Sheriff Tompkins, Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department bring 35 new officers online

Sheriff Steven W. Tompkins and the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department recently graduated 35 new recruits from Correction Officer Training Academy Class 15–02 at the Westin Boston Waterfront Hotel in South Boston.

The event was attended by several members of Sheriff Tompkins’ Executive Staff including Superintendent In-Chief Michael Harris, House of Correction Superintendent Yolanda Smith, Deputy Superintendent of the House of Correction Richard McCarthy, Deputy Superintendent of the Nashua Street Jail Cliff Carney and Assistant Deputy Superintendent and Supervisor of Training Jose Mojica, along with several members of the Training Division and Honor Guard.

In their journey to become members of the department’s custody staff, officer candidates endured a rigorous 12–week training that tested them physically and mentally as they completed instruction in subjects that included ethics and professionalism, suicide prevention, the use of force continuum, firearm safety and handling, inmate education and programming, contraband control, courtroom testimony, CORI and inmate rights and responsibilities, fire safety, CPR, sexual harassment, cross–gender supervision and report writing, among others.

Before delivering the Correction Officer’s Oath to Correction Officer Training Academy Class 15-02, Sheriff Tompkins instructed the group to rise and recognize the family members and friends who helped to support them throughout their training, and also spoke to the class about the work ahead.

“You have defied the odds along the way to this moment,” Sheriff Tompkins said. “You were chosen out of literally thousands of applicants to participate in our academy, and you persevered through that process to make it here tonight. I applaud you and I look forward to seeing you at the House of Correction when you report for duty.”

All 35 newly-sworn officers have been stationed at the Suffolk County House of Correction.