Essex County Sheriff Kevin F. Coppinger swore in 24 new correctional officers and promoted nine officers to the rank of sergeant on Friday, Aug. 18, at a Basic Training Academy graduation at Northern Essex Community College’s Haverhill campus.
The new officers completed a 10-week academy that included training in department protocols and procedures, as well as training in de-escalation, mental health, medical response, driving skills, and physical fitness. The training was done at the Essex County Sheriff’s Department Training Academy at Northern Essex Community College. The academy utilizes a mock housing unit and cells to provide scenario-based training to prepare officers for their work in corrections.
“We are very proud of these new officers for their willingness to serve in corrections, an undervalued and underappreciated arm of law enforcement. These men and women understand the job is not about punishment — it’s about helping justice-involved people find solutions and skills to help them succeed upon release,” Sheriff Coppinger said. “We welcome these new officers and are proud of them for completing this very difficult training.”
The Essex County Sheriff’s Department is continuing to hire officers. For more information on the benefits or how to apply, please visit www.workatessexsheriff.com.