The Hampden County Civilian Outreach Corrections Academy is the first of its kind in the nation. The Academy, available to citizens of Hampden County, or any county for that matter, is conducted by trained instructors and designed for civilians to get an inside view of the world of corrections. It also provides practical training in CPR, drug addiction, gang awareness and security procedures, as well as other topics. Classes meet one night a week, two to three hours per night, for six weeks.
Classes include K-9 demonstrations, Cell Extraction Team demonstrations, family and friends CPR, a “Day in the Life of a Corrections Officer,” a “Day in the Life of an Inmate,” a tour of the jail, recognizing substance abuse and addiction to opioids, Narcan training and an overview of the Hampden County Sheriff’s Office’s role in the community.
Most folks only see corrections activities on TV or from outside the walls of our jails. The civilian academy is a unique opportunity to see our operation and experience authentic corrections up close from the inside – the real story.
Details about the next class will be posted soon.