YORK COUNTY, SC - Sheriff Kevin Tolson would like to congratulate Chief John Hicks and Lieutenant Ben Howley for becoming Certified Correctional Trainers. Chief Hicks and Lt. Howley are two of only six (6) individuals in the state of South Carolina that have received this certification. In addition, only 28 people in the United States that have received the same certification.
The Certified Correctional Trainer certification is granted upon the successful completion of a rigid experiential background application and an intensive three-hour examination jointly prepared by the American Jail Association and the Correctional Trainer Certification Commission. Certification in correctional training 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, education 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 today’s jail professional. Appointed by the association’s Board of Directors, the six-member commission administers the CCT program; sets policy; and assures the program reflects the changing needs of the profession. The Correctional Trainer Certification Commission, International Association of Correctional Training Personnel, and American Jail Association promote the concept of voluntary certification for all correctional trainers. Certification is one part of a process called credentialing. It focuses specifically on the individual and is an indication of current competency in a specialized field. Correctional trainers who become certified are distinguished as individuals who have reached one of the highest levels of achievement in their field.
Additional information:
Chief Hicks – 12 years corrections experience. 6 years’ experience in training. Five specialized instructor certifications.
Lieutenant Howley – 16 years corrections experience. 5 years’ experience in training. Seven specialized instructor certifications.