The Officer Recruit Training program (ORT) is required by statute (Public Act 415) and Department policy. It prepares the correctional officer recruit to perform all job assignments required of correctional officers. In addition to regular custody assignments, ORT also includes specific training for recruits assigned to facilities with gun towers, facilities with female offenders, facilities housing youthful offenders, and all specialized training required for assignment to duties involving squads, and perimeter security assignments.

The Officer Recruit Training program is divided into two (2) phases. Phase 1 is 320 hours of training delivered by the Office of New Employee Training and Professional Development - Officer Recruit Training Unit. Upon completion of Phase 1, the graduation for that particular class is held. Phase 2 immediately follows Phase 1 and is a 2 month period of On-The-Job-Training (OJT). While on OJT the officer recruit is assigned to work all assignments under the supervision and guidance of status corrections officers. Officer recruits also attend additional new employee training programs while on OJT which are a continuation of training received in Phase 1.