Training Academy 

It is the mission of the Illinois Department of Corrections Training Academy to support and contribute to the mission of the Illinois Department of Corrections.  This will be accomplished through the development of quality training in all subjects identified as necessary for the discharge of the Department’s responsibilities. Training given by the Academy will be relevant, realistic, and current and will be available to appropriate target audiences of this and other agencies. Professionalism, accountability, and the highest ethical standards will be emphasized in every curriculum offered.

The Training Academy of the Illinois Department of Corrections is located on the grounds of the headquarters of the Illinois Department of Corrections in Springfield, IL.  It has regional training sites in Joliet and Marion Illinois, and provides training where needed at any of the prisons within the system.

The Training Academy’s focus is to provide training to all new incoming uniformed and non-uniformed staff, in addition to developing and providing training for all existing staff within the Department.  Training in the areas of Firearms, Crisis Intervention, Hostage Negotiations, Administration of Discipline, Critical Incident & Command Post, Prison Rape Elimination Act, and Instructional Methods; to name a few, are offered throughout the year and taught by both Academy Instructors and subject matter experts from throughout the corrections field.

The core curriculum of the Training Academy is the six week new Correctional Officer Training or Pre-Service Security Training.  Upon hire, the new Correctional Officer (cadet) will be assigned to attend this training located at the Training Academy in Springfield, IL.

New cadets will be transported from their facility to the Training Academy each week and should be prepared for a strict training schedule to include topics such as Professionalism, Firearms, Control Tactics, Use & Application of Restraints, Report Writing, Inmate Sexual Assault Prevention & Intervention, Dealing with the Female Offender, along with group practical exercises in one of the many facilities throughout the state.  The training provided for all new cadets stresses that of teamwork and professionalism. 

Cadets live in one of two dormitory buildings and adhere to strict rules involving property they can possess and conditions within their room.  A new cadet can expect the following daily schedule:

Cadets entering the Training Academy will be provided further information by their hiring facility prior to arrival at the Training Academy.  The cadet is strongly encouraged to be physically fit, at the level required at screening, prior to arrival at the Training Academy.

Other core curriculums of the Training Academy include a one-week course, Pre-service Orientation Training (PSOT), directed towards all other new staff within the Department, and an eight-week course for all new state correctional parole agents.  Finally, the Training Academy continues to provide support and training for other Agencies within the state in the areas of criminal justice and corrections.