TDOC Graduates Largest Class of Officers in Five Years

Tullahoma, Tenn. – The Tennessee Department of Correction welcomed its largest class of new correctional officers during a graduation ceremony held at the Tennessee Correction Academy on Friday.  Basic Correctional Officer Training class 510-25 consisted of 111 cadets and is the largest cohort to join the agency since 2020.

“This is the largest class we’ve had since I became Commissioner and it shows our commitment to the public and to our current staff to strengthen our workforce,” said Commissioner Frank Strada. “TDOC employees are spreading the word that the culture is changing in the Department of Correction, and it can be a rewarding career with great opportunities for advancement, competitive pay, and the chance to help change lives.”

“We are now one of the highest paying agencies in the Southeast for correctional officers and there are limitless opportunities for advancement,” said Assistant Commissioner of Human Resources and Staff Development Heather Stanford. “It’s also encouraging to see the families of our new officers celebrating and supporting them. We want them to know that their safety, and the safety of inmates, is always our number one priority.”

After completing six weeks of training at the Tennessee Correction Academy, the new officers are ready to begin work immediately in TDOC prisons across the state.

The starting salary for correctional officers is $51,204, with tiered increases bringing correctional officer salaries to $60,720 after 18 months. Newly hired officers are also eligible to receive a $5,000 sign-on bonus. For more information or to apply, visit www.tn.gov/correction and select the “Join Our Team” tab.

Click here to watch highlights from the graduation ceremony and hear from Commissioner Strada.