Jail Officer Academy
Why choose Jail Officer Academy?
- Gain the practical skills and knowledge needed to be effective in corrections and meet the challenges of our changing society.
- Corrections officers change lives and help people assume more positive roles in society.
- Choose to protect the safety and security of inmates and staff in a variety of facilities.
Program Locations
Wisconsin Rapids Campus
500 32nd Street North
Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494
Delivery:
In Person
Daytime
Part-Time
Varying Class Schedule
Length of Program: Short Term
Credits: 6
Start Dates: Fall or Spring
What You'll Learn
The Jail Officer Academy is a Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ)-accredited 200-hour program that prepares learners for positions as corrections officers in county jails. To work in a county jail in the state of Wisconsin you must be certifiable. The Jail Academy certificate fulfills this requirement.
Students in the Jail Officer Academy work with modern correctional facility equipment in a simulated jail environment. Through training and simulations, you’ll practice subject control, professional communications, officer wellness, jail safety, and more. Upon hire and within two years of successful completion of the program, you will be eligible for certification with the Wisconsin Department of Justice, Law Enforcement Standards Board as a jail officer.
Outcomes
- Explain the components of and interrelationships in the criminal justice system.
- Apply appropriate communication skills to public safety incidents.
- Establish situational safety.
- Engage effectively with vulnerable and disenfranchised individuals/populations.
- Adhere to accepted culturally competent, ethical, and behavioral conduct.
Technical Standards
Students in this program should be able to meet its specific technical standards. These are the essential skills and abilities needed to be successful in the program, with or without reasonable accommodation. It is important to review and understand these standards before applying to the program.
View Technical Standards For This Program
Employability Skills
- Behave Responsibly: Ethical Behavior, Self-Responsibility, Conflict Resolution, Collaboration
- Communicate Effectively: Writing, Technical Documentation, Listening, Speaking, Interpersonal Communication, Reading
- Critical & Creative Thinking: Inquiry, Evidence Collection, Analysis, Reasoning, Reflection (Metacognition)
- Cultural, Social, & Global Awareness: Global Awareness, Social & Cultural Awareness, Social Responsibility
- Use Appropriate Technology: Use of Technology, Confidentiality, Security, Digital Civility
Learn more about employability skills at Mid-State.
Instructors
CANDACE SCHMIDT, AAS
Candace earned an AAS in corrections from Mid-State and is currently working to obtain her bachelor’s degree. Since earning her AAS, she has worked as a correctional officer for six years, with three of those years as a field training officer for new staff.
“In my journey I've discovered a determined passion for the realm of corrections and community advocacy. Through my experiences and knowledge, I am eager to share not just insight, but a sincere dedication to fostering positive change.”
Careers
- Correctional Officer
- Juvenile Detention Officer
Fast-Track
High school students are eligible to enroll in this program; however, some courses have age requirements. Speak to a Mid-State advisor for more information. Learn more about Mid-State Fast-Track.
US Citizenship is required to sit for this licensure exam. Contact your academic advisor for more information.
- Who Can Apply and How
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There is a separate process for admission to the Jail Officer Academy. For more information on how to apply, please contact Kurt Heuer (715.422.5606)
- Accreditation Information
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Mid-State’s Jail Officer Academy is approved by the Wisconsin Department of Justice Training and Standards Bureau.
Take the Next Step
"Mid-State’s instructors took time to work with each student, and the internship program provided me with the opportunity to learn in a real-world setting. I was able to get my foot in the door with my desired career choice and was hired in a county jail shortly after I graduated."
LEE ROKKE
GRADUATE
Choose Your Path
Career pathways help you take your education one step at a time to maximize your investment and make college fit your life. Earn a credential and start using it in the workforce. Continue with another stack of related courses to gain a more advanced diploma or degree. Explore this program’s pathway in the graphic below. For an even quicker first step to a degree or diploma, check out our short-term certificates.
Transfer • Dual Credit • Credit for Prior Learning
