Get Mcgee Correctional Training Center

The Bureau of Prisons is temporarily allowing candidates as old as 40 to apply for corrections jobs to meet its recruiting needs. In a policy statement, the bureau said it granted waivers to raise the maximum entry age to 40 from 37 for correctional officers across pay grades and federal facilities.

Overall, the most difficult thing for correctional officers in the academy may vary depending on the individual's strengths and weaknesses. However, the combination of physical, mental, and interpersonal challenges can make training to become a correctional officer a demanding and rigorous process.

U.S. systems spent an average of $2,561 per student. The total training period was 233 weeks/9,355 hours, or an average of 5.7 weeks/234 hours per program. Canadian systems spend an average of $9,535 per student. The training period lasted 73 weeks/1,803 hours, or an average of 10.4 weeks/258 hours per program.

This training is facilitated over a 18-month period by experienced officers. After completion of the Adult Correctional Officer training, there are opportunities for officers to participate in extensive ongoing training throughout their career.

Pursuant to 943.13(4) Florida Statutes, if a person pleads guilty, no contest, or is convicted of a felony, that person is ineligible to be certified as an officer in the State of Florida. This also applies to felony charges where adjudication is withheld.

Salary benefits begin when you arrive at the academy. After completion of the Academy, cadets are moved to a higher range in the pay scale. Thereafter, semi-annual and annual adjustments to higher ranges are made until the Correctional Officer reaches the top of the pay scale.

Drug Testing Requirements: Applicants for positions in this class are required to pass a drug screening test. (The drug screening test will be waived for employees who are currently in a designated “Sensitive” class for which drug testing is required under State Personnel Board Rule 213.)