New Inmate Program Paves the Way for Ex-Offenders to Work as Flaggers
ALEXANDRIA, VA – The Alexandria Sheriff’s Office provides educational and training opportunities for inmates to expand their knowledge and develop skills that will aid them after their release. Now the Inmate Services team is offering training for inmates to become certified flaggers who direct traffic on roadways and in work zones.
In April, Deputy Todd Stubblefield, certified as a Traffic Control Supervisor and a Flagging Instructor by the American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA), conducted in-classroom training for six inmates interested in becoming safe and effective flaggers. Training covered standard flagger control references, proper flagging signal procedures, standard flagger practices for various situations and other important subjects.
After the training, the inmates took the required examination and all six passed, becoming ATSSA-Certified Flaggers. This certification is recognized in Virginia, Maryland and Washington, D.C., as well as dozens of other states. With this certification, ex-offenders can increase their opportunities for employment and can more effectively pursue flagger work in the road safety industry.
The Sheriff’s Office also provides training opportunities for inmates to receive their ServSafe® Food Protection Manager certification which, like the flagger certification, makes them more competitive candidates for employment when they return to the community.
