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

Milford (July 19, 2011)--The Massachusetts Department of Correction celebrates the graduation of its 308 ^th recruit class on Friday, July 22, 2011 at 11am at Mechanics Hall in Worcester.

When: Friday, July 22, 2011 at 11am to 12:30pm

Where: Mechanics Hall in Worcester

Who: The 308 ^th graduating class of 151 Corrections Professionals

Speakers: Luis S. Spencer, Commissioner, MA DOC

Michael A. Thompson, Superintendent, Pondville CC in Norfolk

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.