Corrections Academy
Correctional officers are sometimes called detention officers. They work in prisons, jails, reformatories, and penitentiaries. They may also work in courthouses or with the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS). Their job is to oversee, secure, and control individuals who have been arrested and are awaiting trial, or those who have been convicted and incarcerated.
The Seminole State Criminal Justice Academy's correctional officers program trains students on:
- How to deal with emergency situations.
- Defensive tactics and weapons.
- How to communicate with the institution's population.
- How correctional institutions operate.
- Legal issues.
This program prepares students for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) exam. Students cannot be employed as a correctional officer in Florida unless they pass this exam.
Why Seminole State?
Seminole State's Criminal Justice Academy is a state-certified training center that has been preparing students for careers in law enforcement since 1969. The Corrections Officer Academy was founded in 1994. Its success is due to:
- A thorough selection process.
- Small class sizes that provide opportunities for individualized training.
- Instructors that teach traditional law enforcement, with modern techniques and technology.
- Its adherence to Florida state requirements and regulations.
What is a Correctional Officer?
Correctional officers, also known as detention officers, generally work in prisons, jails, reformatories and penitentiaries, and may also work in courthouses or with the Immigration and Naturalization Service. Their job is to oversee, secure and control arrested individuals awaiting trial or those convicted and incarcerated. Learn more about a Correctional Officer's job responsibilities by visiting the Correctional Officer webpage.
Correctional Officer Certificate
To earn the Correctional Officer Certificate, you must complete the curriculum. Earning the Correctional Officer Certificate does not mean you are certified to work as a correctional officer in Florida; you must pass the FDLE exam to earn the certification. For additional program curriculum information,
- Review the Correctional Officer Certificate course overview.
- Visit the Correctional Officer Certificate webpage.
How to Apply
To be considered for the program, you must watch the Power Point presentation for information.
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Be a citizen of the United States notwithstanding any laws of the State to the contrary
- Be a high school graduate or its "equivalent"
- Be able to pass a background investigation and not have been convicted of any felony or of a misdemeanor involving perjury or a false statement.
Seminole State Criminal Justice Academies are limited-access programs. Before gaining acceptance into the program, students must:
- Complete the Seminole State Admissions application process.
- Complete the Criminal Justice Training Center application and interview process.
- Refer to admission requirements outlined on the Criminal Justice Admissions page.
To find information about the fees associated with the program, please visit the Criminal Justice Class Fees and Dates page.
For information about upcoming classes, please visit the Criminal Justice Class Fees and Dates page.