Training Academy

New Mexico Corrections Training Academy

The New Mexico Corrections Training Academy (NMCTA) is responsible for conducting basic and advanced training for custody, non-custody, and civilian staff.  Additionally, the NMCTA assists with recruiting efforts around the state, and is responsible for the screening and review of applicants who wish to seek a career as an officer in corrections. The NMCTA is divided into three sections: basic training, advanced training, and recruiting/screening/international training.

The Basic Training Section (BTS) is responsible for oversight, training, and all matters related to the eight (8) week basic training academy program aimed at providing correctional officer and probation/parole officer cadets with the foundational knowledge that they need to be successful as they begin their careers.  During the academy, cadets are tested physically and mentally to prepare them as they enter an exciting and challenging career in corrections.  In addition to academies held in Santa Fe, NM, the BTS also oversees satellite academies around the state aimed at increasing opportunities for those in various parts of the state.

The Advanced Training Section (ATS) conducts post-academy training in a variety of corrections topics for correctional officers and probation/parole officers.  At the center of the ATS is oversight of the Training-for-Trainers (T-for-T) program which serves to certify those who wish to be instructors for the New Mexico Corrections Department. Ongoing instructor development and improved training through the use of evidence-based practices and sound research is at the heart of what the ATS brings to the NMCD and the State of New Mexico.

The Recruiting/Screening/International (RSI) section is responsible for screening all applicants interested in becoming correctional or probation/parole officers.  As the gatekeepers for the department, the RSI works diligently to ensure that only those who are qualified and ethically sound make it to the academy.  This important vetting process is critical to the success of NMCD’s overall mission to serve the people on New Mexico and to ensure the safety and security of our state’s prison facilities, probation/parole district offices, and ultimately our communities.  Additionally, the RSI conducts international training with Mexico and other countries aimed at improving corrections on an international level.

Advanced Section Mission Statement

The Advanced Training Section (ATS) provides post-academy training for corrections officers and probation and parole officers. Training is also provided for newly hired staff to help with their transition into the corrections career field. The ATS also trains outside agencies at their request as part of an on-going collaboration between local and state law enforcement and corrections agencies. The ATS is responsible for training and developing new and veteran instructors through the train-the-trainer program, a forty hour program that focuses on adult learning theory and evidence based practices in the classroom. The ATS is constantly evaluating its training programs and refining those programs to bring them in congruence with industry standards, to include implementing more reality based training and increasing active participation in the classroom.

For more information on the training and services provided by the ATS, please click the links below.

Questions/Concerns/Comments should be directed to the advanced training section staff or the director of the NMCTA.

Location

4337 State Highway 14
Santa Fe NM 87508
P.O. Box 27116
Santa Fe NM 87502-0116

Office: (505) 827-8900
Fax: (505) 827-8801

Directions

NM-599

• Head southwest on NM-599 S
• Turn right onto NM-14 S
• Turn right on unmarked road across Santa Fe Studios
• You will see a blue sign New Mexico Corrections Department Central Administration and Training Academy