Inaugural Academy Connects Community

by Robert Hurst

Putting yourself in the shoes of a correctional officer and the daily challenges they face is one of the goals of the Citizens’ Academy at TDCJ. The inaugural academy consisted of six sessions held at various TDCJ sites in Huntsville this fall.

The Citizens’ Academy educated participants about the agency while building relationships with community leaders, media and interest groups. They met the leadership of TDCJ while hearing from various divisions about the agency’s operations that are of interest to the public.

“Our first Citizens’ Academy provided participants with a first-hand look into the inner workings of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice,” TDCJ Executive Director Bryan Collier said. “Hopefully, they became more familiar with the hard work that our correctional officers and support staff put in daily to keep Texas safe, as well as the opportunities available to the inmates to further educate themselves and prepare for a better life upon release.”

The first week of the Citizens’ Academy introduced participants to the various employment opportunities that exist within TDCJ. Representatives from the agency’s Business and Finance Division, Victim Services Division and Community Justice Assistance Division gave presentations on how each of those divisions operates.

“Each division director or their designee led the portion of the course that focuses on their area,” said TDCJ Director of Communications Amanda Hernandez.

The second week allowed participants a close-up view of prison operations including a “Day in the Life of a Correctional Officer” scenario and a tour inside the Huntsville Unit, the oldest continuously operating prison in the state of Texas.

In the third week, representatives from the Manufacturing, Agribusiness and Logistics Division enlightened participants on what Texas Correctional Industries does and the opportunities that exist within the agency for working with horses, other animals and farming equipment. They also learned the intricacies of transporting inmates across the state.

Learning about job training opportunities for inmates and how TDCJ provides them with education opportunities for securing employment upon their release was another aspect of the curriculum.

The final two weeks focused on rehabilitative programs available for inmates and how the agency prepares them for returning to their communities with educational programs like STRIVE and job fairs.

At the culmination of the six-week Citizens’ Academy, there was a panel discussion with former inmates and then a graduation ceremony for the participants on November 8.

“TDCJ was thrilled to embark on this new endeavor by engaging with the community through the first annual Citizens’ Academy,” Hernandez said. “Attendees gained valuable insights into our daily operations, initiatives, and our unwavering commitment to public safety and the rehabilitation of those within our care.”

Hernandez said the goal is to have a Citizens’ Academy in each TDCJ region.