YCSO on the hunt for detention officers

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - The nationwide law enforcement shortage is being felt locally in the desert southwest, with a shortage of detention officers. 

Arizona Western College (AWC) is offering a training program that they say will help increase the number of detention officers in our area.

The Detention Officer Training Academy is a collaboration between the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO) and Arizona Western College, filling the void in officers at the Yuma County Detention Center. 

The program kicked off about a year ago, combining education and physical fitness. 

“Sheriff Wilmott wanted his employees to get an education and what a great way to partner with the local community college and build something together,” said Alfonzo Zavala, the Director of AWC Law Enforcement Training Academy.

The Detention Officer Training Academy trains recruits from YCSO who complete an eight-week program to fill vacant positions.

“There’s a shortage throughout the united states in law enforcement and we appreciate everybody that supports law enforcement in our community that continues to support law enforcement here in Yuma," said Zavala.

The role of a detention officer is to perform security work of moderate difficulty in the transportation, care, and welfare of inmates.

One graduate of the academy says it was hard work, but it was worth it. 

“Getting tazed, that was an experience. It’s only five seconds of your life, it’s horrible but its’s great. Also pepper spray, that was a battle of its own,” said Nathaniel Webb, a newly graduated detention officer.

Webb says he has always wanted to go into law enforcement. 

“I always had a deep admiration for law enforcement, but life takes you in different journeys and I went elsewhere, but I saw the job posting and I was like this is the opportunity, this is that calling,” said Webb.

Webb, along with five others, just graduated the the 8-week academy on Thursday. 

And he encourages others to follow in his footsteps. 

“Anyone out there that’s looking to sign up, definitely jump on board. It might be scary, it might be risky, but discomfort is growth. Get out there and take risk and achieve those goals,” said Webb.

If you're interested in becoming a detention officer, apply here: yumacountysheriff.org