Delaware now targeting high schoolers for careers in prisons

DOVER, Del. – The state of Delaware is targeting high school students as it tries to find more people willing to work as correctional officers.

The state has more than 250 vacant guard positions and could soon spend more than $30 million on overtime this fiscal year.

The Delaware State News reports that the department’s first-ever youth academy in July is open to students as young as sophomores. It offers a free, three-day crash course on criminal justice and the work guards do inside prisons. Students will become certified in CPR and first aid, and be able to search a cell and practice contraband seizure.

Corrections administrator Jennifer Biddle says around 20 will be selected. People can apply for corrections work once they’re 19 and a half.

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Information from: Delaware State News, http://delawarestatenews.net