Basic Jail Training Program

The mission of the Basic Jail training program (BJ) as mandated by South Carolina Law is to provide the officer candidate with the necessary knowledge, skills, and the abilities to perform the duties of a certified detention officer in the state of South Carolina.

• The Basic Jail training program is currently three weeks in duration.
• Upon completion of the program the candidate will be a certified Class 2 Law Enforcement Officer.
• A candidate must complete training within the first twelve months of employment.

Student/Candidate Requirements

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Training Act and Regulations requires an applicant/student to prove qualification using the following information:

• must be employed with a detention facility
• a satisfactory background check
• a birth certificate
• must be at least 21 years of age
• a high school diploma or GED
• a valid South Carolina driver’s license

Candidates for certification as state or correctional officers can present a valid current driver’s license issued by any United States’ jurisdiction.
 
An applicant cannot have a disqualifying incident on his or her driving record such as driving under the influence of alcohol, dangerous drugs, reckless homicide, involuntary manslaughter, or leaving the scene of an accident.
 
An applicant must prove medical suitably for training at the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy by having a medical examination and completing the Medical History Form.

Registration/Enrollment Procedures

Registration will be held every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9:00am-3:30pm.

Basic Jail candidates must bring the required documentation to registration for review by personnel from the Registration Unit.  Any questions concerning documentation or eligibility should be directed to the Registration at (803) 896-7836 or Registration@sccja.sc.gov.
 
Once the required documentation is approved, the candidate’s eligibility to attend a Basic Training Session will be confirmed.

Cancellation Procedures

If a candidate cannot attend scheduled training the agency’s Training Officer should contact Registration at (803) 896-7836 or Registration@sccja.sc.gov to reschedule.

Procedure for Recycles

The Basic Training Unit will reschedule candidates dismissed from a basic training session due to failure, injury, withdrawals, etc.  While these requests may be initiated by telephone, a written request will be required before candidate can return to training.  Contact Basic Training at 803-896-7740 or TLHughes@sccja.sc.gov for all Basic Jail recycles.

Basic Jail Training Schedule