TDOC Holds Graduation For 28 New Probation And Parole Officers

TULLAHOMA - On Friday, February 22, 2019, the Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC) welcomed the next generation of Probation and Parole Officers (PPO’s) into our workforce during a graduation ceremony at the Tennessee Correction Academy in Tullahoma.  The ceremony celebrated the hard work of 28 Probation and Parole Officers who will be serving the citizens of Tennessee by working in the field across the state.

The keynote speaker for the event was Correctional Administrator, Jacqueline Williams.  Williams spoke to the class about the importance of the job PPO’s have and the lives that are impacted as a result. “We’re not dealing with numbers we’re dealing with people. Everyday we’re impacting people’s lives.  Be passionate about your profession not your paycheck.”

During their weeks of training the class learned skills that will assist them in being effective Probation and Parole Officers.  Classes on leadership, effective listening and interviewing techniques, teamwork and defense skills were taught during the six-week academy. The following special awards were given to those students who excelled:

·         Top Gun Award: PPO’S William Randt and Robert Morsch

·         Academic Award: PPO Maranda Miles

Today’s graduates will return to their respective offices where they will be assigned a field training mentor.  During the mentorship period the officers will apply their newfound skills to the Probation and Parole environment with the goal of enhancing public safety.