Alabama Corrections, Community Colleges graduate inaugural class of career readiness program

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September 20, 2024

The Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC) and the Alabama Community College System (ACCS) announced the graduation of 23 students from the inaugural ACTIVATE Career Readiness Program, a six-week experience, hosted at Jefferson State Community College in Birmingham and Reid State Technical College in Evergreen.

Graduates of the ACTIVATE program earned college credits and are now eligible to enroll in the ADOC’s Corrections Academy, joining Correctional Officer Class 2024-04.

ACTIVATE, a joint initiative between ADOC and ACCS, offers a no-cost pathway to a career as a correctional officer, helping individuals who may face physical or educational barriers meet the standards necessary to join the profession.

The program is part of ADOC’s larger recruitment efforts, which have been bolstered by competitive starting salaries for correctional officers, currently ranging from $52,761.60 to $58,111.20 annually. Officers also have the potential to receive approximately 30% in salary increases within their first 24 months of service.

ADOC Commissioner John Q. Hamm praised the program’s success.“ACTIVATE is a critical piece in our recruitment and retention efforts. These graduates now have a clear path forward with the ADOC, and we are grateful to the ACCS for their invaluable partnership in making this initiative possible.”

ACCS Chancellor Jimmy H. Baker emphasized the system’s commitment to creating opportunities for Alabama residents. “The ACTIVATE program is a great example of how partnerships can open doors to meaningful careers. We are dedicated to improving lives across the state by providing residents with the tools they need to succeed.”

In addition to ACTIVATE, ACCS offers a variety of no-cost public safety training programs for law enforcement officers across Alabama. Over 2,500 officers have already benefited from these programs, which include training in crime scene investigation, evidence collection, crisis negotiation, and more.

Mark Bailey, ACCS Chief Safety and Security Officer, highlighted the importance of these programs. “Law enforcement goes beyond enforcing the law. It’s about building trust and ensuring safety in our communities. Through our 24 community colleges, we are well-positioned to provide convenient, high-quality training to law enforcement officers statewide.”