DOC Celebrates Graduation of 305th Class of Recruits

Massachusetts Department of Correction celebrates graduation of 305th class of Recruits

Milford (December 11, 2008)--The Massachusetts Department of Correction (DOC) celebrated the graduation of its 305th recruit class on December 11, 2008 at Mechanics Hall in Worcester. The 305th graduating class had 162 corrections professionals, including 142 Correction Officers, 18 Correction Program Officers, and two Recreation Officers. Their achievements were recognized by DOC Commissioner Harold W. Clarke, who administered the oath of office. Major General Joseph C. Carter, The Adjutant General, Massachusetts National Guard, gave the keynote address. William Dupre, Director of Staff Development, and Recruit Training Class President Alan F. Hoyt 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, 20 classes of recruits have graduated, adding over 1,450 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.