Sheriff C.T. Woody, Jr. is proud to announce the graduation of the 5th Basic RCJC Recruit Academy class which will take place tomorrow, November 10, at the Richmond City Justice Center. 15 individuals comprising of ten men and five women from various backgrounds including military service, first response teams, and security and loss prevention will be presented and pinned with their official sheriff’s badges during a graduation ceremony which will be attended by Sheriff Woody, academy staff, sworn and civilian members of the Richmond City Sheriff’s Office, and family and friends of the recruits.
For a period of nine weeks, recruits have had classes and training in the following areas: Professional Appearance, Professional Ethics, Stress Management, Jail History, Conflict and Crisis Resolutions, OC Spray and Chemical Agents, Inmate Work Programs, Inmate Grievances, Record Keeping and Processing, Cell Searches, Control of Contraband, Interpersonal Communication Skills, Report Writing, Special Populations, Privacy and Access to Records, Visitation, Suicide Prevention, Transfer/Release of Inmates, Code of VA, Hostage Situations, Civil and Criminal Liability, Constitutional Law, Courtroom Demeanor, Courtroom Security, Fundamentals of Marksmanship, Civil Process, Problem Solving, Sequestered Jury, Cultural Diversity, Courtroom Searches, Use of Force, Operational Guidelines, Enforcing Rules and Regulations, Civil Liability, Basic Firearms Training, Defensive Tactics, Defensive Driving, The Fourth Amendment and Rounds, Patrols and Inspections, Direct Supervision, PREA, and Leadership Training.
All required training was tracked electronically and reported to the Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS). In order to graduate, each recruit must complete the curriculum requirements, successfully pass a series of written exams, meet qualifications standards in defensive driving, firearms, and defensive tactics, and pass the final examination.
“These men and women have chosen a demanding career during difficult times for law enforcement all over the nation,” stated Sheriff Woody. “They’ve chosen to give of themselves to ensure the safety of their fellow citizens. I am proud to be their Sheriff, and every member of my agency welcomes them and will be proud to serve alongside them.”
Chief Magistrate of the City of Richmond Gary Woolridge will serve as the commencement speaker and Lieutenant Colonel Roy Witham of the Richmond City Sheriff’s Office will perform the ‘Swearing In’ of the 5th Basic Academy Class. During the graduation, appointed friends and family members of the recruits will be allowed to administer and pin the deputy badge on their graduating family member.