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Employment Opportunities for Correctional Officers

Our Mission

The mission of the Alabama Department of Corrections is to confine, manage and provide rehabilitative programs for convicted felons in a safe, secure and humane environment, utilizing professionals who are committed to public safety and to the positive re-entry of offenders into society.

 Correctional Officer Training On-Site Event Schedule
Correctional Facility Location Date Start Time
Donaldson 100 Warrior Lane
Bessemer, AL 35023 		October 22, 2021 7 a.m.
Staton 2690 Marion Spillway Rd.
Elmore, AL 36025 		November 05, 2021 7 a.m.
Ventress 379 AL-239
Clayton, AL 36016 		November 19, 2021 7 a.m.
Bibb 565 Bibb Lane
Brent, AL 35034 		December 3, 2021 7 a.m.
 Basic Correctional Officer Open House Event Schedule
Correctional Facility Location Date Time
Ventress 379 AL-239
Clayton, AL 36016 		October 1, 2021 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Limestone 28779 Nick Davis Rd
Harvest, AL 35749 		December 10, 2021 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

What to Expect at a COT On-Site or BCO Open House

Your path to a secure and rewarding career with the ADOC begins at one of the Department’s COT On-Sites or BCO Open Houses, which is why we want you to be fully prepared. You can expect the following activities at the hiring event:

COT (Correctional Officer Trainee) BCO (Basic Correctional Officer)
Drug Screening
Law Enforcement Services Division Interview
Personnel Document Review
ADOC Physical Fitness Assessment
Fingerprinting
Medical Examination

Physical Fitness Assessment

The ADOC Physical Fitness Assessment is a mandatory requirement for the position of Correctional Officer Trainee. Every applicant must pass specific physical fitness requirements in order to be certified as a Correctional Officer Trainee – there are no exceptions for age or gender.

Push-Ups - Each Correctional Officer Trainee applicant must complete 22 push-ups within 60 seconds.

What is a Push-Up?

  • The feet may be together or up to 12 inches apart.
  • Your body should be essentially straight when its viewed from the side (from the shoulders to the ankles).
  • You must touch the fist of the instructor as you lower your body.

Sit-Ups - Each Correctional Officer Trainee applicant must complete 25 sit-ups in 60 seconds.

What is a Sit-Up?

  • Lay flat on your back with knees bent at 45 degrees.
  • A partner should stabilize your feet by holding your ankles.
  • Your fingers must be interlocked behind your neck.
  • You must touch your elbows to your thighs/knees.

1.5-Mile Run - Each Correctional Officer Trainee applicant must complete a 1.5-mile run in 15 minutes and 28 seconds. The course will be flat and level.

ADOC-Required Documentation

The following documentation is required. If you are unable to bring the documentation to the on-site, the missing documentation can be submitted by mail, fax or email.

Application
COT (Correctional Officer Trainee) BCO (Basic Correctional Officer)
Completed Application
Identification
You are required to bring a valid state issued ID to the onsite. If you changed your name as a result of marriage or divorce, bring your marriage certificate or divorce decree.
COT (Correctional Officer Trainee) BCO (Basic Correctional Officer)
Valid Driver's License
Copy of Your Social Security Card
Certified State Issued Birth Certificate issued by Vital Statistics Office (Copies and scans will not be accepted.)
Education
A copy of BAT/ACT Workkeys is needed if you do not have an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. The cost is $45 and can be completed after you pass the on-site.
COT (Correctional Officer Trainee) BCO (Basic Correctional Officer)
Copy of high school diploma OR GED Certificate
Copy of BAT/ACT Workkeys
Certified copy of college degree/transcript
Court Dispositions
If applicable, bring the following.
COT (Correctional Officer Trainee) BCO (Basic Correctional Officer)
Court certified dispositions with case action summaries for any criminal arrests or convictions showing that all fines have been paid. Under certain circumstances, a psychological evaluation may be required.
Court certified disposition and receipts for any traffic citations/tickets within the last three years showing all fines have been paid in full.
Out-of-state driver’s license & copy of your driving history from the issuing state’s Public Safety Department
Military History
If applicable, bring the following.
COT (Correctional Officer Trainee) BCO (Basic Correctional Officer)
A copy of DD214 Member 4 stating type of discharge

Frequently Asked Questions

Candidate Profile Questions & Answers

Is there an age limit to apply?

Yes. Candidates must be at least 19 years old to apply for a correctional officer position at the ADOC.

Am I required to have earned an academic certificate or degree to apply?

Candidates are required to have earned a GED certificate, high school diploma or college degree to apply.

Are there any other requirements or restrictions for application?

Please see the “WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE ON-SITE HIRING EVENT?” and the “ADOC REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION” sections for this information.

Are there any other requirements or restrictions for application?

Please see the “WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE ON-SITE HIRING EVENT?” and the “ADOC REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION” sections for this information.

Preparation Questions & Answers

What time does the on-site begin?

The on-site begins at 7:00 a.m. Candidates should plan to arrive by 6:45 a.m.

When are on-sites held?

On-sites are held on predetermined dates throughout the year. Candidates should consult the schedule in their welcome packet for the year’s on-site dates.

Where are on-sites held?

On-sites are held at various correctional facilities throughout the state. Candidates should consult the schedule in their welcome packet for the year’s on-site locations.

What should and shouldn’t I wear to the on-site?

Because on-sites require physical activity for the Correctional Officer Trainee position, we recommend candidates wear athletic clothing and athletic shoes. All shorts and pants must be knee length. Do not wear white.

