Congressman Cantor Congratulates Henrico County-VCU Student Deputy Sheriffs

HENRICO, VA – Today, Congressman Eric Cantor (VA-07) met with Henrico County Sheriff Michael Wade and 19 recent graduates of an innovative program matching college juniors and seniors interested in a career in law enforcement with the Henrico Sheriff’s Office. Graduates of The Student Basic Jailor Academy earn college credits while receiving certification as a correctional deputy by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services.
 
Following his visit, Congressman Cantor said, “Sheriff Wade and his team have done an outstanding job developing this program and working with VCU and VUU to train our community’s future law enforcement leaders. This program is unique in Virginia and an excellent example of what can happen when government looks beyond traditional measures to improve services and save taxpayer dollars. I am proud to congratulate all of these students on their certification as correctional deputies. These hard working young men and women are receiving valuable training and work experience that they can immediately apply while serving the people of Henrico County.”
 
Sheriff Wade added, "The Henrico Sheriff’s Office is excited about the relationship with VCU and VUU to provide a practical internship to the students, giving them the opportunity to gain valuable on the job training and meet an important need of the Sheriff’s Office to reduce overtime."

Background: The Student Basic Jailor Academy is open to juniors and seniors studying criminal justice, homeland security and emergency preparedness at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) and Virginia Union University (VUU). While many communities around the country have begun to recognize the value of correctional-higher education collaboration, the 2011 Henrico County Sheriff’s Office Student Basic Jailor Academy is the first jail community-university partnership of its kind in Virginia. This year, the program received 57 applications and accepted 19 recruits. The first class graduated on August 3, 2011. Students participating in the program received college credit and immediately began part-time jobs in the Henrico County Sheriff’s Office.