Titles, descriptions, and credit recommendations for all learning experiences recommended for college credit within the Recruit Training Program section can be found below. To locate information on additional learning experiences, which have also been recommended for college credit, use the Organization Directory Page link above for a complete list of titles for all learning experiences or use the following links to go directly to other sections: 

In-Service Training
Instructor Training

Titles of all evaluated learning experiences in the Recruit Training Program

The Recruit Training Program comprises 280 hours of instruction over 7 weeks (320 hours over 8 weeks since January 2004) and 160 hours of supervised on-the-job orientation over an additional 4 weeks (120 hours over 3 weeks since January 2004). The following 9 areas represent the academic and practical components of the curriculum that carry college credit recommendations. The hours listed for each area are approximate and may vary somewhat depending upon the needs of each class. The content covered and learning objectives achieved are similar with each administration.
NOTE: Recruits must complete the entire 11 week program to benefit from the credit recommendations. In addition, for certain areas (see Note at the end of specific exhibits), the recruit must also complete a required probationary work period in order to qualify for the credit recommendation for that area.

Chemical Agents
Communications
Institutional Procedures
Investigation and Evidence Collection
Legal Principles and Concepts
Physical Education and Health and Safety
Physical Training
Practicum in Corrections
Social-Psychological Issues

Descriptions and credit recommendations

Chemical Agents
Location: New York State Department of Correctional Services Training Academy, 1134 New Scotland Road, Albany, NY.
Length: Approximately 15 hours over 7 weeks.
Dates: December 1993 - Present.
Objectives: Deliver appropriate doses of chemical agents; follow appropriate procedures to decontaminate exposed persons and surfaces.
Instruction: Uses of chemical agents; history, effects, toxicity, and decontamination procedures; approved equipment and methods of delivery.
Credit recommendation: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 1 semester hour as an elective in Criminal Justice (12/98) (7/05 revalidation). NOTE: Credit is recommended only after the recruit has completed a satisfactory one-year probationary work period.

Communications
Location: New York State Department of Correctional Services Training Academy, 1134 New Scotland Road, Albany, NY.
Length: Approximately 30 hours over 7 weeks.
Dates: December 1993 - Present.
Objectives: Write clear, effective, and accurate memoranda, reports, and forms; adopt effective communication skills, including body positioning, observation, and listening; use appropriate decision-making techniques.
Instruction: Uses of Departmental forms; taking field notes; accurate report writing; memoranda; misbehavior reports; various referral forms; interpersonal communications, including body positioning, posture, observation, and listening; extensive use of practice and role play situations regarding interpersonal communications; supervisory attitudes when applied to inmate situations; decision making techniques.
Credit recommendation: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 2 semester hours as Communications in a Criminal Justice or liberal arts curriculum (12/98) (7/05 revalidation).

Institutional Procedures
Location: New York State Department of Correctional Services Training Academy, 1134 New Scotland Road, Albany, NY.
Length: Approximately 35 hours over 7 weeks.
Dates: December 1993 - Present.
Objectives: Follow internal procedures for the effective and efficient operation of a correctional facility.
Instruction: Counting inmates; policy and procedures for security areas; inmate packing procedures; standards of inmate behavior; tool and key control; transportation of inmates; facility communication system; receiving inmates; visiting room procedures; ministerial and volunteer services; vocational education; supervision of general housing.
Credit recommendation: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 2 semester hours as Correctional Administration in Criminal Justice (12/98) (7/05 revalidation).

Investigation and Evidence Collection
Location: New York State Department of Correctional Services Training Academy, 1134 New Scotland Road, Albany, NY.
Length: Approximately 15 hours over 7 weeks.
Dates: December 1993 - Present.
Objectives: Engage in investigative techniques and collect and secure appropriate evidence; conduct institutional searches and seizures.
Instruction: Eye witness and rules of evidence; interrogations and statements; physical evidence; preliminary investigation; testifying in court; cell frisk role play; contraband and frisk; drugs and other contraband.
Credit recommendation: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 1 semester hour as Investigative Techniques in Criminal Justice (12/98) (7/05 revalidation).

