TULSA, OK – May 4, 2021- More than a dozen Tulsa Tech students are now sworn detention officers for the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO). The students took part in an industry-specific, collaborative training effort between Tulsa Tech and TCSO and have been rewarded for their hard work by kick starting a new career.
“I first wanted to be a police officer because I like solving a mystery,” Lucian Bode, a senior at Booker T. Washington High School, said. “I want to be a crimes against children investigator because I have two little sisters, and I would want someone to look out for them. This opportunity with TCSO is a great way to start my career and work while I go to college.”
Detention officers serve a critical need in keeping the community safe. As part of the effort, students learn how to keep themselves and inmates safe. Statewide the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates more than 300 openings for detention officers each year.
“This is a critical time for law enforcement. Fewer and fewer people are answering the call the serve their communities. That’s why this collaboration is so important”, said Tulsa County Sheriff Vic Regalado. “These young men and women are stepping in at a time when we desperately need Detention Officers. They are filling a critical need that will help keep the jail running. I hope each these graduates will go to have long careers here at the Sheriff’s Office.”
“Since we started, sheriff’s offices from across Oklahoma have called looking to set up this type of training,” Michael Brown, Tulsa Tech Criminal Justice Instructor, said. “As far as I know, this is the first program of its kind in the nation.”
Many of these students plan to pursue further education to become police officers, sheriff’s deputies, or join the military and serve as police officers or investigators in their chosen branch of service.
“This training gives me great confidence in myself,” Abbygail Barbee, a senior at Union High School, said with a smile. “Being able to get a job right out of high school is a great feeling.”
The students are all in the criminal justice programs at Tulsa Tech. High School students spend two years in Criminal Justice Practical Law and Criminal Justice Investigations. Students learn to apply the law, gather evidence, serve warrants and detention techniques.
“My training at Tulsa Tech has taught me how to talk with people and de-escalate situations quickly,” Brode said. “It is great to have people believe in you and want to see you succeed.”
“This program sets me up to reach my dream of being a forensic scientist,” Barbee added.
If you are looking for an in-demand career or know a high school student interested in criminal justice, Tulsa Tech can give them world-class training. Get the skills to get paid. Visit tulsatech.edu today to see which of our more than 80 career training options can help you make your own path to success.
