By Sarah Roebuck
Corrections1
MONTGOMERY, Ala. — The Alabama Department of Corrections is partnering with a community college to reduce barriers for those looking to start a career as a correctional officer.
Applicants for corrections officer positions may be chosen to participate in ACTIVATE, a program that helps them meet physical and educational requirements at no cost, WHNT reports.
The program is a partnership between ADOC and the Alabama Community College System (ACCS).
Participants who complete the ACTIVATE program may earn up to nine free college credit hours at an Alabama community college, as well as gain preparation for the Corrections Academy and a career with the ADOC, WHNT reports.
The ACTIVATE program is funded by the Alabama Legislature.
“There are plenty of applicants who want to serve our state by becoming well-trained correctional officers, but they need extra help to reach that goal. The ACTIVATE program is a huge leap toward ensuring their success and the success of Alabama’s correctional facilities,” Alabama Department of Corrections Commissioner John Q. Hamm said in a statement.
The ACCS provides over six free public safety training classes statewide for current law enforcement officers. More than 1,200 officers have completed required units in various subjects at Alabama’s community and technical colleges.