The Michigan Sheriffs’ Coordinating and Training Council (MSCTC) has approved a one hundred sixty hour (160) Local Corrections Officer Academy for correctional personnel supervising inmates in county jails. The Academy consists of fourteen (14) modules and a comprehensive Final Examination. The Academy is offered by various Sheriff’s Offices and approved educational partners throughout the state. The Academies are conducted by instructors who are certified by the MSCTC, and depending on the location, the Academy schedule may be modified to accommodate the unique needs of students.

100% class attendance for all Academy modules is mandatory. If any portion of a class is missed, it is the responsibility of the student to arrange for completion of the missed class.

A written examination will be given at the completion of each module. A passing score of 70% or better is required to successfully complete each module. Note: A passing score for the Defensive Tactics and the First Aid/CPR/AED modules will be determined by the provider conducting the training.

A score of 70% or better is also required to pass the comprehensive Final Examination and successfully complete a Local Corrections Officer Academy.

Satisfactory completion of the 160 hour academy is one of the requirements to become certified as a Local Corrections Officer. Please see Minimum Standards to review other requirements.

The 160 hour program consists of the following training modules:

This module is designed to create familiarity with the normal sequence of events during the booking and intake process in a jail. The module will include drug identification information, learning the proper procedures for booking inmates, as well as understanding legal responsibilities and potential liability of actions during the booking and intake process.

This module examines the legal principles and processes which impact the custody of inmates and the management of local correctional facilities by providing basic knowledge of the law and parameters of legal decisions. Benchmark cases involving inmate and staff lawsuits will be examined to provide insight and perspective about the basis for many of the laws which affect daily responsibilities within a jail.

This module is designed to develop understanding and sensitivity about cultural diversity when dealing with inmates and staff. Origins of cultural traditions are examined, as well as methods for dealing with unique ethnic, racial and religious distinctions.

This module will focus on security issues and procedures within a jail. Training includes weapons and key control, inmate counts and security checks, inmate movement, contraband recognition and control and searches. Security issues relative to trustee and day-parole inmates are also covered, as well as transportation of prisoners, courtroom security, hospital security, and hostage situations.

This course will introduce proven methods of defensive and offensive techniques utilized in the management of inmates. This course utilizes classroom and practical training to teach contemporary principles and techniques for Local Correctional Officers and inmate safety. The following defensive tactics programs have been approved by the Council and satisfy this required training: Cutting Edge, Krav Maga, Controlled F.O.R.C.E., West Michigan Criminal Justice Training Consortium (WMCJTC) Physical Control Tactics, L.O.C.K.U.P. Arrest and Control, and Human Factor Research Group (HFRG) formerly known as Pressure Point Control Tactics (PPCT).

This module is designed to recognize, enhance and reinforce ethical behavior and integrity. Ethical decision making exercises generate discussions and are designed to help determine the most appropriate manner to handle various situations which may occur during on-duty and off-duty hours.

This module is designed to demonstrate basic fire science procedures, including proper fire suppression techniques, utilizing portable fire extinguishers and evacuation procedures.

Please Note: This module is not intended to develop skills of a professional fire fighter, but will demonstrate how to quickly recognize and suppress small fires and effectively implement rescue procedures for personnel and inmates during fire and smoke situations in a competent, confident and professional manner. This course will also cover the basics of using an Incident Command System.

This module is designed to demonstrate the required skills for a first responder in a jail. The approved programs for this module are the American Red Cross, Workplace Training, Standard First Aid; American Heart Association, Heartsaver First Aid; and American Safety & Health Institute, First Responder.

This module will focus on developing the skills to effectively communicate with inmates and neutralize aggressive encounters. The module utilizes a combination of classroom discussions and exercises to demonstrate various skills including leadership, active listening and problem-solving skills.

This Module was designed by the Moss Group and the PREA Resource Center to be interactive through small group activities and large group discussions. This module assists with understanding the zero-tolerance policy and discusses tools for preventing, detecting, reporting, and responding to sexual abuse and sexual harassment.

This module is designed to provide a descriptive overview of mental illness and associated disorders, including suicidal behavior and substance use. The training will focus on improving Corrections Officer recognition regarding the signs and symptoms related to mental illness, suicidal observation and behaviors indicative of substance use. This Module explores effective methods in dealing with individuals suffering from a behavioral or substance induced crisis and discusses prevention and intervention techniques.

This module contains specific content designed to help participants better understand their role in a Local Sheriff’s Office and how to conduct themselves appropriately as a Local Corrections Officer working within a jail setting. Objectives of this module include basic para-military structure and common definitions, appearance and conduct, fundamental rules of co-worker communication, how the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) affects the jail setting, and occupational safety when dealing with bloodborne and air borne pathogens.

This module is designed to improve basic writing skills and provide techniques which enhance effectiveness in documenting inmate behavior and occurrences in the jail. Clear, concise, and objective report writing is one of the most important tools in a correctional facility. It will improve inmate management, enhance security, and minimize potential liability for the agency.

This module examines the causes and levels of stress and the effects of stress on the mind and body. The module also explains and demonstrates effective methods of stress reduction. Off duty officer safety is also discussed.

All Local Corrections Officer Academy participants will be required to take and successfully pass a comprehensive written Final Examination with a score of 70% or better. Participants will be given 2-hours to complete the 125-question final examination.