Corrections
Learn to perform duties essential for the care, custody and control of subjects in prison, jail or other correctional facilities, and receive training in firearms, self-defense and first aid.
The Correctional Officer Basic Recruit Training Program consists of 444 hours of training and lasts approximately four months. The class meets during the daytime, Monday through Friday. This program is generally offered once or twice a year, depending upon student or regional agency demand. Student-recruits wear academy uniforms and participate in a highly structured and disciplined classroom environment.
Currently certified law enforcement officers looking to crossover into corrections are generally offered the option to attend the necessary classes within an upcoming Corrections Academy instead of attending a separate Law Enforcement-to-Corrections Crossover Academy. Crossover training consists of 222 hours.
The Indian River State College, Criminal Justice Institute is certified by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to conduct authorized Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission courses.
For course descriptions, see the College Catalog.
Once You Complete the Program
Upon successful completion of the Corrections Academy, you are eligible to sit for the State of Florida Certification Examination and then seek employment with a local or state municipality.
Getting Started
Prospective students should visit the Criminal Justice Selection Center Website or call 772-462-7961 for additional information before applying.
Academy Selection Center
The Academy Selection Center is an affiliate of the IRSC Criminal Justice Institute. The sole purpose of the Selection Center is to test applicants through various means to determine if the applicant is trainable and if the applicant possesses those traits that might make them hirable after academy training. Students applying to the Law Enforcement Academy or Corrections Academy must first be processed through the Academy Selection Center.
Law Enforcement and Corrections Training is a selective admission program. Applicants must complete the selection procedures outlined below prior to acceptance into these training programs. Applicants who meet the minimum criteria in all areas will be scheduled for the next available Academy.
Admissions Requirements and Applications Process
Qualified applicants must complete and pass a multi-step application process to be accepted. Students applying to the Corrections Academy must first be processed through the Academy Selection Center.
- Be at least 19 years of age by the time of academy completion.
- Be a citizen of the United States.
- Have graduated from High School or have obtained a state-issued GED certificate or equivalent, as determined acceptable by the Florida Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission.
- Possess a valid driver's license. The applicant must have a valid Florida Driver License at the time of the academy entry.
- Be of good moral character, as defined in the Selection Center Policy Manual.
- Not have been convicted of ANY felony, or of a misdemeanor involving perjury or false statements as the terms are defined by law, regardless of whether or not adjudication has been withheld.
- Not have been dishonorably discharged from the Armed Forces of the United States.
- Not have falsified their application or personal history forms.
- Not have used marijuana for two years prior to application. This must have been a casual use (not more than 25 times).
- Not have ever used, transported, grown, manufactured or sold any illegal substance other than the marijuana exception as previously noted.
- Not have had a suspended driver license for three years prior to application.
- Other eligibility requirements are defined in greater depth in the Selection Center Policy Manual.
- Successfully pass the Basic Abilities Test (BAT) and Physical Abilities Test (PAT).
GED® is a registered trademark of the American Council on Education (ACE) and administered exclusively by GED Testing Service LLC under license.
Prior to the beginning of the selection process, the applicant must successfully pass:
- Basic Abilities Test ($39.00) Register and pay for the test through Pearson Vue—BAT score is valid for four years
- Physical Abilities Test ($40.00) Register Now—PAT score is valid for 6 months
Once testing (step one) is successfully completed, the selection process will begin. Please allow at least 90 days prior to the projected start of an Academy. The following forms are required:
Please find all the forms listed below on the TCPSTC Selection Center site.
- Personal History Questionnaire*
- CJSTC form 58**
- CJSTC form 75A
- CJSTC form 75
- Selection Center Policy Manual
*A medical examination from a licensed physician is required with the Personal History Questionnaire but is not included as part of the Selection Center testing fee. The completed CJSTC medical forms 75A, 75, and a copy of the EKG must be submitted with the Personal History Questionnaire.
**An applicant must sign a Release of Information Form; this permits the Region XI Selection Center to release information to Criminal Justice agencies that are seeking prospective employees. Region XI Criminal Justice agencies include all police departments, sheriff’s offices, and state correctional agencies located in Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee, and St. Lucie Counties. Region XI agencies may hire and screen individuals through their own pre-screening processes, as well. Neither IRSC, the Criminal Justice Institute or the Selection Center are hiring or employment agencies.
Applicants must schedule an appointment with the Selection Center Coordinator to return their Personal History Questionnaire.
Please call 772-462-7961 or 772-462-7943 to schedule this appointment.
The Region XI Selection Center testing processing fee is $545.00, which includes:
- Polygraph Examination
- Psychological Examination
- Criminal History Check
- Fingerprint
- Background Investigation
An additional fee will be charged by the St. Lucie County Court House of $25.00 for a drug screen. All tests except the medical examination will be scheduled by Selection Center Personnel.
Treasure Coast Public Safety Training Complex
The Treasure Coast Public Safety Training Complex at Indian River State College (IRSC) is one of the most comprehensive, technologically advanced public safety training facilities in the nation. The 50-acre, eight-building Complex has gained national and international attention for its proactive approach to disaster prevention, response, recovery and relief. The Complex enables IRSC to combine criminal justice, fire science, emergency management, public administration, paralegal and human services education in one place for a coordinated response to all types of emergencies. This innovation in public service education provides students with access to quality instruction, integrating academics, technology and practical applications that lead to degrees and certifications in the public service sector.
At a local level, the proximity of the Complex to public safety agencies helps Treasure Coast communities save money on continuing education and enables them to easily work together to fine tune interagency response to hurricanes and other natural and man-made disasters. At a national level, specialized training and workshops attract thousands of public service professionals from around the nation. IRSC has hosted federal agencies for training to prepare for large-scale events.
