The Whatcom County Sheriff's Office is congratulating two new Corrections Deputies who recently graduated from the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission's Corrections Officer Academy. Deputies Campbell and Curtis completed COA Class 504, a 400-hour comprehensive training program that prepares officers for work in Washington's county jails.
Deputy Curtis earned the highest overall score in the academy, a distinction recognized by the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission and the Whatcom County Sheriff's Office. The accomplishment was highlighted in the department's announcement, along with photos of Chief Erickson presenting with each deputy at the ceremony.
The COA curriculum covers a broad range of topics essential to corrections work, including communication techniques, booking procedures, inmate supervision, use of force protocols, emotional survival and wellness, and peer support resources. The 400-hour program is mandatory for all new corrections officers in Washington State before they can work in a jail setting without direct supervision.
Whatcom County operates the Whatcom County Jail, located in Bellingham at 311 Grand Avenue. The facility houses individuals awaiting trial, serving short sentences, and those being held pending transfer to state prison. Corrections deputies work inside the jail and are responsible for the safety of both staff and inmates, a role that requires a distinct skill set from patrol law enforcement.
Staffing corrections positions at the county level has been a challenge for many Washington jurisdictions in recent years. New academy graduates like Deputies Campbell and Curtis represent meaningful additions to the department's capacity to safely operate the jail. The Sheriff's Office noted that both deputies are ready to serve with professionalism, integrity, and commitment to safety.
The WSCJTC, which administers the corrections academy, also trains law enforcement officers, telecommunicators, and other public safety professionals across Washington State. Their training facilities serve agencies from all 39 counties, standardizing baseline competencies for corrections work statewide. More information about their programs is available through the commission's website.
The Whatcom County Sheriff's Office is one of the larger county law enforcement agencies in Western Washington, with responsibilities that include patrol in unincorporated areas, civil process, search and rescue coordination, and jail operations. The department also played a key role Friday in the multi-agency response to the Ferndale shooting suspect arrest in Sandy Point.
Residents interested in careers in corrections or law enforcement can find recruitment information and current openings through the Whatcom County Sheriff's Office website. The department, like many agencies across the state, is actively working to maintain staffing levels across all divisions.
