David C. Knapps Correctional Officer Training Academy

Located on the grounds of Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola, the Department of Corrections Training Academy was established in 1979.  On December 19, 2000, the Training Academy was dedicated in memory of Captain David C. Knapps, who was killed in the line of duty on December 28, 1999.

Training and staff development play an important role in Corrections as they affect every aspect of our operations.  The Training Academy at Angola is committed to excellence through an organizational structure, academic environment and resources specifically designed and focused to provide the best possible training program.  In January 2002 the David C. Knapps Correctional Officer Training Academy achieved accreditation through the American Correctional Association and is now one of only eight accredited correctional officer training academies in the nation.

The Training Academy provides Basic Cadet Training for all new Correctional Officers within the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections.  In addition to Basic Cadet Training, the Training Academy provides In-Service, Security Orientation, and Non-Security Orientation training for Louisiana State Penitentiary employees, and provides other specialized training to various law enforcement agencies.

Each year the Training Academy provides training for approximately 3,500 employees for the Department of Public Safety and Corrections.   

The Training Academy works in conjunction with various other agencies to maintain a high level of training methods and materials to provide cutting edge information to all employees.  

K-9 Training

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