Alabama corrections officers graduate, prepare to enter prisons Monday

MONTGOMERY, Ala. ( WIAT ) — A new class of corrections officers is preparing to enter Alabama’s prisons.

55 men and women have been assigned to one of 28 prisons. Some of these prisons have seen murders, drug activity, and unsafe conditions.

“I mean, I think we’d be lying if we said we didn’t have concerns,” said graduate Kayla Borden. “But I think with the professionalism that we’re getting here recently, I think it’s increased our chances- as far as officers- to be more safe.”

Borden served as the president of her class. Now, she prepares to serve in Limestone Correctional Facility. She says officer safety is improving in prisons.

“I think yes, the concern’s there, but I do think we have more professionals coming forward and leading the way at ADOC to be able to have better officer safety,” Borden said.

Graduate Jeremias Williams starts at Kilby Correctional Facility on Monday. “I went to college, I got a bachelor’s in criminal justice, so I had to choose a law enforcement route. I chose correctional officer because that route was actually paying the most,” Williams said. “I worked in a county jail as my internship when I was in college- it was just more inmates- that was really the only difference for me.”

Williams said more eyes inside prisons will be key to changing conditions.

“One way we can change the violence in the prison is get more officers in,” said Williams. “So there’ll be more eyes watching at all times. And better officers in too, like people who actually, willing to actually do the job the correct way.”

Elliot Sanders, director of training for the Department of Corrections, warned graduates about doing this job the correct way and the present dangers that come with it.

“But I can tell you today– that’s not everyone– not everyone will view you with respect and trust. Some will view you as the enemy,” said Sanders. “They will not give you respect, they will not give you trust.

Sanders said this trust has to be earned. He also explained that their job as an officer requires bravery, but also courage to keep coming back day after day.

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