Harford County training academy emphasizes scenario-based evaluations, driving and firearms proficiency

Corporal Richard Bassilone Jr., training coordinator at the Harford County Sheriff's Office academy, outlined the agency's approach to recruit training, saying the program balances physical conditioning, mental testing and scenario-based evaluations for both corrections and law-enforcement tracks.

Bassilone said the first two weeks focus on mental and physical testing, followed by specialty blocks such as criminal law, EVOC (emergency vehicle operations course) driving, firearms instruction and defensive tactics. He said the academy uses drill instructors and physical training staff to prepare recruits for the job and that the final STEP evaluation includes repeated scenario testing to ensure consistent performance.

"This last class, they did about 50 scenarios approximately where they're tested and evaluated on everything that they've learned from day 1 of the academy," Bassilone said.

Bassilone encouraged interested candidates to reach out to the sheriff's office for ride-alongs, tours and recruitment postings. The segment described separate curricula for corrections and law enforcement and emphasized continuing evaluation and standards for firearms proficiency and courtroom testimony.