Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) graduates received certificates of academy completion at Lake Superior State University (LSSU) Arts Center on Thursday, March 16.
They will now head to their assigned prisons to begin the next phase of training.
Thirteen of the 32 new correctional officers will work in the local area.
“It has been a quick eight weeks of training,” Officer Alexander Plumm said, who is on his way to Chippewa Correctional Facilty (URF). “It was a lot of learning how to function as a team. The important thing is knowing everybody's strengths and what makes them different. That was probably the most challenging part. We had people of all ages anywhere from 18 to 55.”
Human Resources Manager of Northern Region Officer Recruit Training Captain Dennis Mesnard was very proud of the graduating class, commending them on achieving high exam scores and working together.
“They are stepping into a new family of the gray and black,” said Mesnard, a 36-year MDOC employee. “It is just a great experience for people to come into. We offer a great career. We have great benefits.”
Once inside the gate with some time under their belts, the new officers will be eligible for promotion and pay raises.
“I definitely want to move through the ranks,” Plumm said. “My goal is to become an inspector.”
MDOC Recruiter Jill Salomon said positions are currently available in corrections, nursing, social work, maintenance, electric, food services, etc. Search and apply by visiting michigan.gov.
“This is the place to be if being a public servant interests you and you want to be a role model,” Salomon said. “The prison I describe is like a little city. We have violence prevention and substance abuse classes.”
MDOC offer retention bonuses and grant funding is available for up to 15 college semester credits.
According to michigan.gov, applicants must be at least 18 years of age and in possession of a high school diploma or general educational development (GED) certificate.
The applicant should have 15 semester college credit hours in any area of study. College credits can be obtained within 24 months after hire, or after two years of full-time corrections officer experience in another correctional institution. Completion of basic training in military or law enforcement may be substituted for the education requirement.
The annual starting salary for an entry-level corrections officer is approximately $41,766, maxing out at $63,960 after five-and-a-half-years of MDOC satisfactory service.
If looking for work, apply here. Contact the Michigan Department of Corrections, Recruitment Section, P.O. Box 30003, Lansing, MI 48909, Phone 517-335-1874 or toll-free 888-820-7129.
