(Photo courtesy of Department of Public Safety)

MEDIA RELEASE

The Department of Public Safety welcomed a new class of adult correctional officers at a recent graduation ceremony and luncheon at the Papaikou Hongwanji Hall.

26 recruits graduated from Basic Corrections Training (BCT) and will begin their careers at the Hawaii Community Correctional Center (HCCC).

Hawaii Police Department Assistant Chief Henry Tavares was the keynote speaker at the graduation. He is in charge of Area I Operations in East Hawaii. Assistant Chief Tavares encouraged the new recruits to aim high in their career goals and strive to do their best.

“The example you should set as you carry out your duties is that of a professional,” Tavares said. “You will go far in your career as long as you are committed to the mission of your department, to uphold justice by providing correctional and law enforcement services to Hawaii’s communities with professionalism, integrity and fairness.”

BCT is an eight-week training that includes 320 hours of classroom time and physical training. Recruits learn standard of conduct, professionalism and ethics, report writing, interpersonal communications, maintaining security, crisis intervention, security threat groups, firearms, self-defense tactics, and definitely, physical exercise.

Many corrections officers are transferring to Kulani Correctional Facility when it opens July 1. This class will help to fill some of the vacancies at HCCC.

“These new recruits will be responsible for the care, custody and treatment of the people who are incarcerated at HCCC,” said Public Safety Director Ted Sakai. “It’s not the easiest environment to work in, but it’s a good career for those who are patient and professional and willing to do their best. Those people will go far.”

A Basic Corrections Training class for Kulani Correctional Facility is scheduled for this month.