The Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC) graduated 61 officers from the ADOC Basic Correctional Officer (BCO) Training Course on Friday morning at the Alabama Corrections Academy in Selma.

BCO Class 2019-01 marks the first class to graduate from the recently created program.

According to ADOC, The BCO program was created in May to accelerate the department’s employment pipeline by widening the pool of eligible candidates and generating additional efficiency with hiring security staff.
“Attracting new, qualified officers to the ADOC is a critical element of advancing both the department’s mission as well as our strategic plan,” said ADOC Commissioner Jeff Dunn. “A larger team of qualified officers will help to sustain safe and secure facilities for inmates and personnel, while preparing inmates for re-entry into society. With 61 new officers joining our team, we will be able to better carry out this important and meaningful work.”

At Wednesday’s Graduation Ceremony, ADOC Associate Commissioner Matthew Brand called the program a “game changer”.

In his closing remarks, Brand reflected on integrity, one of the ADOC’s core values.

“No one can take your integrity from you,” said Brand. “Only you can give it away.”

Following Brands remarks, the officers received their certifications before Capt. Rondell Wannamaker presented class awards and Officer Michael McDaniel concluded the ceremony with benediction.