Experience simulated hostage events, take downs, and inmate unrest. Work alongside certified corrections and law enforcement professionals to keep the community safe. Develop your mind and body using advanced self-defense tactics, rigorous physical training, and effective firearm techniques. Upon successful completion of the program, students are eligible to take the state certification exam. Correctional Officers have one of the most difficult professions in the country. Not everyone who applies has what it takes to become a certified Correctional Officer. Correctional Officers are the Law Enforcement Officers who work in the Jails and Prisons… the nations toughest beats. Right out of the academy, a certified and employed Correctional Officer is also a supervisor. Correctional Officers are responsible for everything from overseeing inmate housing units to supervising and motivating inmate work crews. The purpose of this program is to prepare students for initial employment as a certified correctional officer in the state of Florida. To successfully complete this basic recruit training program, recruits must achieve a passing score on each of the written end-of-course examinations. Recruits must also demonstrate proficiency skills in the high liability courses (first aid, firearms, and defensive tactics) and participate in the CJSTC Physical Fitness Program. See Rules 11B-35.001 and 11B-35.0024, FAC. (IN028.1.) For more information, visit the Southwest Florida Public Service Academy’s web site.