The Middlesex Sheriff’s Office welcomed 21 new correction officers during a graduation ceremony at Memorial Hall in Melrose on Monday, February 27.
The ceremony featured remarks from Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian, Class President Anna Lyte and a keynote address from Harvard University Police Chief Victor Clay. Chief Clay previously served 28 years with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
“We are proud to formally welcome these 21 men and women to our team,” said Sheriff Koutoujian. “For 331 years the members of the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office have served the community with honor and distinction. These new officers will help us build upon that foundation of excellence as we lead the way in reimagining modern corrections.”
Members of the 47th Basic Training Academy bring a diverse range of life experiences and skills to the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office, with 12 having had prior careers in other jobs; 11 having earned an associate’s degree, or higher; and five fluent in two or more languages. In addition, one third of the graduates – including the class president, secretary and treasurer - are women.
For the new officers, graduation marked the culmination of 12 weeks of intense classroom and practical training that focused on a wide array of policies, procedures and skills. Included in the training were focuses on implicit bias, de-escalation, Cognitive Behavioral Theory, Mental Health First Aid and defensive tactics. Additionally, all 21 recruits participated in on-the-job training at the Middlesex Jail & House of Correction, working multiple shifts alongside veteran members of the MSO.
Monday’s graduation marked the second such ceremony for the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office since November and third in just over a year. The next academy will begin in late March and graduate in June.
The Middlesex Sheriff’s Office is currently offering written exams for individuals interested in joining the 49th Basic Training Academy which is projected to start in late summer. Those interested in taking the exam may submit their information at middlesexsheriff.org/recruitment.
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