The Southwestern Illinois College has entered into a partnership with the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department and has brought on board the Basic Correctional Officer (BCO) Academy.  The St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department has been providing Correctional Officer training for nearly 3 decades.  The program is recognized by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board which enables individuals to achieve their state certification.  The BCO Academy and their recruits will benefit from both entities sharing resources, knowledge, staff and facilities. 

As part of this partnership, BCO Academy recruits will now receive college credits from Southwestern Illinois College as part of their education, which they can apply towards a degree in applied science.  The training course is designed to provide fundamental knowledge in the duties and responsibilities of a county Correctional Officer which includes instruction in corrections law, the Illinois County Jail Standards, investigations, human behavior, defensive tactics, firearms training and other applicable studies.  This BCO Academy echoes the Southwestern Illinois Police Academy’s belief in providing equal opportunity of learning for those that attend this program and feel that we can instill the core values of all law enforcement: Knowledge, Honor, and Integrity.

PROGRAM COSTS

Agencies will be billed tuition for officers attending. All recruits will be housed in the dormitories, regardless of agency location.

Current rates per officer including Tuition, Lodging and Meals:

5 Weeks $3550

8 Weeks $4390

APPLICATIONS

UPCOMING SESSIONS

ANY DATES ARE TENTATIVE AND SUBJECT TO ILETSB APPROVAL. The BCO Academy will increase from 5 weeks to 8 weeks in July 2023, per the updated ILETSB curriculum.

SESSION 123 (5 Weeks)

SESSION 124 (5 Weeks)

SESSION 125 (8 Weeks)

SESSION 126 (8 Weeks)

Contact Information