NC Speeds Up Process Of Training Correctional Officers

The new approach by the North Carolina Department on Public Safety has officers starting basic training during their second week of work, after a week of on-site orientation. Officials say the goal of this accelerated schedule is to make prisons safer and more orderly.

According to an investigation done by The Charlotte Observer, in some facilities it took months before many officers received basic training in skills like self-defense.

The department is also looking to find ways to improve prison operations in general.

One of their aims is to develop new procedures to help control the smuggling of drugs and cellphones to inmates.

Public Safety Secretary Erik Hooks says leaders in the department are going to take a more hands-on role during training, and he is ”committed to making changes where appropriate.”