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corrections officersSACRAMENTO-

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation celebrated the graduation of 187 new correctional officers Friday, but said about 2,000 more are needed.

The CDCR cited the fact that at least 1,800 correctional officers retire every year, leaving gaps to be filled.

Interested parties must attend CDCR correctional officer academy, have a high school diploma, proof of U.S. citizenship, be at least 20 years old and 21 by the time of appointment, pass a drug test, have a history of law abiding behavior and be able to legally “own, posses and have custody or control of a firearm or other weapons authorized by CDCR.”

Cadets will be paid and receive benefits while attending the academy, the CDCR said.

More information on how to become a correctional officer can be found on the CDCR’s website.