Photo Provided Belmont Correctional Institution and the Jefferson County JVS Criminal Justice Program have partnered to give students some experience in corrections. Pictured in the front row are Taranisa Lindsey, from left, Allison Clifford and Jamie Freeman. In the back are Warden David Gray, from left, Jeremiah McClain, Michael Kuzmicki, Caleb Phillips and Correction Officer Sharon Tiger.

ST. CLAIRSVILLE — Belmont Correctional Institution and the Jefferson County JVS Criminal Justice Program joined forces to give students an insight and understanding of the field of corrections.

The program was created for recruitment purposes to encourage the students to further their interest in criminal justice and to inform them about the multiple job/career opportunities at BeCI.

The JVS instructor brought five JVS students to BeCI daily for a week-long immersion program. During the site visits, the students worked with the training department and were assigned an experienced correction officer to oversee their learning. The students and instructor received a tour of the institution, visited different departments, and were introduced to staff in those areas. The group also met with the human resources department and were informed of the multiple job opportunities, compensation, benefits, and the application process.

Jamie Freeman, criminal justice instructor at the JVS, was impressed by the experience.

“I believe the week we spent in the correctional facility was amazing. We all learned so very much. The students definitely came out with a new perspective on what it would be like to work inside a correctional facility,” he said.

JVS student Caleb Phillips agreed.

“It was very informational and fun. I learned about all of the duties of the job, programs and how they are helping to rehabilitate the incarcerated adults so they can be successful when they get out,” he said.

JVS student Taranisa Lindsey said she sees potential in the field.

“It was very informative. I didn’t realize how many job opportunities they have and how you can grow as an employee. When I complete my degree, I plan on applying for a career,” she said.

Warden David Gray said he was happy to be able to offer the opportunity.

“Too often the only thing people know about prisons is the stuff they see on TV and movies. The reality of working in a prison is much different than what you see on film. We hope the students who participated in this training were able to see the career opportunities and rehabilitative atmosphere that exists here. This was not only a chance for the students to see how our facility works, but it was also a chance for us to evaluate them as potential employees. Based on their JVS training and attentiveness during the program, it is likely we will hire a few of them upon graduating. We have had positive experiences with hiring other JVS graduates in the past. We are excited to continue this partnership in the future.”