Westchester County NY Government

Late last month, the Westchester County Department of Correction (WCDOC) held a formal graduation and promotional ceremony for 16 new correction officers, seven Sergeants and two Captains. Joining the graduating class was one Yonkers Detention Officer who participated in the 12-week correction officer academy training period.

The ceremony began with a call to order, opening prayer and a presentation of the colors by the Department’s Honor Guard, who entered the Westchester Community College Hankin Academic Arts Center accompanied by bagpipers and drummers of the Westchester County Emerald Society.

County Executive George Latimer said: “One of the most important functions of County government is the safe running of a correctional facility. The individuals remanded into the custody of WCDOC have arrived there for many reasons and will look to our new correction officers and supervisors as role models and mentors – a class of role models and mentors which continues WCDOC’s commitment to diversity. A full commitment to their new professions and responsibilities will directly impact the men and women in their care and help them prepare for a successful return to their communities. As demonstrated in the 2023 budget, my administration will continue to provide resources to support the advancement of our Corrections Department, its workforce and those remanded into their care and custody.”

Deputy Commissioner Michael Gerald welcomed attending dignitaries and graduating class family members. As Deputy Commissioner in charge of the training academy he said: “To support our new correction officers and supervisors, the Department has enhanced the academy training curriculum for every level of our sworn workforce. Some formal training enhancements include effective communications, more on-the-job scenario based training, debriefing modules, active shooter, use of force and De-escalation, off-site middle and senior management leadership training sessions. A special thanks to the academy staff and instructors for a job well done and to the academy class and new supervisors for the tremendous effort they put forward to complete WCDOC training requirements”.

In addressing the recruits, Correction Commissioner Joseph K. Spano reinforced that the new career as correction officers is one of the most challenging in all of law enforcement and highlighted the large number of promotions made during the past 2.5 years. 

Spano stated: “I know from firsthand experience that the job of a correction officer is not easy and it will take time to adjust to a fast moving and complex environment. I also know that correction officers have one of the most important roles in criminal justice. Along with providing custody and supervision for incarcerated individuals, you have a significant role in their rehabilitation process. The extensive training you received over the last 12 weeks combined with our continuing support will help you adjust to your new profession and safely carry out your daily responsibilities in a challenging environment.”

Spano continued: “These 9 promotions brings the combined total number of promotions in the past 2.5 years to 57; 38 Sergeants, 17 Captains and 2 Assistant Wardens. Due to the Coronavirus Pandemic, many of our senior supervisors chose to retire early, leaving us with some staffing challenges. With the support of County Executive Latimer and his senior management team, we have been able to keep pace with our recent staff separations and safely meet the operational needs of our agency. Now, as newly promoted Sergeants and Captains, you have to respond by working up to our expectations and serving as strong leaders, mentors, role models and agents for positive changes. We are confident in your ability to maintain and build on the successes of our agency in the coming years”.

Commissioner Spano further noted that the Westchester Department of Correction is considered a national leader in the space, recognized for its robust rehabilitation program system and accreditation certifications through the American Correctional Association, the National Commission on Correctional Healthcare and the Prison Rape Elimination Act. 

At the ceremony, Captain Patti Bhola of the Department’s Training Academy, detailed some of the unique correction officer training curriculum including implicit bias, secondary trauma, de-escalation of incidents, defensive tactics, crisis intervention and interaction with seriously mentally ill people. She also touched on the additional week of training at both the Sergeant and Captains level. Prior to the close of the ceremony, she was joined by Training Unit Sergeants Kevin Johnson and Paul Lindert, and they presented awards to members of the graduating class who distinguished themselves during the academy, including the best student, the best conditioned recruit and for leadership skills.