TCAT — Myles Cook of Elizabethton has been employed by the Tennessee College of Applied Technology Elizabethton to teach Criminal Justice for jailers and guards, a new program that will begin in January of 2020.

Currently, Cook is an adjunct instructor at ETSU, where he teaches Criminal Justice Ethics, Criminological Theory, Policing in America, Corrections, Probability and Statistics, Violence: The American Experience. He is also an in-service instructor at the Carter County Sheriff’s Office where he teaches firearms training and search and seizure law.

College President Dean Blevins said the criminal justice curriculum at TCAT Elizabethton consists of a broad range of topics designed to equip jailers and guards with the knowledge and understanding of inmate processing, maintaining order in the jail and invoking disciplinary measures when necessary. In addition, the course will provide instruction on how to conduct cell searches for drugs and other contraband, inspect the facility for cleanliness and stand guard during exercise periods.

“This training, which may be completed in two trimesters, provides students with knowledge of emergency procedures, mental health and first aid, defensive tactics and use of force, ethics and legal issues, investigations, personal development, and worker characteristics, among other items,” Blevins said.

Students who complete the first trimester, 432 clock hours of study, will receive a Correctional Officer Apprentice Certificate. If students complete both trimesters, totaling 864 clock hours of study, they will receive a Master Correctional Officer Certificate.

Classes will meet from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday in Building One at 1500 Arney Street in Elizabethton.

To be admitted to TCAT Elizabethton, students must apply online at www.tcatelizabethton.edu. Select a program and follow instructions. Students will be assigned a personal identification number to register for the program or course desired. For additional information, contact Patricia Henderson at TCAT Elizabethton, 423-543-0070, ext. 1004.