GCCC TO OFFER FLORIDA CORRECTIONAL OFFICER CERTIFICATION TRAINING

A career as a Corrections Officer is one of the bright spots of career growth with a higher than average salary for this region, and beginning January 15, 2009, the Public Safety Division of Gulf Coast Community College will offer the Correctional Officer Basic Standards program from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday, at the Gulf Franklin Center. This program offers certification training to people looking to become employed as correctional officers in Florida. Correctional Officer Basic Standards includes training in correctional facility operations, legal issues, interpersonal skills, emergency preparedness, first aid, CPR, defensive tactics and firearms.

Currently, the average annual pay rate for a correction officer in Florida is $36,970, with additive incentives being offered to those who take their skills to specified counties.  Depending on the county to which a certified correctional officer travels, many benefits may be awarded.  Retirement Pension, Education Incentives, Vacation Time, and Investment Opportunities are just a few of the possibilities available once achieving Florida Correctional Officer Certification.

According to the Florida Department of Corrections, the Correctional Officer position is crucial – it offers a career ladder to advance from an entry level position into a supervisory capacity and ultimately into management.