Sgt. Leonard Nadeau has been with the Strafford County Department of Corrections for twelve years. Prior to becoming the Training Director in 2017, he functioned as a Shift Supervisor/ Shift Sergeant.
Supervisory/departmental duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:
- Interviews, orientation and training of newly hired correctional officers.
- Testing and training for the facility Career Ladder Program, including the supervision of the Field Training Officer (FTO) Program.
- Logistical Support
- Coordinate and schedule training sessions and events for all staff to promote the professional development and efficient job performance of each employee. Ensure that the certification/re-certification training of all correctional staff is conducted in accordance with established policies and procedures and the provisions established by the New Hampshire Association of Counties (NHAC.)
- Accountability for all uniforms and equipment.
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Use of Force Training |
Training Program Description
Phase 1: Orientation
Phase 1 is one week long, and is described as an orientation to the facility and operations within the Training Department prior to the introduction of On-the-Job Training (OJT.) This is also each trainee’s first opportunity to meet each of the departmental Field Training Officers (FTO.) Topics of instruction include, but are not limited to:
- Facility organization (Chain of Command).
- Staff rules and regulations.
- Interpersonal Communications training.
- Introduction to the Direct Supervision philosophy.
- Introduction to Operational Guidelines and Emergency Procedures Manuals.
- Working conditions.
- Defensive Tactics
- Searches
- Sexual Harassment training.
Phase 2: On-the-Job Training (OJT)
Phase two is typically four weeks long, consisting of training on a minimum of two separate shifts and two separate FTOs. During OJT, The trainee will closely follow the FTO. The trainee will be introduced to the facility, each unit, and assigned equipment. S/he will participate in a general orientation, review officer practices, schedule of daily activities, and will be gradually introduced to new officer tasks. The FTO will act as a mentor, and performance of all probationary trainees is rated daily by their assigned FTO during this phase. Rating standards are based on established and standardized evaluation guidelines. Trainees are not expected to meet all job standards as they begin OJT however are expected to show consistent improvement throughout the Training Program to a final conclusion of proficiency. The trainee should gradually become more comfortable in his/her role as a Correctional Officer as the training progresses and should be showing initiative. Trainees must be able to meet and maintain the acceptable job standards as determined by the Training Supervisor and assigned FTOs by the end of phase 2.
Phase 3: Shift Assignment
Upon successful completion of Phase 2, the trainee will be assigned to a standard shift with assigned and consecutive days off. Phase 3 lasts the remainder of the employee’s probationary period, and the employee is eligible for overtime at this point in their training. During this period, The FTO will continue to act as a mentor to the trainee and will assist him/her with any questions or problems that may arise.
Moving Forward
After the probationary period, opportunities to train will continue to present themselves. All officers are required to receive a minimum of 30 training hours each year in many topics such as Use of Force, First Aid/ CPR, Cultural Diversity, or Interpersonal Communications to name a few. Staff may choose to test for openings within our Career Ladder Program, and receive specialized training for Booking, Central Control or to become a Field Training Officer themselves. Other opportunities include membership on the facility Special Response Team (SRT) or honor guard. Staff development training is also available for employees as they are promoted into supervisory or administrative positions.
SCDOC SRT hosting other area response teams
