Inmates finish college courses

The Oconee County Sheriff’s Office recently held
a graduation ceremony at the Law Enforcement Center in Walhalla, for five current and one
former state inmate, who have completed courses and earned a Certified Production Technician
Certification from Tri-County Technical College.
The names of the five current inmates who received certificates will not be released by the
Sheriff’s Office due to South Carolina Department of Corrections rules and regulations. Former
Inmate Keenan Davis returned to the Sheriff’s Office, after his release, to complete his
participation in the program.
“We are proud of the dedication and the hard work of these men who have earned this
certification,” says Oconee County Sheriff Mike Crenshaw. “This is the first time that a college
program has been taught in our Detention Center. These men will have the opportunity to earn a
good living working in industry and there are industries in Oconee County that have already
expressed an interest in having these men apply for jobs with their companies. In partnership
with Tri-County Technical College, we have provided this opportunity and these men have
demonstrated by their effort and commitment that they are ready to make a change in their
lives.”
In a news release issued by the Sheriff’s Office on April 26th, it was announced that Tri-County
Technical College, in cooperation with the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office, would be using
available technology to give State Correctional Inmates, who are currently housed at the Oconee
County Detention Center, an opportunity to earn a Certified Production Technician Certification.
The Certification Program is part of Oconee County Sheriff Mike Crenshaw’s Leadership
Vision, and his long-term vision for Inmate Life Transformation and Success, which includes the
“Life after Lock-Up” program.
Money for the program was made available through a state grant from the South Carolina
Department of Employment and Work Force