Legal Principles and Concepts
Location: New York State Department of Correctional Services Training Academy, 1134 New Scotland Road, Albany, NY.
Length: Approximately 30 hours over 7 weeks.
Dates: December 1993 - Present.
Objectives: Identify and describe legal principles and concepts applicable to correctional organization and administration.
Instruction: Use of force; Chapter V: inmate misbehavior, due process requirements, and misbehavior reports; Chapter VI: isolation of protective custody and disciplinary cases, authorization and designation of these units; Penal Law; accusatory instruments; Civil Law; Constitutional Law; indemnification; laws of arrest; powers of a Peace Officer; search and seizure; legal authority and responsibility of correctional officers.
Credit recommendation: In the lower division baccalaureate/ associate degree category, 2 semester hours as Correctional Law in Criminal Justice (12/98) (7/05 revalidation).

Physical Education and Health and Safety
Location: New York State Department of Correctional Services Training Academy, 1134 New Scotland Road, Albany, NY.
Length: Approximately 30 hours over 7 weeks.
Dates: December 1993 - Present.
Objectives: Use various defensive tactics in combative situations, administer CPR and First Aid; follow proper fire and safety procedures.
Instruction: Techniques and policies relating to the use of a baton; American Red Cross Standard First Aid and CPR course with emphasis on the recruits’ lives and work situations; causes of fires and accidents in correctional facilities.
Credit recommendation: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category or in the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 2 semester hours in Physical Education (12/98) (7/05 revalidation). NOTE: Credit is recommended only after the recruit has completed a satisfactory one-year probationary work period.

Physical Training
Location: New York State Department of Correctional Services Training Academy, 1134 New Scotland Road, Albany, NY.
Length: Approximately 33 hours over 7 weeks.
Dates: December 1993 - Present.
Objectives: Maintain an appropriate level of fitness suitable for the demands of the profession.
Instruction: A progressive exercise program designed to build strength, endurance, flexibility, agility, and cardiovascular fitness.
Credit recommendation: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category or in the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 2 semester hours as Physical Education (12/98) (7/05 revalidation).

Practicum in Corrections
Location: New York State Department of Correctional Services penal facilities.
Length: Version 1: 160 hours (4 weeks) of supervised orientation. Version 2: 120 hours (3 weeks) of supervised orientation.
Dates: Version 1: December 1993 - December 2003. Version 2: January 2004 - Present.
Objectives: Version 1 or 2: Apply corrections theory and technique to actual field experiences.
Instruction: Version 1 or2: Under the direct observation and supervision of a Correction Officer, the recruit performs all duties of a C.O., including inmate contact, carrying batons, performing frisks, cell searches, and bar checks, and writing misbehavior reports. The recruit is oriented to emergency procedures, key control, use of radio and personal alarms, rules and regulations, securing procedures, count procedures, log book entries, frisk policy, housekeeping, and inmate movement policies.
Credit recommendation: Version 1 or 2: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category or in the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours as an Internship in Corrections in a Criminal Justice curriculum (12/98) (7/05 revalidation).

Social-Psychological Issues
Location: New York State Department of Correctional Services Training Academy, 1134 New Scotland Road, Albany, NY.
Length: Approximately 15 hours over 7 weeks.
Dates: December 1993 - Present.
Objectives: Show awareness and appreciation of major religious organizations and inmate subgroups and their impact on the correctional system; discuss epidemiology, care treatment, and psycho-social issues surrounding AIDS; discuss judicial process and procedures; recognize the distinction between graft and bribery; recognize inmates with emotional problems and/or abnormal behavior.
Instruction: Cultural awareness; major religious organizations, inmate organizations and unauthorized groups; AIDS seminar; court structure and procedures; ethics, graft, and bribery; attitudes in supervision; observation and personal perceptions, feelings, and prejudices that affect observation; recognizing abnormal behavior; hostage takers and surviving a capture experience; the Stockholm Syndrome.
Credit recommendation: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category or in the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 1 semester hour as a Social Science elective in Criminal Justice or a liberal arts curriculum (12/98) (7/05 revalidation).

Updated 4/17/06

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