PARTNERSHIP — Participating in the collaboration between the Jefferson County JVS Criminal Justice Program and Belmont Correctional Institution were, from left, front, Taranisa Lindsey, Allison Clifford and Jamie Freeman, criminal justice instructor at the JVS; Warden David Gray, Jeremiah McClain, Michael Kuzmicki, Caleb Phillips and Correction Officer Sharon Tiger. -- Contributed

ST. CLAIRSVILLE — Belmont Correctional Institution and the Jefferson County JVS Criminal Justice Program have partnered to give students an insight and understanding to the field of corrections. The program was created for recruitment purposes to encourage the students to further their interest in criminal justice and to inform them about the multiple job/career opportunities at BeCI.

Five JVS students traveled to the center daily for a weeklong immersion program. During the site visit, the students worked with the training department and were assigned an experienced correction officer to oversee their learning. The students and instructor received a tour of the institution, visited different departments and were introduced to staff in those areas. The group also met with the human resources department and were informed of the multiple job opportunities, compensation, benefits and the application process.

“I believe the week we spent in the correctional facility was amazing,” said Jamie Freeman, criminal justice instructor at the JVS. “We all learned so very much. The students definitely came out with a new perspective on what it would be like to work inside a correctional facility.”

JVS student Caleb Phillips stated, “It was very informational and fun. I learned about all of the duties of the job, programs and how they are helping to rehabilitate the incarcerated adults so they can be successful when they get out.”

JVS student Taranisa Lindsey stated, “It was very informative. I didn’t realize how many job opportunities they have and how you can grow as an employee. When I complete my degree, I plan on applying for a career.”

“Too often the only thing people know about prisons is the stuff they see on TV and movies,” said Warden David Gray. “The reality of working in a prison is much different than what you see on film. We hope the students who participated in this training were able to see the career opportunities and rehabilitative atmosphere that exists here. This was not only a chance for the students to see how our facility works, but it was also a chance for us to evaluate them as potential employees. Based on their JVS training and attentiveness during the program, it is likely we will hire a few of them upon graduating. We have had positive experiences with hiring other JVS graduates in the past. We are excited to continue this partnership in the future.”