NEWARK, N.J. — Ten newly trained correctional officers graduated Wednesday from the Essex County Police Academy, completing a 19-week program that prepares them to serve inside Morris County’s correctional system, according to the Morris County Sheriff’s Office.
The recruits, known as County Corrections Police Officer Class 25-3, began training in December and finished a curriculum that included firearms instruction, defensive tactics, CPR certification, and first responder training, Sheriff James M. Gannon said in the announcement.
Training culminates in Newark ceremony
The graduation ceremony took place at St. Lucy’s Church in Newark, a historic venue that hosted family members, academy staff, and county officials recognizing the class’s completion of the program.
The Essex County Police Academy’s Basic Course for County Corrections Police Officers (BCCCPO) program spans nearly five months and combines physical conditioning with classroom instruction and practical skills. Officials say the training is designed to prepare officers for the demands of maintaining safety and order within correctional facilities.
“These graduates have demonstrated the discipline and commitment required for this profession,” the Morris County Correctional Facility Administration team said in the release, noting the intensity of the academy’s requirements.
Among the graduates, Vincent Barba received the Firearms Award, recognizing top performance in weapons training.
New officers join Morris County ranks
The 10 officers who completed the program are Vincent Barba, Cameron Bascomb, Keegan Carvajal, John Coleman, Corey Dempster, Kenny Elysee, Shaquille Gould, Jacob Nelson, Destiny Neuberger, and David VanWinkle.
Their addition expands the staffing of the Morris County Correctional Facility, where officers oversee inmate supervision, facility security, and emergency response operations.
Correctional police officers play a critical role in the criminal justice system, operating behind the scenes in environments that require constant vigilance and adherence to procedure. Training typically includes crisis intervention, legal standards, and communication skills alongside physical preparedness.
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Key Points
• Ten recruits completed a 19-week corrections training program at Essex County Police Academy
• Graduation ceremony held Wednesday at St. Lucy’s Church in Newark
• Vincent Barba earned the class Firearms Award
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Why the training matters
County officials emphasize that correctional officers must be prepared for a wide range of situations, from routine supervision to medical emergencies and potential conflicts inside facilities.
The academy curriculum reflects those demands, incorporating both classroom education and scenario-based exercises. Recruits must meet physical fitness benchmarks and demonstrate proficiency in defensive tactics and firearms before graduating.
The Morris County Correctional Facility Administration team framed the milestone as the beginning of public service careers, highlighting the responsibility the officers now carry within the county system.
“Best of luck, God bless, and congratulations to Morris County’s newest Correctional Police Officers,” the statement read, signaling the transition from training to active duty.
From academy to active duty
While the graduation marks the end of formal academy instruction, new officers typically continue field training and on-the-job supervision as they integrate into facility operations.
The Morris County Sheriff’s Office did not specify immediate assignments, but graduates are expected to begin working within the county correctional system following certification.
Their roles will include maintaining safety for staff and inmates, enforcing facility rules, and responding to incidents—duties that require both physical readiness and sound judgment.
As correctional systems nationwide continue to face staffing challenges and evolving operational demands, the addition of trained officers represents a key step in maintaining institutional stability at the local level.
The newly sworn officers now enter the workforce at a time when correctional facilities increasingly rely on comprehensive training to address safety, health, and security concerns.
The Morris County Correctional Facility has not announced additional academy classes yet, but officials regularly send recruits through regional training programs like the one in Essex County.
The 10 graduates are now certified and eligible to begin their assignments, marking the official start of their careers in Morris County’s correctional system.