BCOT class 2024, from left, back row: Cpl. S. Lynch, Sgt. K. Campbell, Cpl. A. McGinnis, Cpl. L. Hardy, Cpl. E. Brandon, Cpl. M. Hudson, Cpl. C. Edwards, L-R front row: Cpl. B. Heitman, Cpl. M. Buress, Cpl. A. Irvine, Cpl. O. Moreland, Cpl. M. Black, Cpl. J. Cowell, Cpl. P. Heitman.
What do you think of when you hear “prison guard”? Let’s be honest: the thoughts and images that come to mind are not generally good. With so many movies, dark history, and public perception, it’s hard to imagine anything good associated with anyone who works as a “prison guard.”
What if we were to tell you there are no more “prison guards” but rather dedicated, professional “correctional officers”—officers who take a sworn oath, officers who are well trained, career-oriented, and dedicated to sending incarcerated individuals back out into society better than they were when they arrived in prison?
Beginning on Feb. 26, 2024, the Arkansas Department of Corrections held a Regional Training Academy to train new correctional officers at the Tech Depot in Newport.
During the six-week paid training, called “Basic Correctional Officer Training” or “BCOT,” aspiring officers referred to as “Cadets” were taught the fundamentals of becoming successful correctional officers at the McPherson and Grimes Units located in Newport.
The “BCOT” is designed to develop the skills and knowledge necessary for the new officers to successfully carry out the mission of the Arkansas Department of Corrections, which is “to provide public safety by carrying out the mandate of the courts, provide a safe, humane environment for staff and inmates, strengthen the work ethic through the teaching of good habits, and provide opportunities for staff and inmates to improve spiritually, mentally, and physically.”
During the training, cadets split their days between classroom modules (taught by local and guest professionals from all over the state) and outdoor activities to learn and practice the physical and mental skills required for their profession. Male and female cadets aged 22 to 59 years of various socio-economic backgrounds gathered on the Tech Depot lawn every morning for formation. Cadets were taught the importance of professionalism, fitness, and teamwork during formation and basic drills.
Many days, members of the Newport community would stop and watch the cadets and speak with them and the instructors, asking curious questions about the training and the organization. This interaction gave the cadets and instructors an excellent opportunity to dispel notions that they were “prison guards” and talk about what it takes to be a “correctional officer” and the pride in serving the Newport community and the State of Arkansas.
The community became so involved in watching the cadets that some even called the Tech Depot staff to check on them to see if they weren’t out for formation at the regular time. Instructors Corinna Owens and Marcus Wilkerson, both former Lieutenants at the prisons located in Newport, said that the interactions with the community were very positive and inspiring.
Both instructors stated that meeting the community they had served and watching them interact with the cadets was extremely rewarding. It also allowed them to introduce the community to the corrections profession and the new officers who serve them. In addition to the community interaction, both instructors raved about the amazing Tech Depot facility and staff, stating that the regional training was only possible with their support.
On April 5, 2024, fourteen cadets from the Newport class BCOT 2024-C graduated and were sworn in as full correctional officers for the Arkansas Department of Corrections. The graduation ceremony, hosted by Tech Depot, was attended by no less than 60 proud family and friends of graduates, numerous ADC staff, and Lindsay Wallace, Secretary of the Department of Corrections. The ceremony began with the National Anthem performed by the Jackson County Community Choir, followed by an awards ceremony, diplomas, guest speakers, cake, and gathering for photos.
Due to the graduates’ success and support of the local community and Tech Depot, two more Regional Training Academies have been scheduled at the Tech Depot beginning on July 22, 2024, and Oct. 28, 2024.
Anyone interested in learning more information about becoming an officer and attending the regional training in Newport can contact Jalesia Hearyman at (870) 523-2639 for the McPherson (women’s) Unit or Crystal Runsick at (870) 523-5877 for the Grimes (men’s) Unit. Applications can also be sent to: https://arcareers.arkansas.gov and keyword search “McPherson” or “Grimes.”
Cadets getting into formation outside Tech Depot
The above article and accompanying images were provided by the Arkansas Department of Correction.
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