The Bahamas Department of Correctional Services held its official Signing In Ceremony on Monday, June 8, 2026 at the Correctional Training Center, Fox Hill Road.  With a squad comprising 81 candidates present, Correctional Services Commissioner Doan Cleare, explained that officially the squad will comprise 88 candidates, with 81 persons present, and 7 more to be added during the week.

Commissioner Cleare explained that there is currently a shortage of male recruit intake across the uniformed branches and females are now outperforming the males. He noted there are more females than males in the new A Squad Intake, with strong competition among females for placement.

The training programme will be 26 weeks consisting of International & American Law and Correctional/ Reform Practices; Riot & Crowd Response; Medical & First Aid Response; Weapons & FireArms Training; Psychology; Restraint Training; Physical Fitness Training.

Commissioner Cleare wished the incoming squad well, encouraging them to work hard and excel within the next 26 weeks.

The ceremony was opened by Correctional Services Officer Astronique Ellis followed by invocation from the Corrections Chaplain Rev. Dr. William Thompson.  Assistant Corrections Commissioner then moved into a roll call of the “A Squad 2026”.  Director of Education and Training, Ms. Andrea Sweeting introduced the Senior Management Team who addressed and encouraged the new recruits about their roles and future endeavours within the organization.

The theme for this 2026 A Squad signing was ‘Let Integrity be your watchword.’

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