Week 5

Week 5 of the 21^st Session Academy once again ended one trainee short. The remaining 12 trainees successfully passed their law week test on Monday, then quickly shifted gears to focus on the week ahead.

“Law week was pretty tough,” said one trainee “But thankfully our instructor was awesome. He made sure we all understood the material… But we’re definitely ready to learn something new this week.”

This week, the trainees began their introduction to the various job assignments throughout the department, with classes taught by deputies assigned to booking, courts, and records. The trainees learned the intricacies of the booking process, which includes fingerprinting, the significance of demeanor, appearance, testimony in a courtroom, and the importance of proper record keeping.

While the trainees practiced fingerprinting, Booking Supervisor Lt. Eckes spoke with them about their futures.

“After graduation, you will all be working in the jail; It’s important you really learn that job inside and out,” Lt. Eckes continued “There are so many career paths you can take. There are countless opportunities to learn something new in this department.”

The trainees also learned uniform standards, proper radio communication, pat-down procedure, and the correct way of enforcing rules and regulations.

With each new week comes new challenges. However, one challenge remains the same… camaraderie. Academy Director Lt. Mercer is optimistic though, “While the class has encountered many trials and tribulations throughout their training, they have grown together as a unit and are starting to have much more success performing group tasks.”

On Friday morning, the trainees ran the 1.5-mile Law Fit standard for the second time. All 12 trainees improved their run times. Four trainees shaved two minutes off their original run time; one trainee even shaved off three minutes.

“I am very hopeful for the future,” said Lt. Mercer “I’m excited to see what is to come.”

Next week the trainees will concentrate on the transfer and release of inmates, hostage situation protocols, and suicide prevention.

Only 13 weeks to go, 21^st Session!