Correctional Officer

Correctional Officers have one of the most difficult professions in the country. Not everyone who applies has what it takes to become a certified Correctional Officer. Correctional Officers are the Law Enforcement Officers who work in the Jails and Prisons… the nation’s toughest beats. Right out of the academy, a certified and employed Correctional Officer is also a supervisor. Correctional Officers are responsible for everything from overseeing inmate housing units to supervising and motivating inmate work crews.

There are four ways one can become a certified Correctional Officer in the State of Florida:  

• Complete a basic recruit training program for Correctional Officers.
• Be certified in the State of Florida as a Law Enforcement Officer and Complete a Crossover program from Law Enforcement to Corrections.
• Be certified in the State of Florida as a Correctional Probation Officer and Complete a Crossover program from Correctional Probation to Corrections.
• Be a certified Correctional Officer in the United States and apply for the Equivalency of Training (EoT) program.

In order to carry out the duties and responsibilities of a Correctional Officer one must:   

• Complete the appropriate training program.
• Pass the Florida State Certification Examination.
• Be employed or appointed as a Correctional Officer by a certified Agency.

Minimum requirements for employment as a Correctional Officer  

• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Be a citizen of the United States.
• Be a high school graduate or equivalent.
• Not have been convicted of any felony or of a misdemeanor involving perjury or false statement.
• Not have a dishonorable discharge from any of the armed forces of the United States.
• Achieve a passing score on the CJBAT Test for Corrections.
• Have been fingerprinted by the employing agency with prints processed by the FDLE and the FBI.
• Have passed a physical examination by a licensed physician.
• Have good moral character.
• Completed an Affidavit of Applicant form CJSTC-68.
• Successfully passed a background investigation to include drug testing.
• Successfully completed one of the Law Enforcement Officer Basic Recruit, Crossover, or EOT training programs.
• Achieve a passing score on the State Officer Certification Examination.
• Complied with mandatory retraining for continuing training or education requirements.

 

Additional Requirements For Entrance Into The Southwest Florida Public Service Academy

• Complete a CJBAT or FBAT. (BAT)
• Meet the minimum qualifications (including a PAT).
• Minimum requirements and steps to attend the Corrections Basic Academy
  • Be at least 18 years of age.
  • Be a citizen of the United States.
  • Be a high school graduate or equivalent.
  • Have a valid Florida Driver’s License
  • Have not had any excessive traffic citations. Three in the last two years.
  • Not have a dishonorable discharge from any of the armed forces of the United States.
  • Not have been convicted of any felony or of a misdemeanor involving perjury or false statement.
  • No misdemeanor convictions in the last 5 years.
  • No DUI conviction in the last 5 years.
  • Drug free minimum 1-5 years prior, depending on drug.

Get Started :

Step 1: Take and pass the CJBAT test for Correctional Officers (We no longer administer the CJBAT)

Step 2: Eligible for Application

You are eligible for an application if the CJBAT has been passed and you have met the requirements above. YOU will have to provide a copy of your CJBAT/FBAT results regardless of where you took the test. Each class has a registration period. Dates are provided on the back of this page. Applications are available on our website(swfpsa.org) or you can pick one up at the Academy.

Step 3: Submit the application packet

• Applicants must have application completed with all required paperwork. Other items that you will have to schedule and pay for as part of your package completion are: Fingerprints, Certified Drug Test, and Polygraph. Please note: the polygraph results take a couple of weeks to process so please ensure that you schedule and complete in a timely manner.
• Physical Abilities Test to be paid for upon packet return. This is the only requirement that is paid in person at the Academy. Physical Abilities Test $25.00 (cash, credit card, money order) Step

4: Interview

You will be advised of the date and time of your Interview. Your interview results will be given within 48hrs.

Step 5: Orientation for accepted applicants

Fees due on this day:

1. Uniforms – full payment of $175.00 without boots/ $255.00 including boots.

Payment is accepted in Cash, Credit/Debit Card, or Money Order to be made payable to Anclote Fire/Danny Ballard 9241 Littleton Road N. Fort Myers, FL 33903 239-633-3064

Tuition fee-minimum: $235.00 (Registration Fee, Books, and PT Gear) however, all fees must be paid in full by the first day of class.

Any additional items may be purchased at the Academy.

• T-Shirt $7.00
• Shorts $11.00
• Hat $ 10.00
• Jackets $25.00
• Sweats set $30.00
• Mouth Piece $1.00

Step 6: First day of class

Welcome!

Under our documents tab please make a note that Dr. Yaris-Ewert is only a suggested physician if the person does not have a physician and not mandatory. Please highlight

 

161th Correctional Officer Class 

Applications available November 2, 2020 – December 15, 2020

Deadline to return application – January 8, 2021

Physical Abilities Test (P.A.T.) – January 11, 2021

Oral Board Interviews – January 13, 2021

Orientation – January 29, 2021

Class Start Date February 15, 2021

 

162nd Correctional Officer Class 

Applications available February 15th 2021 – March 22nd, 2021

Deadline to return application – April 5th, 2021

Physical Abilities Test (P.A.T.) – April 12th, 2021

Oral Board Interviews – April 16th, 2021

Orientation – May 10, 2021

Class Start Date May 24th, 2021

Courses

162nd Correctional Officer Class

To successfully complete this basic recruit training program, recruits must achieve a passing score on each of the written end-of-topic course examinations. Recruits must also demonstrate proficiency skills in the high liability areas of first aid, firearms and defensive tactics and participate in the CJSTC Physical fitness Program, See Rules 11B-35.001 and 11B-35.oo24, FAC.

Course Type: Corrections

Class Dates: May 24, 2021 - Aug 9, 2021

Registration Dates: Feb 15, 2021 - Apr 12, 2021

Times: 700, 800, 1300, 1000, 1400, 1500, 900, 1800

Classrooms: Training Field, 7-004, 13-007, LCSO, 12-004

Instructors: Robbie Martin, Audra Thomas-Eth, Jennifer Phillips, Kathleen Cady, Jody Davis, Thomas Anderson, Keith Henson, Erica Rich, Mike Peak

View Schedule

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163rd Correctional Officer Class

To successfully complete this basic recruit training program, recruits must achieve a passing score on each of the written end-of-topic course examinations. Recruits must also demonstrate proficiency skills in the high liability areas of first aid, firearms and defensive tactics and participate in the CJSTC Physical fitness Program, See Rules 11B-35.001 and 11B-35.oo24, FAC.

Course Type: Corrections

Class Dates: Aug 30, 2021 - Nov 15, 2021

Registration Dates: May 24, 2021 - Jul 19, 2021

Times: 700, 800, 1300, 1000, 1400, 1800

Classrooms: Training Field, 7-004, 13-007, LCSO, 12-004

Instructors: Robbie Martin, Audra Thomas-Eth, Jennifer Phillips, Kathleen Cady, Jody Davis, Thomas Anderson, Erica Rich, Mike Peak, Keith Henson

View Schedule

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Courses