National

BDOCS Welcomes Trainee Correctional Officers ‘A Squad’

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Eighty-one eager recruits officially signed on at the Bahamas Correctional Training Institute in Nassau on Monday morning, kickstarting their journey as correctional officers.

Published

3 weeks ago

June 8, 2026

Evlynn Ferguson

NASSAU , BAHAMAS – Eighty-one eager recruits officially signed on at the Bahamas Correctional Training Institute in Nassau on Monday morning, kickstarting their journey as correctional officers.

Commissioner of the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services, Doan Cleare, says they’re just a few boots short of their recruitment goal.

Doan Cleare – Commissioner, Bahamas Department of Correctional Services

“I’m pleased today to welcome the squad in. We have tried extremely hard to meet a quota. The Government of The Bahamas has given us the latitude to bring in 100 persons, and thus far, we only can find 88.”

The commissioner did not shy away from a challenge they’re currently facing: recruiting more men.

Doan Cleare – Commissioner, Bahamas Department of Correctional Services

“A quarter should have been 30 females and 70 males. But, you know, my hand was twisted and chapped and kicked, and it was increased now to 40 females and 60 males. So we now have seven additional persons who will be joining us on Thursday. After those seven persons join us on Thursday, we will still be 12 short. Preferably, those 12 should be males.”

Doan Cleare – Commissioner, Bahamas Department of Correctional Services

“We have a serious, serious problem in The Bahamas. The uniform branches cannot find qualified males to join the ranks — the Police Force, Defence Force, Customs, and Immigration. It is now apparent that only females are probably meeting the necessary requirements.”

Cleare believes factors like gangs and drugs are keeping many young men from stepping forward as candidates for training.

He urged parents to be more involved and watchful when raising their sons.

Doan Cleare – Commissioner, Bahamas Department of Correctional Services

“It goes back to schooling and training. I would implore the parents of these young men to ensure that your children get the proper education while they’re in school. Only when they come out, they want to send these pretty resumes with empty qualifications. These are the males I’m talking about now. So parents, spend time with your sons.”