Westchester Swears In 32 New Correction Officers With Pomp And Circumstance At County Center Ceremony

WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NY — The Westchester County Department of Correction has sworn in 32 new correction officers following a graduation ceremony for recruits who completed the department's training academy.

The ceremony was held at the Little Theater at the Westchester County Center and included an invocation and presentation of the colors by the department's Honor Guard, accompanied by the bagpipers and drummers of the Westchester County Emerald Society.

County Executive Ken Jenkins said the work ahead for the graduates reaches beyond facility operations. "One of the most important functions of County government is the safe and humane operation of a correctional facility. The individuals remanded into the custody of the WCDOC arrive there for many reasons and will look to our new correction officers as role models and mentors. A full commitment to their new profession and responsibilities will directly impact the individuals in their care while helping prepare them for a successful return to their communities. My administration will continue to provide the resources necessary to support the continued advancement of our nationally recognized Department of Correction, its workforce, and those remanded to its care and custody."

Westchester County Legislator and Public Safety Chair David Tubiolo said, "It was an inspiring ceremony for our newly appointed correction officers and their families. I commend the leadership of the Westchester County Department of Correction and the Training Academy staff for their outstanding work in preparing these recruits for their new careers in public safety. I encourage each of them to embrace the responsibilities of this profession with pride and integrity, and I wish them every success as they begin their service to Westchester County."

According to the county, Deputy Commissioner Michael B. Gerald said recent academy enhancements include effective communication, expanded scenario-based instruction, debriefing modules, active shooter response, use of force and de-escalation. Gerald said, "I extend my sincere appreciation to the academy staff and instructors for a job well done, and to the graduating class for the dedication and hard work demonstrated throughout the academy."

Commissioner of Correction Joseph K. Spano told graduates that corrections work is demanding and central to the criminal justice system. "I know from firsthand experience that the job of a correction officer is not easy, and it will take time to adjust to working in a fast-paced and complex environment. I also know that correction officers serve in one of the most important roles within the criminal justice system. In addition to maintaining the safety and security of our facilities while providing custody and supervision of incarcerated individuals, you play a vital role in the rehabilitation process. The extensive training you have received, combined with the continued support of your supervisors and fellow officers, will help prepare you to safely and professionally carry out your responsibilities each day."

The county said 10 of the graduating officers previously served at other New York correctional facilities and, with approval from the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services, completed a condensed six-week academy to transition into service with WCDOC. Captain Patti Bhola, commanding officer of the Training Academy, outlined curriculum areas including implicit bias, secondary trauma, de-escalation, defensive tactics, crisis intervention and engagement with individuals experiencing serious mental illness. The department said it also presented awards for outstanding achievement to members of the graduating class.