For Immediate Release
Contact: Daniel Wackershauser, Marketing Specialist
Phone: 608.822.2303
Mail: 1800 Bronson Blvd., Fennimore, WI 53809
Date of Release: June 19, 2024
Fennimore -
Learning never stops. That is true for Raymond Austin and Zach Kostka, students at UW-Platteville, who are currently engrossed in the Wisconsin Jail Officer Academy at Southwest Wisconsin Technical College. The training is 200 hours and successful completion can lead to jail officer certification with the Wisconsin Department of Justice.
The academy is operating from May 20-June 24 this year. “Students learn a variety of skills and topics that are necessary for the safe and effective operation of county jails in Wisconsin,” said Tom Kretschman, criminal justice instructor. “That includes fire safety, jail healthcare, correctional law, professional communications, investigations, and more.”
“I like that they put a lot of emphasis on the professional communications,” said Austin. “When you’re getting trained, they say, ‘that’s your biggest weapon. You’re voice.’”
Austin, a 2021 graduate from River Falls High School, works part-time for the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office. Kostka, a 2022 graduate from Ladysmith High School, works part-time for the Rusk County Sheriff’s Office. Austin is a corrections deputy and Kostka is a reserve deputy jailer. The academy certification is required by the state within a certain time frame from being hired at a facility.
“Part-time employment is an excellent opportunity for college students to start a career in the law enforcement field while simultaneously pursuing a college-degree,” said Kretschman. “This path, as Zach and Raymond are currently on, will help each advance in their respective careers since they are gaining career experience while seeking a bachelor’s degree.”
The academy employs experienced adjunct instructors from throughout the area. All instructors in the academy must have Wisconsin Department of Justice jail instructor certification. This certification can only be achieved after an officer has achieved a minimum of 5,000 hours (approximately 2.5 years) of experience as a jail officer. “Instructors must attend an instructor training course prior to applying for Wisconsin Department of Justice certification, and must complete required recertification every three years,” said Kretschman.“Advanced training is required for specialized topics, such as Professional Communications Skills and Principles of Subject Control/POSC (officer self-defense).”
Being trained by professionals who have 25 years of experience, “is huge for us,” said Austin. “They all know what they’re talking about. They know what to emphasize and they know what we’ll encounter in the jail and on the road.”
“They picked out the instructors for each area very well,” said Kostka. “They are some of the best in the area. It’s cool that you are being taught by people who know why this stuff works. They know how it works. They implemented it in real life situations. You definitely don’t feel like you are getting shorted when they are giving you this information. You can tell that they’ve done it.”
Being able to complete the academy during the summer, in between semesters, was a draw for the students. “It certainly makes things a lot easier,” said Austin. “It helps to be able to have the training required by the state and not worry about school at the same time.”
Kretschman noted, the academy was intentionally scheduled to be able to offer it to college students over the summer break (Southwest Tech and UW-Platteville). “We have also had several students attend the jail academy directly after high school graduation, including one student this year,” he said.
Austin will graduate from UW-Platteville in spring 2025, while Kostka plans to graduate in spring 2026.
Austin and Kostka are both confident that they have chosen the correct profession. Austin’s father recently retired as a police chief. “He was always my biggest inspiration,” said Austin. “It’s hard for me to see myself doing anything else for a career.”
“I’ve always wanted to do it,” said Kostka. “I have a lot of passion in it. I’ve always liked being a leader and helping people out. I couldn’t think of a better job that displays both of those characteristics. Hopefully, I can be someone people can look up to.”
A variety of county sheriff’s offices have employees attending the academy, including Grant, Iowa, Richland, Lafayette, Rusk and Pierce. “Nearly every sheriff’s department in our district, and most in Wisconsin, are currently hiring jail officers, both full and part-time positions,” said Kretschman. “Many agencies will sponsor candidates and pay for entry-level jail officer training.”
Rusk County is sponsoring Kostka, while Pierce County is sponsoring Austin.
• More information about the academy, and other law enforcement opportunities can be found here: swtc.edu/publicsafety.
| Southwest Wisconsin Technical College, is one of 16 institutions that comprise the Wisconsin Technical College System. The college was recently named a top 10 finalist for the Aspen Prize. Southwest Tech offers more than 60 programs in a wide variety of disciplines. Courses are offered on campus, online, HyFlex and in a blended format. The college provides apprenticeship, certificate, technical diploma, and associate degree programs that respond to district workforce needs and prepare student for family-sustaining jobs and career advancement. |