I’m applying to be a Correctional Officer Trainee. What should I bring to my on-site?

Please see the “ADOC REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION” section for this information.

I’m applying to be a Basic Correctional Officer. What should I bring to my on-site?

Please see the “ADOC REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION” section for this information.

What if I don’t have copies of my documentation/paperwork ready in time?

While a valid driver’s license or government-issued identification is required to participate in the on-site, you may mail, fax or email the remaining documentation requirements.

Do I need to call ahead to confirm that I’ll be attending an on-site?

Candidates are not required to confirm their on-site attendance ahead of time.

May I contact a recruiter before my on-site to ask questions?

Yes, candidates may contact an ADOC recruiter to ask questions and ensure they are prepared for the on-site. Please see the “ADOC CONTACT INFORMATION” section for this information.

Where can I find a recruiter’s contact information?

Please see the “ADOC CONTACT INFORMATION” section for this information.

Day-Of On-Site Questions & Answers

Am I required to participate in and pass the physical fitness assessment to be hired as a BCO?

No. While BCOs may be asked to meet specific physical requirements at the ADOC Academy, there are no initial physical requirements for BCOs at on-sites.

If I wish to apply to be a COT but do not pass the physical fitness assessment, am I allowed to try again?

Yes. Candidates who wish to apply to be a COT but do not pass the physical fitness assessment may attend an on-site at a later date. Alternately, these candidates may apply to be a BCO.

What types of jobs may I apply for without participating in or passing the physical fitness assessment?

Candidates who do not wish to participate in or do not pass the physical fitness assessment may apply to be a BCO or CCO.

Employment Questions & Answers

What is the difference between a COT and a BCO?

While Correctional Officer Trainees (COTs) and Basic Correctional Officers (BCOs) perform many of the same job requirements and are equally equipped, the COT carries additional job requirements. Both COTs and BCOs attend the ADOC Academy; however, while COTs are APOSTC-certified, BCOs are ADOC-certified.

Do I get paid while I’m at the Corrections Academy?

Yes, Corrections Academy trainees are compensated. For more information, please contact your ADOC recruiter.

What is the standard work schedule and pay period of a Correctional Officer and/or Basic Correctional Officer?

Officers will work a regular 80-hour pay period, at a minimum.

Can I work and get paid overtime as a Correctional Officer or a Basic Correctional Officer?

Yes, based on facility need and only after certification.

How long will it take after the on-site before someone reaches out to me?

Two-four weeks.

Do I have to go to an on-site if I’ve been a Correctional Officer before?

All previously employed officers need to contact ADOC Personnel at 334-353-9510.

Do I have to work at the Correctional Facility that hosts my on-site?

No, all applicants are asked their facility preference.

I’m applying to be a Basic Correctional Officer. If I’m selected, when do I being at ADOC Academy?

The first class of BCOs at ADOC Academy will begin in June 2019.

ADOC Contact Information

For potential applicants with questions about the on-sites, available positions or the hiring process, please contact:

Napoleon Goodson
Recruiting Division
Napoleon.Goodson@doc.alabama.gov
(205) 288-1034
Lt. Timothy Ensor
Central Region Recruiting Division
timothy.ensor@doc.alabama.gov
(334) 850-0771
Lt. Darryl Finch
Recruiting Division
darryl.finch@doc.alabama.gov
(334) 850-4274
Devon Straughan
Recruiting Division
devon@adocjobs.us
(205) 769-3228
Chris Barnette
Recruiting Division
chris@adocjobs.us
(205) 769-3383
Gerald Brown
Recruiting Division
gerald@adocjobs.us
(205) 769-3484

For current applicants with questions about required documentation, Academy Dates or their hiring status, please contact:

Stephanie Henderson
ADOC Personnel
stephanie.henderson@doc.alabama.gov
(334) 353-9554
Kimberly Weary
ADOC Personnel
kimberly.weary@doc.alabama.gov
334-353-9562
Jennifer Holt
Personnel
jennifer@adocjobs.us
(334) 353-9572

ADOC Glossary

ADOC (Alabama Department of Corrections)
The Alabama Department of Corrections employs over 3,400 employees with an inmate population approaching 26,000+ prisoners. In the years to come, the Department will continue to grow and offer many long-term opportunities to its employees.
ADOC Academy
ADOC Academy is a training course that requires participants to pass academic and physical training requirements. Both BCOs and COTs will attend ADOC Academy after passing their on-site evaluations. BCOs will attend for 6 weeks, while COTs will attend for 12 weeks.
BCO (Basic Correctional Officer)
A Basic Correctional Officer (BCO) is responsible for ensuring correctional facility safety and providing rehabilitative services to inmates in a secure environment. A BCO is required to attend ADOC Academy for six weeks and receive ADOC certification. The BCO position will be organized under the State Personnel Department’s Correctional Security Guard classification.
COT (Correctional Officer Trainee)
A Correctional Officer Trainee (COT) is responsible for ensuring correctional facility safety and providing rehabilitative services to inmates in a secure environment. A COT will also be responsible for transferring inmates and manning the patrol tower and perimeter truck. A COT is required to attend ADOC Academy for 12 weeks and to receive APOSTC certification.
APOSTC (Alabama Peace Officers’ Standards & Training Commission)
The Alabama Peace Officers’ Standards and Training Commission (APOSTC) is responsible for establishing qualifying standards for law enforcement officers and certifying all law enforcement officers. Since BCOs are not ASPOTC-certified, the training program is not regulated by APOSTC.