achievements were recognized by DOC Commissioner Luis S. Spencer, who administered the oath of office.

Michael A. Thompson, Superintendent, Pondville Correctional Center in Norfolk, gave the keynote speech. Sandra M. McCroom, Undersecretary for Criminal Justice, Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, William Dupre, Director of Staff Development, and Recruit Training Class President Ali Rei were among the speakers.

The correction officer graduates complete a rigorous 12-week training program, with classes at the Shirley Training Academy and on-the-job training at correctional facilities. The graduates training includes emergency response procedures, ethics and professionalism, and the inmate management system. Upon graduation, all begin immediate assignments in the correctional facilities.

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 six years, 23 classes of recruits have graduated adding over 1,877 new correction professionals to the Department.

The Mass. Department of Correction employs approximately 5,000 and houses over 11,500 inmates in 18 facilities, ranging from pre-release to maximum security.