Westchester County Department Of Correction Swears In 13 New Correction Officers

Press release from the Westchester County Government:

Graduation Ceremony Marks Completion of 12-Week Training Academy

The Westchester County Department of Correction held a graduation ceremony for 13 new correction officers, marking the completion of the Department’s 12-week training academy. The ceremony took place at the Westchester Community College Davis Auditorium, and opened with an invocation and presentation of the colors by the Department’s Honor Guard, accompanied by the Westchester County Emerald Society’s bagpipers and drummers.

The new officers join one of the most highly accredited correctional agencies in the nation. The Department maintains accreditation from the American Correctional Association, the National Commission on Correctional Health Care and the Prison Rape Elimination Act. The academy curriculum included scenario-based training, communication skills, de-escalation techniques, active shooter response, defensive tactics and instruction on working with individuals who have significant mental health needs.

County Executive Ken Jenkins said: “One of the most important functions of County government is the safe operation of a correctional facility. The individuals remanded into the department's custody arrive for many reasons and will look to our new officers as role models and mentors. A full commitment to their new profession and responsibilities will directly impact the individuals in their care and help prepare them for a successful return to their communities. My administration will continue to provide the resources needed to support the advancement of our nationally recognized Department of Correction, its workforce and those remanded to its care and custody.”

Commissioner Joseph Spano said: “I know from firsthand experience that the job of a correction officer is not easy, and it will take time to adjust to a fast-moving and complex environment. Correction officers hold one of the most important roles in the criminal justice system. Along with maintaining operational safety and providing custody and supervision of incarcerated individuals, you have a significant role in the rehabilitation process. The extensive training you received over the last 12 weeks, combined with our continued support, will help you adjust to your new profession and safely carry out your daily responsibilities.”

Deputy Commissioner Michael Gerald said: “To support our new correction officers and supervisors, the department continues to enhance academy training across all levels of our sworn workforce. Formal training enhancements include effective communication, expanded scenario-based instruction, debriefing modules, active shooter response, use-of-force and de-escalation. Special thanks to the academy staff and instructors for a job well done, and to the academy class for the tremendous effort they put forth to complete the Department’s training requirements.”

Captain Patti Bhola of the Training Academy, along with Training Unit Sergeants Paul Lindert and Austin Cardany, presented awards to members of the graduating class who distinguished themselves during the 12-week academy.

Correction Officers:

• Daniel Alarcon
• Samantha Anselmo
• Barbara Boykin
• Timothy Burke
• Bryce Davis
• Alexander Diaz
• Robert Dickson
• Richard Farrow Jr
• Justin Gonzalez
• Michael Morales
• Michael Samaroo
• Lindon Thomas
• Elijah Young

This press release was produced by the Westchester County Government. The views expressed here are the author’s own.