WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: Today, 169 new officers attended their graduation ceremony at the Richard A. McGee Correctional Training Center in Galt and prepare to embark on their new careers as CDCR correctional officers. This latest class represents a significant step forward in CDCR’s ongoing efforts and focus on recruitment, hiring, promotion, retention, and culture through collaboration of diverse and qualified candidates.
This class of new correctional officers is a special one. It is special not only because we are swearing in new peace officers equipped with the knowledge and dedication necessary to uphold the mission of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, but because my daughter will be carrying on our family’s legacy of public service by graduating today as a part of class 7-24A.
David Holbrook, Warden at the Ironwood State Prison
Marking the occasion, family and friends attended the graduation ceremony to cheer on their loved ones stepping into their new careers. Ironwood State Prison Warden David Holbrook delivered the keynote address and welcomed the 169 new correctional officers into the CDCR family.
Graduating and stepping into a career with CDCR means everything to me. I’ve seen what a blessing this job was for my father and our family throughout the years and I wanted to follow in my father’s footsteps!
Chelsea Holbrook, Graduate of class 7-24A and daughter of Warden David Holbrook
Chelsea Holbrook is just one of 46 female graduates, highlighting the strides being made by CDCR to achieve the “30×30” pledge to have women make up 30 percent of correctional officer cadets by 2030.
The cadets underwent 13 weeks of rigorous training in the Basic Correctional Officer Academy at the Richard A. McGee Correctional Training Center. They will serve institutions across the state of California.
Important Links:
Interested Correctional Officer applicants can apply online at JoinCDCR.com.
To learn more about the correctional officer selection process, watch this video.
B-roll of the graduation ceremony is available here.
Academy Quick Facts:
- The Basic Correctional Officer Academy (BCOA), located in Galt, is 13 weeks long.
- To attend the academy, candidates 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. Applicants willing to take positions at High Desert State Prison, Pelican Bay, San Quentin and CSP-Sacramento will receive priority in the selection process.
- Cadets who live more than 30 miles from the academy (one-way) have the option of living on-site at no cost or off-site at their own expense. Cadets 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.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 1, 2024
CONTACT OPEC: OPEC@cdcr.ca.gov