Essex Sheriff Drops Age Criteria To Meet 'Dire' Prison Guard Shortage

MIDDLETON, MA — A "dire" shortage of correctional officers in the Essex County prison system is causing Sheriff Kevin Coppinger to drop the age requirement to apply to become a prison guard from 21 years to 19 years old.

The Sheriff's Office said that the adjustment is designed to increase the pool of candidates available to fill what was called a "critical shortage of officers" with recruitment now allowed essentially straight out of high school.

"All law enforcement agencies are struggling to fill positions, but the need is even more dire in correctional facilities," Coppinger said. "By lowering the age to 19, we can provide an opportunity for younger people to begin their law enforcement career upon graduating high school.

"Correctional officers are not just responsible for the care, custody, and control of inmates. They are responsible for helping those that come to us leave our facilities ready for life as a successful citizen — and we need more officers to continue to fulfill this mission."

Coppinger's office noted that the 21-year-old requirement has been lowered previously and that several of its current officers began their careers at 19 years old.

New correctional officers can start at a salary of up to $68,000 a year and are eligible for a $2,500 sign-on bonus. New officers are trained and eligible for a state tuition reimbursement program that covers up to 100 percent of tuition at state colleges and universities. As of Monday, the Essex Sheriff's Office will accept applications from those who turn 19 years old by June 1.

Those who begin their careers in the correctional system are eligible for retirement as early as 20 years — meaning someone who begins his or her career at 19 years old can retire before age 40.

“The economy is putting a strain on our families, making it harder and harder for many to pay for college," Coppinger said. "For high school graduates looking to begin their career in law enforcement, this opportunity provides a high-paying job and tuition reimbursements at state schools.

"We can help the right candidates get the education and experience they want to join us in the rewarding career in law enforcement."

There is no prior experience necessary to be hired as a correctional officer.

Eligible candidates must have a valid driver's license, U.S. citizenship, dual citizenship or U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident status. Candidates must pass a physical fitness test, extensive background investigation, interview, psychological screening and drug test.

Candidates must be able to obtain a valid firearm-carrying license, which can be obtained during training, and medical clearance for the Basic Training Academy.

Those interested in applying can do so here.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)