The Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC) and the Alabama Community College System (ACCS) have jointly announced a significant milestone in career development with the graduation of 23 students from the inaugural ACTIVATE Career Readiness Program. This six-week intensive program, hosted at Jefferson State Community College in Birmingham and Reid State Technical College in Evergreen, is designed to provide a pathway for individuals to pursue careers within the Alabama Department of Corrections.
Graduates of the ACTIVATE program have not only earned valuable college credits but are also now qualified to enroll in the ADOC’s Corrections Academy. These individuals are set to join Correctional Officer Class 2024-04, commencing on September 30, 2024, marking a significant step towards bolstering the ranks of correctional officers in Alabama.
ACTIVATE represents a strategic partnership between ADOC and ACCS, specifically created to eliminate financial and educational obstacles for those aspiring to become correctional officers. This no-cost program is particularly beneficial for individuals who may have previously faced challenges in meeting the necessary qualifications for this profession. It is a key component of ADOC’s broader recruitment strategy, enhanced by competitive starting salaries for correctional officers, which currently range from $52,761.60 to $58,111.20 per year. Furthermore, officers are eligible for potential salary increases of approximately 30% within the first two years of employment, making it a financially attractive career path.
ADOC Commissioner John Q. Hamm emphasized the importance of the ACTIVATE program in the department’s overall strategy. “ACTIVATE is an essential element in our efforts to recruit and retain dedicated personnel. These graduates are now equipped with a clear and supported route to a fulfilling career with the ADOC, and we deeply appreciate the ACCS for their crucial partnership in bringing this vital initiative to fruition.”
ACCS Chancellor Jimmy H. Baker highlighted the program’s alignment with the system’s mission to expand opportunities for Alabama residents. “The ACTIVATE program perfectly illustrates the power of collaboration in creating pathways to meaningful employment. We are committed to enhancing the lives of Alabamians by equipping them with the necessary tools for professional success and contributing to the safety and security of our state.”
Beyond the ACTIVATE program, ACCS provides a wide array of no-cost public safety training programs for law enforcement officers throughout Alabama. To date, over 2,500 officers have benefited from these programs, receiving crucial training in areas such as crime scene investigation, evidence handling, and crisis negotiation. Mark Bailey, ACCS Chief Safety and Security Officer, underscored the comprehensive role of law enforcement and the importance of accessible, high-quality training. “Law enforcement encompasses more than just enforcing laws; it’s about fostering community trust and ensuring public safety. Our 24 community colleges are ideally positioned to deliver convenient, top-tier training to law enforcement officers across the state, strengthening our communities from within.”
For individuals interested in learning more about the ACTIVATE program and career opportunities within the Alabama Department of Corrections, please visit: www.doc.alabama.gov/employment.
