Jail Officer Academy

Technical Diploma
Law, Public Safety, and Security Cluster Icon

Why choose Jail Officer Academy?

  • Gain the practical skills and knowledge needed to be effective in corrections and meet the challenges of our changing society.
  • Corrections officers change lives and help people assume more positive roles in society.
  • Choose to protect the safety and security of inmates and staff in a variety of facilities.
Correctional officers play a critical role in our legal system. They supervise people in penal institutions and guard those in transit between jail, courtroom, prison, or other point. They ensure public safety by maintaining a safe environment for corrections staff and inmates.

Program Locations

Wisconsin Rapids Campus
500 32nd Street North
Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494

What You'll Learn

The Criminal Justice-Studies program offers students multiple career paths in the criminal justice field. Students can choose to enter law enforcement or corrections right after graduation or transfer to a university for a bachelor's degree. The program aims to facilitate employment, keep students updated on industry advancements, and promote further education. Mid-State’s experienced instructors prioritize professionalism, integrity, and high ethical standards.

The program includes the opportunity to enroll in the separate Wisconsin Department of Justice's 720-hour law enforcement academy or the 200-hour jail academy, allowing students to become certified law enforcement or correctional officers in four semesters. Graduates can also apply their skills in civilian criminal justice roles, such as record maintenance or communications center operations. 

Technical Standards

Students in this program should be able to meet its specific technical standards. These are the essential skills and abilities needed to be successful in the program, with or without reasonable accommodation. It is important to review and understand these standards before applying to the program.

View Technical Standards For This Program

Employability Skills

  • Behave Responsibly: Ethical Behavior, Self-Responsibility, Conflict Resolution, Collaboration
  • Communicate Effectively: Writing, Technical Documentation, Listening, Speaking, Interpersonal Communication, Reading
  • Critical & Creative Thinking: Inquiry, Evidence Collection, Analysis, Reasoning, Reflection (Metacognition)
  • Cultural, Social, & Global Awareness: Global Awareness, Social & Cultural Awareness, Social Responsibility
  • Use Appropriate Technology: Use of Technology, Confidentiality, Security, Digital Civility

Learn more about employability skills at Mid-State.

Instructors

CANDACE SCHMIDT, AAS

Candace earned an AAS in corrections from Mid-State and is currently working to obtain her bachelor’s degree. Since earning her AAS, she has worked as a correctional officer for six years, with three of those years as a field training officer for new staff.

“In my journey I've discovered a determined passion for the realm of corrections and community advocacy. Through my experiences and knowledge, I am eager to share not just insight, but a sincere dedication to fostering positive change.”

Careers

  • Correctional Officer
  • Juvenile Detention Officer
     

Fast-Track

High school students are eligible to enroll in this program; however, some courses have age requirements. Speak to a Mid-State advisor for more information. Learn more about Mid-State Fast-Track

US Citizenship is required to sit for this licensure exam. Contact your academic advisor for more information.

Accreditation Information

Mid-State’s Jail Officer Academy is approved by the Wisconsin Department of Justice Training and Standards Bureau. 

"Mid-State’s instructors took time to work with each student, and the internship program provided me with the opportunity to learn in a real-world setting. I was able to get my foot in the door with my desired career choice and was hired in a county jail shortly after I graduated."

LEE ROKKE
GRADUATE

Choose Your Path

Career pathways help you take your education one step at a time to maximize your investment and make college fit your life. Earn a credential and start using it in the workforce. Continue with another stack of related courses to gain a more advanced diploma or degree. Explore this program’s pathway in the graphic below. For an even quicker first step to a degree or diploma, check out our short-term certificates.

TransferDual CreditCredit for Prior Learning

Jail Officer Academy Program Pathway