1. (1) there is a need to improve the administration of the correctional system to better protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public;
2. (2) the ultimate goal of the correctional system is to make the community safer by reducing the incidence of crime;
3. (3) establishing a correctional system with significantly increased power to reduce recidivism and prevent recruitment into criminal careers will require a sufficient number of qualified staff to perform the many tasks to be done;
4. (4) recent studies have revealed that greater training for correctional work is highly desirable;
5. (5) the need for training can be substantially met by creating educational and training programs for individuals seeking careers as correctional officers;
6. (6) while serving in a probationary capacity, a correctional officer should be required to receive efficient training provided at facilities that are approved by a commission that is authorized to approve training facilities;
7. (7) by qualifying and becoming proficient in the field of corrections, correctional officers shall individually and collectively better insure the health, safety, and welfare of the public; and
8. (8) Department of Juvenile Services employees should have specific and appropriate training for that population.

The General Assembly finds that:

Added by Acts 1999, c. 54, § 2, eff. Oct. 1, 1999. Amended by Acts 2000, c. 483, § 1, eff. July 1, 2000; Acts 2003, c. 53, § 4, eff. July 1, 2003.

Formerly Art. 41, § 4-301.