Training Division
Housed at the 9,500 square foot Correction Officer Training Academy (COTA) facility in Chelsea, MA, the Department’s Training Division administers a training program that is recognized as a model throughout the world of corrections. The staff of the Training Division is responsible for providing the training of the entirety of Department staff.
Officer candidates take part in a 12-week training academy that is now required of every cadet, along with constant updates, refresher courses, and in-service trainings. A more stringent hiring process and greater participation by veteran custody staff to provide on-the-job training to incoming officers has resulted in a higher caliber of officer, which in turn has led to greater potential for promotion among officers.
The Training Division gives instruction in a variety of custody-specific topics including: the use of force, firearm safety and handling, suicide prevention, mental health first aid, courtroom testimony, ethics and professionalism, inmate education, CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information), PREA (Prison Rape Elimination Act), and inmate rights and responsibilities, fire safety, evacuation plans, and general professional subjects which include clear and concise report writing, sexual harassment, general conduct, CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation), interpersonal communications, and more. Cadets also receive physical training and defensive tactics. The Department has also implemented the practice of mandatory continuous training and retraining on the use of force, due to the atypical nature of the situation, to ensure that officers are well prepared for it.
Non–custody staff is also required to attend in–service training every year to be trained in CPR, First Aid, Emergency Plans, Fire Safety, Suicide Prevention, Report Writing, Classification and Contraband Control, sexual harassment, cultural sensitivity, and Policy Standards, among others. Specialized training is also conducted on an annual basis with our task force officers.
The Division also provides training for the Department’s Honor Guard, Tactical Response Team, Crisis Negotiation Unit, and K-9 a unit that is frequently requested by various organizations to appear throughout Suffolk County and beyond to display the Colors for community functions, funerals, parades, and events.
The Training Division has instituted regular disaster drills with the participation from other public safety agencies of the Department of Homeland Security, Boston Police Department, Emergency Medical Service, and Boston Fire Department to better prepare for a variety of emergency situations. The Division has also achieved full compliance with Massachusetts General Laws and federal laws, including implementation of the Prison Rape Elimination Act.
