New rules for officers in effect

North Carolina Department of Public Safety

March 2001

New Rules For Officers In Effect

Several changes to the rules for certified corrections officers in the Department of Correction took effect Jan. 1.

One major change is the reduction from six separate certifications to a single corrections officer certification with three sub-certifications that include correctional officer, probation/parole surveillance officer and probation/parole officer. This will greatly reduce the paperwork requirements and further streamline the employment process.

Additionally, the Department was able to successfully negotiate greater representation on the Criminal Justice Training and Standards Commission from one member to five DOC representatives.

Another change is that the Department will move to a conviction standard. The new rules prohibit the Department from hiring applicants convicted of a felony for 10 years since the date of the conviction or 10 years from date the applicant completed any corrections supervision, such as supervised probation, imposed by the courts whichever is later. The new rules also better define those misdemeanors that will affect employment and certification. Applicants will no longer be required to list offenses for which they were arrested and found not guilty. This does not preclude management from evaluating charges discovered on a background check.

Also the period of time an employee can be separated and return to employment with his/her certification intact has been lengthened. Employees with general certification at the time of separation returning within 24 months may have their general certification reinstated without attending basic training and with much less paperwork.

"The Department is very excited about these changes and the streamlined employment process that has resulted," said Personnel Director Jeff Becker. If you have questions, or need additional information, please feel free to contact your regional employment office or Mary Jones in Department of Correction Personnel.

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