Program Description
The Detention Academy program is designed to prepare students for entry-level positions as a Corrections Officer. Topics covered in the curriculum include Cell Searches, Ground Control, Hostage Survival, Idaho Jail Standards, Report Writing, and more. Detention Academy training takes place in the classroom, mat room, Kootenai County Sheriff's Office jail facilities, and other off-site locations. At the end of the academy, cadets will take a cumulative exam which makes them eligible to site for the State of Idaho's detention deputy's exam.
This is a credited, 9-week Basic Technical Certificate program offered twice a year during the fall and spring semesters. It begins and runs alongside the Basic Patrol Academy and is likewise accredited by Idaho POST. The instructor pool consists of current and former detention deputies as well as other professionals within the criminal justice field.
This is a selective admissions program where applicants will be required to undergo a complete background check, which includes finger printing, a polygraph examination, psychological evaluations, and oral interview. Applicants must also pass POST required medical, vision, and hearing exams, and will be required to pass the POST physical readiness test.
Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:
- Supervise inmate behavior during operation of the detention center.
- Communicate effectively and coherently with other staff and inmates.
- Demonstrate proper procedure for performing searches of inmates, vehicles, and mail items.
- Safely transport and escort inmates using handcuffs and other approved restraints.
- Demonstrate comprehension of legal and non-legal documents.
- Maintain weapons, equipment, and uniforms in functional condition as prescribed by departmental policy.
- College and resolve inmate complaints, grievances, and requests or report them to the appropriate individual or division.
- Prepare investigative and other reports or documentation with appropriate grammar, symbols, and mathematical computations such as filing, alphabetizing, and labeling.
- Exhibit proficiency at processing and releasing inmates, including taking photographs and legible sets of inked fingerprints or palm prints.
- Observe and control visitors and inmates prior to, during, and after visits.
