Level 2 Academy Training

Learning Modes

Training for corrections staff is offered through four learning modes:

  • Online through MoLearning, powered by LinkedIn Learning
  • Online through the Department of Corrections Online Training Academy (DOCOTA)
  • Online in real time through virtual instructor-led training (VILT)
  • In seat at a training center location

Fiscal Year 2022 Level 2 Requirements

(80 hours)

The following courses must be completed by staff in job classes requiring Level 2 Academy training.

  • Crime Scene and Evidence   -   DOCOTA
  • Principles of Report Writing   -   VILT
  • Principles of Use of Force   -   VILT
  • Mission, Vision, Value and Me   -   DOCOTA
  • Radio Usage   -   DOCOTA
  • Ethics   -   DOCOTA
  • Case Management   -   DOCOTA
  • Contraband   -   In seat
  • Searches   -   In seat
  • Riots and Disturbances   -   In seat
  • Threat Groups   -   In seat
  • Use of Force   -   In seat
  • Pepper Spray   -   In seat
  • Restraints   -   In seat
  • Constitutional Law and Selected Policies   -   In seat
  • Report Writing   -   In seat
  • Developing Self-Awareness Impression, Impact, and Self-Awareness   -   In seat
  • Communicating with Empathy   -   MoLearning
  • De-Escalating Intense Situations   -   MoLearning
  • Diversity   -   MoLearning
  • 5 Ways to Control Your Time   -   MoLearning
  • Customer Service Foundations   -   MoLearning
  • Critical Thinking   -   MoLearning
  • Staff Survival and Success   -   VILT
  • Anatomy of a Set Up   -   VILT
  • Tactical Communication   -   VILT
  • Searches   -   VILT
  • Motivational Interviewing (MI)   -   VILT
  • Use of Force Application   -   VILT
  • Report Writing   -   VILT
  • Drug Identification   -   VILT
  • Crisis Intervention Team Overview   -   Livestream

Crime Scene and Evidence

This module provides information on recognizing and securing a crime scene and evidence per policy.

Principles of Report Writing

This virtual instructor-led training provides a basic understanding of report writing to build a foundation for the in-seat portion of this title.

Principles of Use of Force

This virtual instructor-led training provides a basic understanding of the use of force and provides the foundation for the in-seat portion of this training.

Mission, Vision, Values and Me

This module provides a working knowledge of the mission, vision and values of this department and how they affect staff.

Radio Usage

This interactive course to help staff learn proper radio etiquette.

Ethics

The Department of Corrections holds its staff to a very high standard of conduct, not only in their professional roles but also in their personal lives.

Case Management

This module provides basic information on the Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timely (SMART) process and some of the tools used to identify strategies to help with rehabilitation of our offender population.

Contraband

A guide to techniques and principles in controlling drugs and other contraband.

Searches 1

This training module provides participants the opportunity to complete a detailed examination of department policies and procedures on searches. Pat searches, cell searches and opposite-gender searches are stressed along with proper methods of performing searches.

Riots and Disturbances

This program introduces the warning signs of a riot and provide staff knowledge that will assist them in defusing the situation.

Threat Groups

This program provides participants with basic knowledge of security threat groups, both in the community and in correctional facilities.

Use of Force: Classroom

The classroom portion of the Use of Force course expand on what was learned in Principles of Use of Force.  This course also includes landmark Supreme Court cases that have shaped the policies of corrections agencies nationwide. The concepts of jeopardy and establishment of preclusion are also explored.

Pepper Spray

This training module provides participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to deploy pepper spray in a use-of-force situation. Also addressed in this module are decontamination and first aid protocol.

Restraints

This training module provides participants with a basic knowledge of the use of restraints in a correctional environment. Staff will examine the use of force issues that surround the use of restraints and practice the application of restraints as outlined by the agency.

Constitutional Law and Selected Policies

This course describes the constitutional rights of offenders in a correctional setting and explains the department procedures developed to safeguard those rights. Applications of the U.S. Constitution and the Missouri Constitution as well as state and federal laws are the basis for this course.

Developing Self-Awareness: Impression, Impact, and Self-Awareness

This 1-hour module provides information on the importance of self-awareness in many situations. 

Communicating with Empathy

This 1-hour training shows how using empathy when communicating is beneficial.

De-Escalating Intense Situations

Intense situations can happen anywhere, and this 1-hour segment shows ways to properly defuse these situations.

Diversity

This 1-hour module shows the positive impact of diversity.

5 Ways to Control Your Time

Time management is a great tool to have in any position within our department. This 1:35 module gives 5 pointers for controlling your time.

Customer Service Foundations

This 22-minute module shares great ideas to implement when providing customer service.

Critical Thinking

This 1-hour module helps us think outside the box to solve problems.

Staff Survival and Success

This virtual instructor-led training (VILT) shows how positive traits, communication, teamwork and following The Corrections Way help staff succeed within the department.

Anatomy of a Setup

This virtual instructor-led training (VILT) is part of Academy Level 2 training program that helps prepare staff mentally for the challenges that may occur.

Tactical Communication 2

This virtual instructor-led training (VILT) provides institutional staff with an opportunity to revisit the use of tactical communication in their roles working with offenders. This course encourages staff to seek a peaceful and positive resolution to confrontation and covers resistance statements and communication styles.

Searches: VILT

This virtual instructor-led training (VILT) ensures students are able to properly apply principles and skills learned in the DOCOTA and classroom portions of the Searches course.

Motivational Interviewing (MI): VILT

One part of a multi-module program, this lesson provides all new staff with the opportunity to review basic motivational interviewing (MI) concepts learned in the DOCOTA and classroom setting while also allowing students to demonstrate proficiency through interactive exercises. 

Use of Force Application

In this third and final block, this virtual instructor-led training (VILT) covers the concepts of control; state statute and Department of Corrections policy concerning offender abuse and failure to report abuse; positional asphyxiation; and movement team summary.

Drug Identification

This program provides participants with ways to identify illegal substances, paraphernalia and behaviors of individuals under the influence.

Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Overview: Livestream

Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) members are at every institution and lead the way at showing how communication and listening are the No. 1 tool for de-escalating situations. This program will give an overview of this tool and what staff can do to support our CIT members.