The Rockland County Sheriff’s Department is hitting local college campuses in its efforts to recruit new corrections officers for the staff at the county jail.
A civil service test for the post of corrections officer is set for April 13, with the application deadline set for Feb. 27. The test, which has a $30 application fee, is required to be considered for a corrections officer position at the Rockland County Correctional Facility in New City.
Corrections Lt. Jill King, a 30-year Rockland corrections veteran, said the county is looking for high-quality candidates for the test, especially college students who may be interested in criminal justice. King said the county is also encouraging women to consider a career in corrections.
Rockland's county jail, located next door to the Sheriff's Headquarters at 55 New Hempstead Road, houses men and women. The facility houses inmates who are awaiting trial in Rockland County Court or awaiting hearings in local courts, and houses those who have been sentenced to serve jail sentences of a year or less.
As of Tuesday, the jail held a total of 247 inmates, men a women. While the jail has a separate wing for women, King noted that Rockland corrections officers - men and women - work throughout the jail and are not restricted to one section or another because of gender.
Rockland corrections officers took part in a similar recruiting drive for the last test in 2010. The county is eager to get good recruits for the 2013 test because there are lots of jobs expected to become available.
A 2011 study by a state corrections oversight agency found that Rockland County's jail was not adequately staffed. The jail, officials said, has been directed to add 14 more officers to the jail staff.
Additionally, the jail staff has seen wave of retirements that is continuing. At the same time, Rockland County Sheriff Louis Falco has directed efforts be made to reduce overtime costs at the jail.
Rockland corrections officers have already started hitting local college campuses. On Tuesday, they were at Rocklad Community College in Ramapo and they have been on recruiting visits to Iona College and the College of New Rochelle, both in New Rochelle, and Pace University.
Here's where they will be next for the recruiting drive:
• Wednesday, Feb. 6, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., St. Thomas Aquinas College, Sparkill.
• Thursday, Feb. 7, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Dominican College, Blauvelt
• Monday, Feb. 11, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Nyack College, South Nyack.
• Wednesday, Feb. 13, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Westchester Community College, Valhalla.
Requirements to file for the exam:
You need a high school diploma or equivalent, and two years full-time paid work experience after high school or education beyond high school when enrolled in a minimum of 15 credit hour semester; 30 credits will equal one year of college. Or, any equivalent combination.
Benefits:
• Starting salary of $45,653 increasing to $70,734 after three complete years of service; 10 percent night differential for 3-11 p.m. shifts and 11 p.m. - 7 a.m. shifts.
• 12 paid holidays per year
• 4 personal days per year
• 13 vacation & sick days per year
• Medical, dental, vision coverage for employee & family
• 25-year retirement
For more information about the exam, check out the Rockland County Department of Personnel notice about the test and the county web site, or call 845-638-5200.
