A career in corrections
The Corrections Academy provides the training you need to pass the Florida Department of Law Enforcement State Certification Examination and become a correctional officer. You can serve in local sheriffs' departments, Florida Department of Corrections facilities and private correctional companies. Our academy is held at our FDLE approved training center and uses the curriculum of the Florida Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission (CJSTC).
SPC partners with Pinellas County Sheriff's Office to offer scholarships
Once you complete a thorough background check with the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, you could be eligible for a sponsorship opportunity that covers your tuition for this academy through the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office. As a detention deputy recruit, you are eligible to receive a salary of $65,000 through the sheriff's office while you complete your training.
Once you successfully complete the academy and receive a passing score on the state exam, you will continue recruit training in high liability functions at the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, where you will have opportunities for special assignments, career development, opportunities for promotion/advancement, and excellent salary and benefits. Please note that you must meet certain admission standards to be eligible for the academy. To get started, visit the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office website.
This academic program prepares you for the following careers. All job data is provided by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Correctional Officers and Jailers
Salary Data
Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL Metro Area Average
Florida Average
Projected employment for Florida
2022 Employment
25,290
2032
22,990
Percent Change
-9
Projected Job Openings
1980
Corrections Academy costs
In-state residents: $4,200
Out-of-state residents: $7,724.40
Tuition is subject to change. In-state tuition rates only apply to those who can prove Florida residency for at least 12 consecutive months. Uniforms and student costs run about $300.
Corrections Academy schedule and length
12-14 weeks
444 hours
Full-time days: 7:45 a.m.-4:45 p.m.
Dates For 2024
CRC#114 April 15-July 2, 2024
Contact Pinellas County Sheriff's Office regarding class dates and employment information: pcsoweb.com
Corrections Academy admissions
Minimum Qualifications
In order to enter the Corrections Academy, you must:
- Meet SPC admission requirements and Pinellas County Sheriff's Office qualifications including successfully passing a PCSO background check and all PCSO pre-employment requirements.
- Be at least 19 years of age
- Be of good moral standing
- Subject to drug and alcohol testing
- The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office does not hire persons who use tobacco products, and requires “no tobacco use” by applicants for a six-month period prior to application and during length of employment.
Continue your education at spc
SPC's Corrections Academy courses prepare you for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement State Certification Examination and transfer to our Associate in Science in Criminal Justice Technology. The A.S. degree transfers to our Bachelor of Applied Science in Public Safety Administration.
Public Safety Advanced Training
SPC also offers extensive advanced and specialized training for public safety professionals.
Contacts
Academy Support Staff
Jamie Ryan, 727-341-4516
ryan.jamiemarie@spcollege.edu
Academy Coordinator
Joe Saponare, 727-344-8078
saponare.joseph@spcollege.edu