Massachusetts Department of Correction celebrates graduation of 307th class of Recruits

Milford (May 7, 2010)--The Massachusetts Department of Correction (DOC) celebrated the graduation of its 307th recruit class on May 7, 2010 at Mechanics Hall in Worcester. The 307th graduating class had 113 corrections professionals, including 99 Correction Officers and 14 Correction Officer Head Cooks. Their achievements were recognized by Sandra M. McCroom, Executive Office of Public Safety and Security Undersecretary for Criminal Justice, who gave the keynote speech, and DOC Commissioner Harold W. Clarke, who administered the oath of office. William Dupre, Director of Staff Development, and Recruit Training Class President Michael P. Downing 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 five years, 22 classes of recruits have graduated adding over 1,726 new correction professionals to the Department.

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