RICHMOND, Va. — The Virginia Department of Corrections is accepting applications for its first Citizens’ Academy, a four-week program designed to give community members an inside look at the agency’s operations.
The academy begins Oct. 14 and is open to people including family members of public safety employees, inmates and those under community supervision. Civic organizations, college students and faith-based leaders may also participate.
“I’m excited to provide community members with a detailed, inside look at the important work our dedicated public safety team performs every day to keep people in communities all across the Commonwealth of Virginia safe,” VADOC Director Joseph W. Walters said. “We look forward to opening our doors, sharing our work, and building stronger connections and relationships with communities across Virginia.”
Participants will visit a correctional facility, a probation and parole office, VADOC headquarters in Richmond and the agency’s Academy for Staff Development.
The sessions will cover correctional operations, community supervision, agency leadership, reentry programs, employee training, and staff health and wellness. The program will conclude with a keynote address and graduation ceremony.
VADOC said the academy is intended to improve public understanding of the agency’s work and strengthen its relationships with community leaders, educators, businesses and civic organizations.
Applications will be accepted through Aug. 24. Additional application information, schedules and a video about the academy are available through the Community and Legislative Affairs section under the “General Public” tab on the VADOC website.
What topics should a citizens’ academy cover to give participants an accurate view of corrections work?
Corrections1 readers respond:
- One topic should be how easy it is to manipulate staff. Also address staff building respect from the inmates by giving them respect. Another topic should be working overtime due to staff shortages.
- Medical emergency and overdoses, chow time and count, hell yes it would help, I want to relocate out west and work and having relocation and housing assistance would make it possible!!! Let’s go, some institutions have black mold and pests of various forms and this can cause severe respiratory issues and asthma amongst other cardiovascular problems. It’s something that affects residents and staff/custody team. If we can have billion-dollar-plus ballroom for the White House; taxpayer-funded, taxpayer-funded pest control and updates to facilities should be no problem. Including an update to how much we make.
