Corrections_Today_July_August_2021_Vol.83_No.4

Professional Development

Professional Development Update

Becoming certified — an investment in myself and my agency

By Christopher Castro, CCO

I decided I needed to

Corrections Officer helped me gain a recent promotion. I am happy to state I recently transitioned from a State Law Enforcement Agency to a Fed- eral Law Enforcement Agency (Florida Department of Cor- rections to the Federal Bureau of Prisons). I would advise others to

become a Certified Cor - rections Officer to reflect

my own personal drive and commitment to my career in corrections. I knew it would give me credibility in the field of corrections and demonstrate to my agency I was committed to becoming a better officer. The American Correctional As- sociation is the leader in correctional certification and continuing educa - tion. It was also important to me that the ACA has a balanced mission of improving the professional develop- ment of individuals, but also with improving the overall operations of correctional institutions through their accreditation process. Throughout my training, I came to understand the ACA is a professional organization that takes their mission seriously. Becoming a Certified Corrections

istock/Andrii Zastrozhnov

gain the benefits an ACA certification can have on their own careers, their well-being, and for their respective agencies. It may seem intimidating at first when you are trying something new, but the ACA has excellent staff that are always available to support you on your jour- ney to enhance your career.

Officer had an immediate impact for me on multiple levels. First, I felt more confident at work. It gave me a broader knowledge of my own duties and the challenges faced by depart- ments I worked with on a regular basis like Classification and Mental Health. Second, I was recognized by my Agency for taking the initiative by investing in myself. They noticed my improved work performance and I felt I was carrying out my duties much more efficiently. Fi - nally, I believe becoming a Certified

Christopher Castro, CCO, Federal Bureau of Prisons

42 — July/August 2021 Corrections Today