On Thursday, 58 Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC) trainees took the next step into their state involved career with a graduation.

This also was a milestone for the ADOC in that it was the largest ADOC Academy class to graduate since 2015.

“With this momentum, recruitment efforts are projected to generate a significant increase than seen in years past,” according to ADOC Commissioner Jeff Dunn. “The Alabama Department of Corrections has been working closely with Warren Averett, LLC and additional third-party experts to implement recommendations for improving recruitment and retention within Alabama’s prison system. Uncover the findings of the comprehensive report, which continues to inform our strategy.”

These newest graduates will be part of the changes that the ADOC is working to make.

The plan to transform Alabama’s Prison System offers a new vision for the corrections that includes a vision of increased public safety, reduced recidivism, state of the art facilities and improved rehabilitation and re-entry programs for offenders, according to Dunn.

These graduates have an opportunity to be part of the change and to show what they have learned in real time.