Are you 18 years old? Well, now you can become a Bristol County corrections officer

DARTMOUTH, Mass. (WLNE) — “If you’re old enough to vote and serve in the military, you’re now old enough to be a Bristol County corrections officer,” touted Bristol County Sheriff Paul Heroux on lowering the hiring age for corrections officers.

Heroux said Thursday that the new age requirement for corrections officer cadets at his office is 18. The previous age requirement was 19.

“We’re hearing from 18 year olds who want to start their law enforcement career here and we’ve had to tell them to come back in a year,” he said.

Heroux said the Bristol County Sheriff’s Office provides educational, career exploration programs for high school students that allows them to tour the House of Corrections.

“We’re losing good people, people interested and excited about a law enforcement career at the Bristol County Sheriff’s Office, because they’re finding other jobs and opportunities between their 18th and 19th birthdays,” Heroux said.

The sheriff said his office is making it easier for new high school graduates to start a career in corrections by starting the paperwork and interview process at 17.

A job fair is scheduled for April 19 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and April 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Bristol County Sheriff’s Office at 421  Faunce Corner Rd.