Carroll County Schools students can now train for Basic Jail Officer certification thanks to a partnership with the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office.

School system and county officials gathered October 19 to cut a ribbon on the program which is offered at the system’s College & Career Academy South Campus. Students in the Law & Public Safety pathway have the opportunity to participate in training and certification during the spring semester. 

“This partnership is a four-way win,” Superintendent Scott Cowart said. “It’s a win for Carroll County Schools, it’s a win for the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office and it’s a win for this community. But the most important winners are these students.” 

College & Career Academy South Principal Lisa Puckett said students receiving the Basic Jail Officer certification from the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council are eligible to work at any jail in Georgia but will be encouraged to apply locally.

“Not only can these graduates start out making around $40,000 as jailers in Carroll County, they receive full benefits and the opportunity to participate in two retirement systems,” Carroll County Sheriff Terry Langley said. “And from there, the sky is the limit in your law enforcement career.” 

Puckett said Langley’s deputies have been instrumental in planning the curriculum which will be coordinated with Georgia POST. CCSO Sgt. Corey Allen and CCA instructor Dana Phillips will work together to provide Georgia POST curriculum including emergency procedures, inmate rights, inmate supervision, fingerprinting and self-defense.

Seventeen students are scheduled to participate during the spring semester. Other students who are interested in participating in the jailer program, the Law & Public Safety pathway or any of more than a dozen pathways offered at CCA should speak with their high school counselor.