Department of Correction graduates 229th academy
A group of 22 men and women graduated from the 229th Correctional Employee Initial Training Academy of the Delaware Department of Correction Jan. 18, and graduates have been assigned to facilities throughout the state.
The 11-week training program focuses on a professional development curriculum critical to developing the skills of correctional staff in achieving the mission of public safety and reducing recidivism. The training program includes inmate supervision, weapons and chemical munitions, defensive tactics, emergency preparedness, report writing, behavioral health training, CPR/Basic First Aid, and interpersonal communication.
The ceremony featured a traditional badge pinning along with the presentation of the Outstanding Cadet Award to Skyler Bowden. He was also selected by his classmates as class speaker.
Addressing the cadets, Commissioner Perry Phelps spoke on the importance their roles will play in reducing recidivism. “We are constantly faced with what’s referred to as the ‘revolving door’ of the criminal justice system: 76 percent of the individuals who leave our custody will be rearrested within three years, and 65 percent of those men and women will return to incarceration,” he said. “We can do better than that. I assure you if we work together, we can change those statistics. Don’t ever underestimate your power to change lives every day.”
The graduates have begun their new careers with the Delaware Department of Correction.
