Youth Correctional Officer Training

Youth Correctional Officers (YCOs) must complete a sixteen-week, formal, comprehensive training program at the Basic Correctional Juvenile Academy (BCJA), located in Galt, a suburb of Sacramento. Cadets will attend classes five days a week and must pass all tests in order to graduate from the BCJA. The curriculum consists of 640 hours of training and ranks among the top correctional training academies in the country.

Using a combination of academic instruction, physical fitness training, use of force training, group interaction, communication skills, and experiential practicums in the facilities, the Academy seeks to instill the skills and experience needed to function in an institution setting and to build esprit de corps among the cadets.  YCO cadets begin each day with a nutritious breakfast, then attend various courses, related to the specific functions of a correctional peace officer, such as::

• Peace Officer Standards and Training Courses (POST)
• Chemical agents
• Effective Interaction
• Field Practicums
• Gang Awareness
• Group Dynamics
• Transportation
• Search Techniques
• Crime Personalities
• Drug Awareness
• Use of force
• Disciplinary process
• Physical and Mechanical Restraint
• Victims of Crime

YCO cadets receive continuous reinforcement with emphasis being placed on integrity, maturity, conduct, written and verbal communication skills, interactions, professionalism, and competency-based evaluations to demonstrate proficiency.

---

Academy Dates

See a list of Academy dates for CO, YCO and transition academies:

• Academy Dates