Delaware Tech has partnered with the Department of Correction to develop a certificate program for new correctional officers.

When hiring new correctional officers, the DOC will prioritize candidates with the certification and provide work credits towards a Delaware Tech criminal justice associate degree.

“The correctional officer certificate program will enable the DOC to recruit the best candidates in the region and strengthen its incoming workforce,” said Department of Correction Commissioner Perry Phelps.

The program covers basic legal principles, the function and interaction of criminal justice agencies, crisis intervention, and crime prevention.

Certification, combined with DOC training, brings students halfway to their associates degree.

“Delaware Tech prides itself on responding to ongoing workforce training and education needs and this collaboration is a great example of a successful partnership," said Nicole Shuler-Geer, department chair of the Terry Campus criminal justice/homeland security program at Delaware Tech. "We are now working together to create a professional development program to benefit individuals already working within the Department of Correction.”