We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions people have when it comes to getting started with a career as a corrections officer at MDOC. Review the questions and answers in the accordions or use the search bar below to search the FAQs.
Northern Region: 1/18/26, 4/13/26, & 7/20/26
Green Oaks: 10/13/2025, 2/2/26, 4/27/26, & 7/20/26
New officers currently start at $23.45 per hour.
Green Oaks Training & Professional Development Center
8701 East M-36
Whitmore Lake, MI 48189
Northern Region Training Center
5086 W. M-80
Kinross, MI 49788
Monday through Friday, 7:00am – 3:30pm.
Classroom training is eight weeks at the academy, followed by an additional two months of on-the-job training at your assigned facility.
Recruits that live/work more than 50 miles from the academy are given the option for lodging per the state travel regulations. Staying on-site is not a requirement. If not staying overnight mileage MAY be reimbursed per the State of Michigan Travel Regulations.
Academy lodging is provided by the Department at the Green Oaks Training and Professional Development Center Lodge. Each room has two beds, two wardrobes, two study desks and a shared internet app-ready television as well as an in-room bathroom with a shower and two sinks. Additionally, the lodge has a recreation room, a fitness room, a quiet study space, laundry and vending on each floor, and an outdoor patio and basketball court. Lodging at the Northern Region Training Center will be provided through local hotels in Sault Ste. Marie about 15 miles from the training center.
Yes, you will most likely share a room with another recruit. The rooms have two double beds. There are regular room inspections to make sure the rooms remain clean.
The MDOC expects that recruits follow the academy rules, MDOC policies and procedures, and the MDOC employee handbook. Additionally, recruits are expected to be prepared, to be on-time, and to be at work each day with their uniform worn properly. They shall be respectful to training staff and each other, self-disciplined, open to learning, and receptive to constructive criticism that helps them become exceptional officers.
The academy is run with some structure, but it is not considered to be paramilitary. There is no rank structure at the academy. Field Training Officers and academy instructors are here to ensure learning and to prepare recruits for their new career.
Recruits will have morning inspection and rollcall, followed by classroom training, lunch, and then usually physical training or skill development at the end of the day. Training is a mixture of lecture/group-based training and skill-based activities.
Lunch is provided to all recruits. Breakfast and dinner are provided for recruits who are lodging on site.
Recruits are welcome to bring their own lunch, snacks, and beverages. Lunch will be eaten in the cafeteria or other designated dining area. Snacks and beverages may be consumed on breaks, however eating in the classroom is not permitted.
Yes, hourly breaks are provided, as well as a half-hour lunch.
Recruits receive significant hands-on training throughout the academy including physical training, skill development training, defensive tactics, firearms familiarization, restraint application, personal and area searches, and other skills required to be an exceptional corrections officer.
Recruits must initially complete the Correctional Officer Physical Aptitude Test prior to being hired. It can be viewed on YouTube at this link: MDOC COPAT.
Once in the academy, recruits are expected to participate in physical training which includes push-ups, sit-ups, mountain climbers, light running and other approved exercises. They are also expected to fully participate in defensive tactics, emergency health care and disturbance control training. These programs require moderate physical exertion.
Recruits will receive their uniforms Thursday or Friday during new officer orientation. Those who have a uniform that doesn’t fit correctly will be issued PT gear until the correct uniforms are issued.
Recruits are responsible for alterations as needed for proper fit and pant length.
Recruits are expected to have their uniform neat, clean, pressed and shoes or boots polished. Their hair shall be natural colors and off the collar. Nails shall be trimmed below the tip of the finger so they can perform assigned duties and training activities. Recruits will receive a grooming and uniform tutorial/overview when they pick up their uniforms.
Recruits will need to study after hours to understand all of the material and to do well on their exams. However, there is generally not assigned homework after hours.
Recruits have the option of completing their college credits at any time prior to or after being hired. They have 24 months to complete their college credits once hired. During the academy, recruits may have the ability to participate in virtual college courses or evening classes if their schedule permits.
Yes, recruits receive information during their first week about joining the Michigan Corrections Organization (MCO). Joining the MCO is optional.
New Recruits begin earning pay on day one of the academy. Paychecks are issued bi-weekly (every other Thursday). The first paycheck will be received on the second payday after starting work.
For newly hired employees, benefits will be effective the first day of the new pay-period starting after you call the MI HR Service Center (877-766-6447) to enroll. Newly hired employees must call MI HR within 31 days of their hire date to enroll in benefits. Benefits are not effective immediately upon hire or immediately after contacting MI HR* to enroll. Benefit Eligibility Guidelines.
The Department of Corrections may screen out job applicants who have been convicted of a felony in accordance with Public Act 191 of 2017. Applicants who have been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony are ineligible for employment with the Department of Corrections until satisfactory completion of any sentence imposed, including parole or probation.
The MDOC is recruiting anyone 18 years or older who meets the requirements of the job.
No, you do not need to be a U.S. Citizen to apply, however, you will need to complete an I-9 form and provide original documents for review to verify your identification and your authorization for employment. Acceptable Documents for Verifying Employment Authorization and Identity.
Shifts vary depending on the facility and operational needs. Depending on where you are placed, you may be assigned to an 8- or 12-hour shift.
Yes, once you complete the academy and on-the-job training. Facility scheduling is based on operational needs, which includes weekends.
The Michigan Department of Corrections is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.
