Preparing Correction Officers to Serve Safely, Legally, and Professionally
Albany Training Academy Overview
The Albany Training Academy prepares new correction officers to perform their duties safely, legally, and professionally within New York State correctional facilities.
The academy emphasizes structured instruction, discipline, and continued development throughout an officer’s career.
Comprehensive Training Program
The academy delivers eight weeks of intensive training, including:
Facility security and control procedures
Supervision and communication skills
Use-of-force decision-making
Defensive tactics and less-lethal force options
Emergency response and incident management
Ethics, professionalism, and PREA compliance
Report writing and documentation
Legal, Safety, and Wellness Training
Instruction includes:
Constitutional rights and legal standards
Department policies and procedures
Civil liability and risk management
Officer safety and situational awareness
De-escalation and crisis intervention
Mental health awareness and suicide prevention
Diversity and professional awareness training
Academy Structure and Expectations
Eight-week, para-military training environment
Designed to instill discipline and accountability
Daily physical training
Training Includes (but is not limited to):
40 hours of firearms training (live fire and simulator)
Chemical agents training
40 hours of Defensive Tactics
CPR and First Aid
Contraband detection and frisk procedures
Transportation procedures
New York State Penal Law
Purpose of the Training Academy
The Training Academy exists to promote safe and secure facilities by ensuring correction officers are: