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About the Jail Officer Certification Program

Certified Jail Officer logoWhat is the purpose of certification?

The Jail Manager Certification Commission (JMCC) and the American Jail Association (AJA) promote the concept of voluntary certification of all jail personnel. Certification is one part of a process called credentialing. It focuses specifically on the individual and provides evidence of that individual's competency in the field. Certification signifies and documents the mastery of a strong level of knowledge in a specialized field. It plays a significant role in the elevation of professionalism and provides an opportunity for professional growth by encouraging education which, in turn, fosters effective management practices.

The Certified Jail Officer (CJO) Program was developed to assist jail officers in preparing themselves for advancement in the profession of jail management. The CJO Program provides jail officers with an opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities as well as their commitment to the corrections profession on a national level. Jail officers who become CJOs embark on building a national professional portfolio of their career. All CJOs will be listed on AJA's website and periodically printed in AJA publications.

The next level in the certification process is the Certified Jail Manager (CJM) Program. The CJM Program provides a credentialing opportunity for jail managers who direct, administer, and/or are in charge of the operations of a jail facility, division, bureau, department, program, and/or shift; and/or jail managers who supervise the work and performance of an employee or employees.

Who is eligible to apply to become a Certified Jail Officer?

Anyone who has been employed full time, for a minimum of two (2) years, as a jail officer. Candidates are required to agree to, and adhere to the American Jail Association Code of Ethics.

Who qualifies as a Jail Officer?

A person (sworn or civilian) who supervises individuals incarcerated in jails; and/or a person (sworn or civilian) who is in charge of those who supervise individuals incarcerated in jails.

How can I become a Certified Jail Officer?

Apply by obtaining the CJO Handbook for Candidates and Application from AJA headquarters or by downloading them from AJA's web site. Qualified candidates must then take, and pass, the Jail Officer Certification examination. Eligible candidates who pass the certification examination for Jail Officers will be certified for a period of four years and are permitted to use the CJO designation.

Is your agency interested in the CJO Program, but desires more control over the application process?

How much will the Certification process cost?

There is a nonrefundable application fee of $45 for AJA members and $95 for nonmembers. The application fee must be submitted with the application (Apply for Membership). The examination fee for candidates who are eligible to sit for the exam is $185.

The test is administered electronically by LaserGrade during a two-week window in the winter and summer of each year. LaserGrade offers over 800 testing sites nationwide and you can find the site nearest you by visiting their web site at www.LaserGrade.com.

How can I find out more about the CJO program? 

How can I obtain the necessary CJO application forms? 

How can I prepare for the Certification examination?

Although general knowledge of the experienced jail officer and familiarity with current practices are what is required to pass the certification examination, AJA has developed a resource list to assist candidates in preparing for the examination.

For more information, please contact Francine Olszewski, Certification Coordinator at 301-790-3930 or certification@aja.org.

CJO Testimonials

 Submitted 9/23/2009 by K. Roy Hall

“Since receiving the CJO certification, I have received higher marks in my employee evaluation from my supervisor. I have been recognized by my peers because they see my lapel pin and ask what is “CJO?”  I get to tell them what it takes to become a CJO and this sparks their interest.  They want to become a CJO too. They then recognize me as someone who knows their stuff, is professional, ethical, and knowledgeable. Earning the CJO certification has increased my own self respect and the amount of respect others give me.”


CJO  Recertification

Certification lasts for a period of four years. To retain the Certified Jail Officer designation, you must recertify by either Training Hour Accumulation or Re-examination. If you choose to recertify by the Training Hour Accumulation method, you must accumulate 80 hours of correctional training between the day the examination was taken (or from the last date of recertification) and the time of application for recertification. There is NO REQUIREMENT for re-examination. 

How much will the recertification process cost?

The fee for recertification through Training Hour Accumulation is $45 for AJA Members and $95 for nonmembers (Apply for Membership). If you choose to retake the examination, the examination fee is $185.

How can I find out more about the CJO recertification process?

Apply by obtaining the CJO Handbook for Candidates and Recertification Application from AJA headquarters or by downloading them from AJA's web site. 

How can I obtain the necessary application forms for the CJO recertification process?

I am currently a CJO and interested in submitting potential test questions for the CJO examination. What is the procedure for writing test questions?

For more information, please contact Francine Olszewski, Certification Coordinator at 301-790-3930 or certification@aja.org.

 


 

Current CJOs

The following is a list of current Certified Jail Officers (CJOs) along with the date of their initial certification.  The first CJOs became certified in June of 2005.

Updated January 5, 2010

International

Alabama

Eric L. Tucker, CJO
Decatur, AL
Certified: 11/06

Alaska 

Arizona

Mitzi L. Carlson, CJO
Heber, AZ
Certified: 11/06

Richard V. Celis, CJO
Kearny, AZ
Certified: 11/07

Darrin Foshee, CJO
Snowflake, AZ
Certified: 06/06

Jose L. Gaxiola, CJO
Casa Grande, AZ
Certified: 11/07

Matthew Hull, CJO
Florence, AZ
Certified: 11/07

Jamie L. Ivers, CJO
Coolidge, AZ
Certified: 11/07

Michelle D. Jackson, CJO
Chandler, AZ
Certified: 11/07

Joshua Reizer, CJO
Holbrook, AZ
Certified: 06/06

Sue Thompson, CJO
Flagstaff, AZ
Certified: 06/09

Kristine A. Torrez, CJO
Queen Creek, AZ
Certified: 11/07

Francisco Valencia, CJO
Bisbee, AZ
Certified: 11/09

Eric M. VanArsdale, CJO
Florence, AZ
Certified: 11/07

Christina A. VanGorden, CJO
Florence, AZ
Certified: 11/07

Benjamin J. VasQuez, CJO
Munds Park, AZ
Certified: 11/07

Arkansas

California

Michael Bryant, CJM, CJO
Bakersfield, CA
Certified: 06/06

Felix Garcia, CJO
French Camp, CA
Certified: 11/08

Raymond L. Harper, CJO
Modesto, CA
Certified: 11/05

Traci Kessler, CJO
Los Osos, CA
Certified: 11/08

Lana Mungle, CJO
Manteca, CA
Certified: 11/08

Timothy B. Parnell, CJO
San Bernardino, CA
Certified: 06/07

Donna Sterling, CJO
Atascadero, CA
Certified: 11/08

Colorado

Andrew S. Bechert, CJO
Fountain, CO
Certified: 11/07

Christina Beck, CJO
Aurora, CO
Certified: 11/08

Arthur Benson, CJO
Aspen, CO
Certified: 11/09

Beverly Campbell, CJO
Aspen, CO
Certified: 06/09

James DeBerge, CJO
Aspen, CO
Certified: 11/09

Verona Ford, CJO
 Colorado Springs, CO
Certified: 11/08

Ruben Garcia, CJO
Peyton, CO
Certified: 11/08
 
Deborah Kendrick, CJO
Aspen, CO
Certified: 11/09

Sharon A. McCole-Pons, CJO
Eagle, CO
Certified: 06/08

Kevin Parkinson, CJO
Castle Rock, CO
Certified: 11/08

Chad Puglise, CJO
Eagle, CO
Certified: 11/08

Sara Roush, CJO
Glenwood Springs, CO
Certified: 11/08

Gregory M. VanWyk, CJO
Eagle, CO
Certified: 06/08

Everett Vonner, CJO
Denver, CO
Certified: 11/08

Connecticut

Delaware

Florida

Lillian H. Alvarez, CJO
Miramar, FL
Certified: 06/08

Karen Anderson, CJO
Miami, FL
Certified: 06/09

Lloyd H. Anderson, CJO
Margate, FL
Certified: 06/08

Michael T. Anderson, CJO
Dade City, FL
Certified: 06/07

Bruno Avila, CJO
Davie, FL
Certified: 06/09

Akelo Barner, CJO
Ft Lauderdale, FL
Certified: 06/09

Patrick B. Bauer, CJO
Crestview, FL
Certified: 06/07

Deborah Black-Ivery, CJO
Wesley Chapel, FL
Certified: 06/07

Franklin L. Combs, CJO
Miramar, FL
Certified: 06/08

James Conway, CJO
Chipley, FL
Certified: 11/08

Kevin Corbett, CJO
Tamarac, FL
Certified: 06/09

Anthony Dickson, CJO
Orlando, FL
Certified: 11/05

Marvin Doster, CJO
Loxahatchee, FL
Certified: 06/08

Susan Edgar, CJO
Royal Palm Beach, FL
Certified: 06/09

Michael L. Epperson, CJM, CJO
Naples, FL
Certified: 06/07

Ernest B. Gonder, Jr, CJO
Miramar, FL
Certified: 06/08

Dorlisa Hamilton, CJO
Tampa, FL
Certified: 06/06

Sarah Jenkins, CJO
Lauderdale Lakes, FL
Certified: 06/09

Derek Johnson, CJO
Lauderdale Lakes, FL
Certified: 06/08

Shawn A. Kolka, CJO
Plant City, FL
Certified: 11/06

Nicolaus Momot, CJO
Coconut Creek, FL
Certified: 06/08

Peter Montoya, CJO
Miami, FL
Certified: 06/09

Judie Nance, CJO
Pembroke Pines, FL
Certified: 06/09

Jennifer O'Brien-Craig, CJO
Coral Springs, FL
Certified: 06/09

George Orband, CJO
Weston, FL
Certified: 06/09

Michael V. Postelthweight, CJO
Tampa, FL
Certified: 11/05

Latresha President, CJO
Miramar, FL
Certified: 06/09

Brian C. Rogers, CJO
Lakeland, FL
Certified: 06/08

Cedric Smith, CJO
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Certified: 11/09

Emmanuel Thelon, CJO
Miramar, FL
Certified: 06/09

Juan Thomas, Sr., CJO
Deerfield Beach, FL
Certified: 06/09

Juanita Thornton, CJO
Valrico, FL
Certified: 11/06

Justin Turmel, CJO
Lutz, FL
Certified: 11/08

Tricia L. Vaccaro, CJO
Lighthouse Point, FL
Certified: 06/08

Brian A. Valickis, CJO
Miramar, FL
Certified: 06/08

Tangela Wilson, CJO
Davie, FL
Certified: 06/08

Georgia

Hawaii

Idaho

Kathy S. Parker, CJO
Rigby, ID
Certified: 06/05

Illinois

Sharon L. Churchill, CJO
Winthrop Harbor, IL
Certified: 11/05

Chad J. Kolitwenzew, CJO
Bourbonnais, IL
Certified: 11/07

Indiana

Robert Keim, CJO
Goshen, IN
Certified: 06/09

Amanda Rantz, CJO
South Bend, IN
Certified: 06/07

 

Iowa

Kansas

Ted R. Baker, CJO
Dodge City, KS
Certified: 11/06

Jason Carter, CJO
Louisburg, KS
Certified: 11/08

Robin G. Mather, CJO
Baldwin City, KS
Certified: 06/07

Angela K. Morgan, CJO
Lawrence, KS
Certified: 11/07

James W. Savage, CJO
Gardner, KS
Certified: 11/06

Nicholas W. Sowers, CJO
Pratt, KS
Certified: 06/08

Dennis Talley, CJO
Lawrence, KS
Certified: 11/08

Christopher L. Weis, CJO
Spearville, KS
Certified: 11/06

Kentucky

Louisiana

Maine

Maryland

Massachusetts

David Benson, CJO
Quincy, MA
Certified: 06/09

Bryan T. Connolly, CJO
Quincy, MA
Certified: 11/06

John P. Cosgrave, CJO
Whitman, MA
Certified: 11/06

Jason Dickie, CJO
Canton, MA
Certified: 06/06

Robert Dillon CJO
Weymouth, MA
Certified: 06/06

John L. Dunne, CJO
Walpole, MA
Certified: 06/08

Robert Durgin, CJO
Braintree, MA
Certified: 06/06

Timothy Flynn, Jr., CJO
Braintree, MA
Certified: 11/08

Thomas Frane, Jr, CJO
Braintree, MA
Certified: 06/06

Joseph P. Gordon, CJO
Bourne, MA
Certified: 11/06

Justin J. Jakes, CJO
Attleboro, MA
Certified: 11/06

Barry M. Keefe, CJO
Weymouth, MA
Certified: 06/08

Scott W. Kettell, CJO
North Weymouth, MA
Certified: 11/06

Stephen T. Linskey, Jr, CJO
Quincy, MA
Certified: 11/06

Bryan Marks, CJO
Medway, MA
Certified: 11/08

Steven C. McGaughey, CJO
Plymouth, MA
Certified: 06/08

Dominic A. McLeish, CJO
Dedham, MA
Certified: 06/08

Michael Mello, CJO
Wrentham, MA
Certified: 11/08

Scott Messina, CJO
Plymouth, MA
Certified: 11/08

William R. Morgan, CJO
Brockton, MA
Certified: 06/08

John O'Brien, CJO
Dedham, MA
Certified: 11/08

Keryn O'Connell, CJO
Norwood, MA
Certified: 11/08

Robert Queeney, CJO
Stoughton, MA
Certified: 06/09

Francis C. Reynolds, CJO
Brockton, MA
Certified: 11/06

Craig F. Riolo, CJO
Bellingham, MA
Certified: 06/08

Robert N. Russo, Jr, CJO
Rockland, MA
Certified: 11/06

Steven L. Shangold, CJO
Hanson, MA
Certified: 06/08

David C. Sheehan, CJO
Stoughton, MA
Certified: 11/06

Kevin Sheehan, CJO
Holbrook, MA
Certified: 06/09

Joseph M. Sullivan, CJO
Millis, MA
Certified: 11/06

Giuseppe S. Toscano, CJO
North Weymouth, MA
Certified: 11/06

Patrick F. Weir, CJO
North Attleboro, MA
Certified: 11/06

Michigan

Corina Beukema, CJO
Allegan, MI
Certified: 11/09

Richard Bielewicz, CJO
Traverse City, MI
Certified: 11/09

Marytheresa Carlson, CJO
Allegan, MI
Certified: 11/07

Megan Clancy, CJO
Allegan, MI
Certified: 11/09

Joshua W. Cole, CJO
Hopkins, MI
Certified: 11/06

Timothy Commissaris, CJO
Allegan, MI
Certified: 11/09

Mark Curtis, CJO
Lawrence, MI
Certified: 06/09

Burt A. DeBoer, CJO
Hamilton, MI
Certified: 11/06

Floyd Decker, Jr, CJO
Allegan, MI
Certified: 11/07

Craig Dilloway, CJO
Traverse City, MI
Certified: 11/09

Megan L. Erickson, CJO
Hersey, MI
Certified: 06/07

Steven Fasel, CJO
Traverse City, MI
Certified: 06/09

Brandon Giles, CJO
Allegan, MI
Certified: 11/09

Gregg Gustafson, CJO
Marquette, MI
Certified: 11/09

Michael L. Hall, CJO
Plainwell, MI
Certified: 11/07

Steven Holman, CJO
Marquette, MI
Certified: 11/09

Jennifer Hull, CJO
Suttons Bay, MI
Certified: 11/09

Chad Hunt, CJO
Watervliet, MI
Certified: 06/09

Jeffrey D. Kassab, CJO
Traverse City, MI
Certified: 06/07

Jeff M. LaBrie, CJO
Portage, MI
Certified: 11/07

Edward Lassa, CJO
Traverse City, MI
Certified: 11/09

Nyla J. Merrill, CJO
Otsego, MI
Certified: 11/05

James R. Miller, CJO
Grand Haven, MI
Certified: 11/05

Dennis Monroe, CJO
Traverse City, MI
Certified: 11/09

Nancy Nocera, CJO
Allegan, MI
Certified: 11/09

Jason M. Owen, CJO
Saranac, MI
Certified: 11/07

Steven Pizzala, CJO
West Branch, MI
Certified: 11/08

Denise D. Priebe, CJO
Allegan, MI
Certified: 11/05

Pixie L. Puente, CJO
Allegan, MI
Certified: 11/06
 
Todd Ritter, CJO
Traverse City, MI
Certified: 11/09

Gregg Rosenbery, CJO
Haslett, MI
Certified: 06/09

Michael T. Russell, CJO
Martin, MI
Certified: 11/05

Randy Schafer, CJO
Allegan, MI
Certified: 11/09

Rebecca Schram, CJO
Traverse City, MI
Certified: 11/08

John J. Sexton, CJO
Holland, MI
Certified: 11/05

Herbert W. Seyl, CJO
Fennville, MI
Certified: 11/07

Thomas J. Taverna, CJO
Portage, MI
Certified: 11/05

Thomas S. VanNest, CJO
Dorr, MI
Certified: 11/07

Jeremy Ver Sluys, CJO
South Haven, MI
Certified: 11/06

Danny M. Wolbrink, CJO
West Olive, MI
Certified: 11/06

 

Minnesota

Mississippi

Missouri

Darryl James, CJO
Raytown, MO
Certified: 06/06

Markell McCree, CJO
Kansas City, MO
Certified: 06/06

Theopilus Obi, CJO
Kansas City, MO
Certified: 06/06

Billy Shelton, CJO
Kansas City, MO
Certified: 06/06

Tonya Stahly, CJO
Grandview, MO
Certified: 06/06

Montana

Nebraska

Timothy Pursell, CJO
Omaha, NE
Certified: 11/09

Nevada

Sam Schirber, CJO
Las Vegas, NV
Certified: 06/05

David Toliver, CJO
Henderson, NV
Certified: 11/07

Richard G. Williams, Jr., CJO
Las Vegas, NV
Certified: 06/05

New Hampshire

Kraig Emery, CJO
Boscawen, NH
Certified: 11/09

Lenny O'Keefe, CJO
Boscawen, NH
Certified: 11/09

New Jersey

New Mexico

Steven Butler, CJO
Hobbs, NM
Certified: 11/09

Jason R. Ellis, CJO
Albuquerque, NM
Certified: 06/08

New York

Martin E. Ferguson, CJO
Clay, NY
Certified: 06/05

North Carolina

North Dakota

Ohio


Kevin Biller, CJO
Newark, OH
Certified: 11/09

Mathew R. Poffenbarger, CJO
Columbus, OH
Certified: 11/06

Michael L. Zwiebel, CJO
Newark, OH
Certified: 11/06

Oklahoma

Oregon

Pennsylvania

Rhode Island

South Carolina

William D. Jackson, CJO
Winnsboro, SC
Certified: 11/07

South Dakota 

Tennessee

Sheri Cartwright, CJO
Madison, TN
Certified: 06/09

Tracy L. Case, CJO
Chattanooga, TN
Certified: 06/07

Brandi T. Jines, CJO
La Vergne, TN
Certified: 06/07

Artie Taylor, CJO
Memphis, TN
Certified: 11/06

Texas

Lori K. Compton, CJO
Kerens, TX
Certified: 11/07

Aimee J. Kramer, CJO
Kaufman, TX
Certified: 11/07

William T. Phariss, CJO
Bryan, TX
Certified: 11/07

Utah

K. Hall, CJO
Lewiston, UT
Certified: 06/09

Vermont

Virginia

Janet L. Baker, CJO
Dumfries, VA
Certified: 11/07

Kim Baldwin, CJO
Chesapeake, VA
Certified: 06/09

David L. Beard, CJO
Nokesville, VA
Certified: 06/07

Ernest Bower, CJO
Franklin, VA
Certified: 06/09

Floyd Copeland III, CJO
Virginia Beach, VA
Certified: 11/08

DeBorah L. Davis, CJO
Woodbridge, VA
Certified: 11/06

Leon Dupree, CJO
Chesapeake, VA
Certified: 06/09

Stevie L. Ezzell, CJO
Courtland, VA
Certified: 06/07

Michael Jordan, CJO
Staunton, VA
Certified: 11/09

Christopher E. Pascal, CJO
Chesapeake, VA
Certified: 11/07

Jeffrey Scott, CJO
Hampton, VA
Certified: 06/06

Eric R. Smith, CJO
Chesapeake, VA
Certified: 11/07
 
Thomas Wenthe, CJO
Chesapeake, VA
Certified: 11/09

Michael Whalen, CJO
Suffolk, VA
Certified: 06/06

Washington

John Dicroce, CJO
Renton, WA
Certified: 11/08

Al Ervin, CJO
University Place, WA
Certified: 11/08

West Virginia

Wisconsin

Michael H. Klotz, CJO
Osseo, WI
Certified: 06/08

Wyoming

Kevin M. Allen, CJO
Gillette, WY
Certified: 06/07

Thomas K. O'Neal, CJO
Gillette, WY
Certified: 06/07