YORK COUNTY, SC – Seven York County Sheriff’s Office Detention Officers have earned certification as nationally recognized jail officers. On August 3, 2023, the seven officers were honored by Sheriff Kevin Tolson, Major Fred Moore, and Chief Jail Administrator John Hicks for receiving the national designation of Certified Jail Officer (CJO) by the authority of the American Jail Association (AJA) through the Jail Manager Certification Commission.
Cpl. Heather Campbell, Cpl. Shaniquia Carter, Cpl. William Jones, Cpl. John Ross, Cpl. Diamond Veeder, Officer Robert Craze, and Officer Michael Mielkie become the newest Detention Officers to earn this certification since 2020.
Additionally, for six months, the officers participated in a leadership development program that encompassed leadership, goal setting, success, and career planning. In addition, the curriculum included cross-training one-week per month in various functions within the detention center. Those functions include Master Control Operations, Inmate Classification Operations, Booking Operations, and Shift Supervisory Operations.
This certification is granted upon the successful completion of a background application and an intensive three-hour examination jointly prepared by the American Jail Association and the Jail Manager Certification Commission. Certification in jail operations is a demonstration of competency and professionalism in the field. It documents the mastery of a strong level of knowledge in the specialty and demonstrates continuing education and growth.
The American Jail Association is a national, nonprofit, educational organization delivering professional development, personal certification, and advocacy services to correctional personnel at all ranks and operational levels working in this nation's 3,200-plus jails and detention facilities. It is the only association of its kind that focuses exclusively on issues affecting jail professionals. Appointed by the association’s Board of Directors, the five-member commission administers the Certified Jail Manager program, in addition to the Certified Jail Officer program; sets policy; and assures the two programs reflect the changing needs of the profession.
For more information, visit www.americanjail.org/education/certifications/
