Appointments and Promotions, Jobs, Training and Facilities

223 new officers join CDCR

January 31, 2023

Cadet Domeno lines up in formation for the graduation ceremony of Basic Correctional Officer Academy Class 1-23A.

Academy celebrates first graduating class of 2023

The Basic Correctional Officer Academy (BCOA) Class 1-23A kicked off the year with a meaningful start. On Jan. 20, after 13 weeks of dedication and hard work, 223 cadets became CDCR Correctional Officers, assigned throughout the state.

Class 1-23A chose to answer the call and take on this noble career as a Correctional Officer.

The Office of Peace Officer Selection (OPOS) invites all CDCR staff to be a recruiter by sharing the benefits and opportunities available with a career as a Correctional Officer.

Interested applicants can apply online at JoinCDCR.com.

To learn more about the correctional officer selection process, watch this video.

This year, CDCR is hosting multiple JumpStart Hiring events for Correctional Officer applicants to streamline the selection process. The JumpStart event allows applicants to take the written exam, physical fitness test, Live Scan, and start the Background process all in one day. Some Jumpstart applicants have completed the selection process in as little as four months.

More events will be added each month throughout the state.

Basic Correctional Officer Academy Quick Facts

The Academy (BCOA) is 13 weeks long and located in Galt.
To attend the academy, you must complete the selection process and accept an institution assignment.
After accepting an assignment, you will receive an email with the information needed before the start of the academy. You must submit the required peace officer selection forms and handouts as specified in the e-mail/letter. Institution assignments are based on department needs.
If you live more than 30 miles from the academy (one-way), you have the option of living on-site at no cost or off-site at your own expense. You may leave the grounds from the end of the scheduled duty day on Friday until the start of the scheduled duty hours on Monday. All attending cadets will be provided meals during the academy.
Each cadet will need $1,300 to $1,500 to buy required uniforms, equipment/accessories, athletic gear, and school supplies. Once you graduate and report to your institution, you will be eligible to receive an annual uniform allowance of up to $1,000.

Photos by Lisa Hamrick and Sgt. H. Berberena

Correctional officer smiles as someone pins on their badge. — A family member pins the correctional officer badge and graduating cadet Holbrook.

CDCR academy company commanders wearing uniforms. — A family member pins the correctional officer badge and graduating cadet Holbrook.

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