The Spring 2021 class of the Basic Detention Academy at Coconino Community College was recognized during a ceremony at Fort Tuthill County Park on Friday, May 14. Courtesy photo.
FLAGSTAFF — Coconino County Sheriff Jim Driscoll had the cadets raise their right hands and repeat after him.
“I do solemnly swear that I will uphold the Constitution and laws of the United States of America and the State of Arizona. I will perform faithfully and honorably the duties of the Detention Officer and will accept, without reservation, the responsibility and trust placed in me by the citizens of Coconino County and my fellow law enforcement professionals.”
Ten new detention officers will be working for the Sheriff’s Office after having graduated from Basic Detention Academy. They were honored with a ceremony on May 14 at the Pepsi Amphitheater at the Fort Tuthill County Fairgrounds.
The academy is made possible through a partnership with the sheriff’s office and Coconino Community College.
“Partnerships are essential to the success of many programs here at CCC, and one highly successful partnership is one that was established 14 years ago and has produced 27 Detention Academies,” said David Ramos, CCC Administration of Justice faculty. “CCC and the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office partnered to create a higher level of academic training for the detention staff who are employed at our jail in Flagstaff and Page.”
Lt. Thomas Hover, the Detention Academy Director, said, “The partnership we have enjoyed with Coconino Community College over the years has provided an increased level of professionalism for our training program along with opportunities for detention staff and community members to interact directly in a positive setting.”
The Basic Detention Academy is designed to meet Arizona Detention Association standards, and it provides entry-level training to detention officer staff. Students admitted to the academy must be hired or recommended by an approved law enforcement agency.
According to CCSO staff, about 90 percent of the detention officers working at the Coconino County Detention Facility went through the Basic Detention Academy at CCC. The program is worth 13 credits, which can help the officers fulfill requirements for associate or bachelor’s degrees in the future.
The course lasts eight weeks, and all classes are taught by staff at the jail. Depending on hiring trends, the academy is offered twice a year in the fall and spring.
During the May 14 ceremony, the cadets were presented with badges after they underwent an inspection by CCSO jail command staff. Coconino County Sheriff Jim Driscoll swore in the new cadets, making their Detention Officer status official. Commander Matt Figueroa presented the class to the gathered friends and family. The class speaker for the event was class leader Justine Hipple.
The 10 cadets who were sworn in as Detention Officers I were: Kyle Bedonie, Weston Brady, Brandon Davis-McCluskey, Justine Hipple, Ryan Jarchow, Dominick Magana, Alvin Ng, Ryan Palmer, Jose Ramos and Colin Russell.
Ramos added that he appreciates the Sheriff’s Office Detention staff and Sheriff Driscoll for their willingness to work toward a common goal – especially during a pandemic.
“Our partnered professional relationship will continue for many years to come,” Ramos said.
For more information about the Basic Detention Academy, visit https://www.coconino.edu/basic-detention-academy-certificate .