Search | Menu 
-
Program Overview
The Jail Officer Academy at Madison College prepares you for an entry-level position as a correctional officer. Admission is limited to sworn officers who have been assigned by their department and pre-service students who meet all of the requirements.
Submissions for agency-sponsored recruits must be submitted at least 30 days prior to the start of the Jail Officer Academy. As a pre-service applicant, you follow the deadlines listed on the Admissions tab. For sworn recruit enrollment information, contact hps@madisoncollege.edu.
Program Details
Students in the Jail Officer Academy must attend full-time.
Class hours during the five-week (200 hour) academy are 8 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday. The Department of Justice requires you to attend 100 percent of the training unless excused by the academy director. Excused absences are extremely limited and will only be granted under certain circumstances.
Upon successful completion of the program, you will be eligible for certification with the Wisconsin Department of Justice, Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board as a jail officer.
Academy classes may be offered at the Madison College Truax campus.
Resources
-
Program Courses
Here's a sample course sequence that shows how classes for full-time students are typically organized by semester.
Once you're admitted, your full curriculum and sequence—including any pre-requisites—is defined in your Degree Progress Report.
Courses30-504-361Basic Jail Officer Academy - Phase 1
This course is Phase 1 of the jail officer basic training program mandated by the Wisconsin Department of Justice, Law Enforcement Standards Board and is designed to train officers in the day-to-day operations of a jail facility. They will also receive training in areas that enhance their ability to perform their duties as a jail officer. Training provided will often include, but not be limited to, the following topics: Admit and Release Inmates, Correctional Law, Health Care, Intro to Corrections, Officer Wellness, ?Maintain Jail Security, Professional Communication Skills, Principles of Subject Control, Reports.3 credits30-504-362Basic Jail Officer Academy - Phase 2
This course is Phase 2 of the jail officer basic training program mandated by the Wisconsin Department of Justice, Law Enforcement Standards Board and is designed to train officers in the day-to-day operations of a jail facility. They will also receive training in areas that enhance their ability to perform their duties as a jail officer. Training provided will often include, but not be limited to, the following topics: CPR, Ethics, Fire Safety, Inmate Supervision and Behavior Control, Investigations, Hostage Response, POSC, Suicide Prevention, Supervision of Special Needs Inmate.3 credits -
How to Apply
Summer: May 24 - June 25, 2027 (application window March 1 – April 15, 2027)
Early applications are not accepted.
Students seeking admission to the Jail Officer Certification must:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Possess a high school diploma or equivalent
- Complete the Wisconsin Department of Justice Application for Academy Enrollment (DJ-LE-327)
- Complete a criminal history records check
- Complete a satisfactory oral interview
- Not have a suspended or revoked driver's license
Students accepted into the Jail Officer Certification Course must undergo a physical assessment by a Wisconsin-licensed physician.
