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Officer Hiring and Qualifications

Officer Hiring and Qualifications

  • 1. Age and Education Requirements

    • Be at least 18 years old.
    • Have earned a High School Diploma or a General Educational Development (G.E.D.) certificate.

  • 2. Education or Experience Requirements

    Meet ONE or more of the following criteria:

    • Possess at least 15 semester credit hours (or 23 term credit hours) in any academic or degree prerequisite area, or agree to obtain the required 15 semester (or 23 term) credit hours within 24 months after hire.
    • Have two years of full time corrections officer experience in a local, state, federal, or private correctional institution, and be currently employed satisfactorily in a corrections officer position, or have previously left such employment in satisfactory status.
    • Have completed basic training in the uniformed services.

    Tuition and fees for corrections officers who are required to earn 15 college credits within 24 months of employment are supported by a new program administered by the Michigan Community College Association.

    Find information on the MCCA program

  • 3. Criminal Background Check

    • Must provide criminal history information and pass the criminal history check prior to consideration for employment. Falsification of information will result in elimination from consideration for hire.
    • Applicants who have been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony are ineligible for employment until satisfactory completion of any sentence imposed, including parole or probation. Job applicants who have been convicted of a felony may be screened out in accordance with Public Act 191 of 2017.

  • 4. Interview

    • Applicants will be notified by email to schedule a date and time for a structured interview. Interviews are conducted in a panel format consisting of corrections supervisors and/or recruitment personnel. An applicant will have two chances to pass the structured interview. Employer reference forms are sent with the interview information to be completed.

  • 5. Physical Fitness Assessment

    • Event 1: 200 Yard Run
    • Event 2: Stairs
    • Event 3: Striking Techniques
    • Event 4: Up/Downs
    • Event 5: Clothed Body Search
    • Event 6: 100 Yard Run and Equipment Carry
    • Event 7: Locking Mechanism
    • Event 8: Rescue Drag
    • Event 9: CPR Compressions
    • Event 10: Summoning Assistance
    • Total Time Under 5 Minutes

  • 6. Physical Exam

    • Applicants passing Steps 1 through 5 will receive notification regarding a medical physical, pulmonary function test, and two step tuberculosis tests.
    • Applicants must be able to wear a gas mask and a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) to be hired.

  • 7. Pre-employment Drug Screen

    • Applicants will be required to do a pre-employment drug screen before entering the academy. A positive test for illegal drugs or marijuana will result in a failed screen.

  • 8. Training

    New recruits will attend a fully paid 8-week Officer Recruit Training Academy. Once individuals successfully complete the academy, they will begin two months of on-the-job training at their assigned facilities.

    The Michigan Department of Corrections is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

    Contact Information

    MDOC Recruitment
    P.O. Box 30003
    Lansing, MI 48909
    Phone: 517-335-1874
    Toll Free: 888-820-7129