A: Refer to the Hiring Process web page.

Q: What happens after I fill out the online application?

A: If the application was properly completed, the first step in the selection process for Corrections Officer is an entry level, general knowledge assessment. The examination is a basic multiple-choice test. The assessment must be taken by the closing date of the job posting.

Q: How long does it take for my application to be processed?

A: Once the passing scores of the entry level, general knowledge assessment have been confirmed and the Corrections Facility Tour completed, it may take three (3) weeks until the Employment Questionaire is screened. If approved, you will be scheduled for an interview. However, the entire hiring process, including the written exam, physical and drug tests, a polygraph and psychological exam may take from three to four months.

Q: May I call and find out the status of my application or processing?

A: Yes, you may contact the Corrections Recruiter line at (407) 836-3543. However, due to the high volume of applicants, please allow ample time for recruiters to process your application before calling.

Q: Who do I contact if I have a change of address, telephone number, employer or other important information?

A: Send the change in writing to:

Q: How can I find out about other openings?

A: Orange County's Website has a listing of all open positions in both the Corrections Department and all other county departments.

Q: What are the requirements to become a Corrections Officer?

A: Must be/have 19 yrs old, High School or GED diploma, Honorable discharge from Military (if prior military), Valid Florida DL, and satisfy FDLE moral character guidelines. (No felony convictions or moral turpitude misdemeanor convictions. All misdemeanor charges are looked at on a case-by-case basis) FDLE Basic Corrections Certificate and scores if previously certified.

Q: What does certified mean?

A: A certified applicant is an individual who has completed a course of study approved by the "Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Division of Criminal Justice Standards and Training" in either Law Enforcement or Corrections and has successfully completed the state exam

Q: How do I become certified?

A: In the State of Florida, there are 39 training centers, most of which are associated with a local community college or vocational technical center offering courses for certifications. Orange County Corrections will sponsor uncertified applicants to attend the Criminal Justice Institute at Valencia Community College.

Q: What if I am a certified police officer, deputy sheriff, or corrections officer in another state or the military?

A: To find out what is necessary to meet Florida Certification Requirements, contact "Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Division of Criminal Justice Standards and Training," P.O. Box 1489, Tallahassee, Florida 32301, or you may call (850) 410-8638. In many cases you may be eligible to take a two-week compliance course which will allow you to take the Florida State Exam. You may call the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Division of Criminal Justice Standards and Training at (850) 410-8638 to determine if you meet the requirements.

Q: Do you sponsor people to attend the academy?

A: Yes, if you are selected you will attend the corrections academy. All books, uniforms and tuition is paid for by the Orange County Corrections Department. There are some costs incurred which includes physical training attire.

Q: Do I get paid while attending the academy?

A: Yes, you will receive a fulltime paycheck with benefits every other week. Currently the salary for a Corrections Officer Recruit is $15.08/hr.

Q: What does the academy consist of?

A: If you are selected to attend the Corrections Academy:

You will attend a 16-week/602 hour Corrections Academy at The Criminal Justice Institute at Valencia Community College.

The course of study will include, but is not limited to:

• Introduction to Criminal Justice
• Legal Aspects (Constitutional and Florida Law)
• Defensive Tactics/ Physical fitness Training
• Chemical Agent Application
• Weapons Training (Handgun/Shotgun)
• First Responder Techniques
• Court System
• Courtroom Demeanor and testifying
• Communication/ Interpersonal Skills
• Radio Communication
• Correctional Operations
• Patrol Techniques
• Emergency Preparedness
• Human Diversity
• Report Writing
• Identification, collection, and preservation of evidence
• Fingerprinting

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Division of Criminal Justice Standards and Training certify the Criminal Justice Institute at Valencia Community College to instruct the Corrections Academy.

Q: What happens after the academy?

A: Upon graduation of the academy you will be assigned to a shift and facility in which to work. You will also be scheduled to take the State Certification Exam. There is a three-week field-training program that also must be successfully completed. Once the recruit passes the academy and the state exam, the salary will be increased to $15.87/hr (according to the current Fraternal Order of Police contract).

Q: Do I get a higher salary for experience or education?

A: Yes. Pay for additional years of experience is in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement*. There are state salary incentives for AA and BA degrees ($30 or $80 per month).

*If certified as a Corrections Officer in Florida.

Q: I am currently working for another county/state agency does my vacation or seniority transfer?

A: No. If you are or currently a member of the Florida State Retirement System your retirement benefits will continue. However, no vacation time, personal time, sick time, or seniority can be transferred into Orange County Government.