Corrections Academy

Correctional officers are sometimes called detention officers. They work in prisons, jails, reformatories, and penitentiaries. They may also work in courthouses or with the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS). Their job is to oversee, secure, and control individuals who have been arrested and are awaiting trial, or those who have been convicted and incarcerated.

The Seminole State Criminal Justice Academy's correctional officers program trains students on:

  • How to deal with emergency situations.
  • Defensive tactics and weapons.
  • How to communicate with the institution's population.
  • How correctional institutions operate.
  • Legal issues.

This program prepares students for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) exam. Students cannot be employed as a correctional officer in Florida unless they pass this exam.

Online/In-Person Information Session

In-Person

Upcoming In-Person Information Sessions will be held on:  

  • October 25, 2023 at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.
    (Academy starting January 29, 2024)
  • These sessions will be held at the Center for Public Safety in Room 168.

Online

Online Info Session

For online information session, please click on the link and review the PowerPoint presentation on the Basic Law Enforcement Academy.

If you have any questions, please call 407.708.2187 or 407.708.2299 or send an email to justice@seminolestate.edu.

Why Seminole State?

Seminole State's Criminal Justice Academy is a state-certified training center that has been preparing students for careers in law enforcement since 1969. The Corrections Officer Academy was founded in 1994. Its success is due to:

  • A thorough selection process.
  • Small class sizes that provide opportunities for individualized training.
  • Instructors that teach traditional law enforcement, with modern techniques and technology.
  • Its adherence to Florida state requirements and regulations.

What is a Correctional Officer?

Correctional officers, also known as detention officers, generally work in prisons, jails, reformatories and penitentiaries, and may also work in courthouses or with the Immigration and Naturalization Service. Their job is to oversee, secure and control arrested individuals awaiting trial or those convicted and incarcerated. Learn more about a Correctional Officer's job responsibilities by visiting the Correctional Officer webpage.

Correctional Officer Certificate

To earn the Correctional Officer Certificate, you must complete the curriculum. Earning the Correctional Officer Certificate does not mean you are certified to work as a correctional officer in Florida; you must pass the FDLE exam to earn the certification. For additional program curriculum information,

How to Apply

To be considered for the program, you must watch the Power Point presentation for information.

Seminole State Criminal Justice Academies are limited-access programs. Before gaining acceptance into the program, students must:

  • Complete the Seminole State Admissions application process.
  • Complete the Criminal Justice Training Center application and interview process.
  • Refer to admission requirements outlined on the Criminal Justice Admissions page.

To find information about the fees associated with the program, please visit the Criminal Justice Class Fees and Dates page.

For information about upcoming classes, please visit the Criminal Justice Class Fees and Dates page.

Contact

Criminal Justice Institute
407.708.2220
Fax: 407.322.1309
Office: PS-100
Campus: Sanford/Lake Mary