Parson proposes transforming closed prison into training facility

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) – Gov. Mike Parson has proposed transforming a shuttered northwest Missouri prison into a training ground for incoming correctional officers.

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that Parson’s recently unveiled budget plan includes $671,714 to convert the idled Crossroads Correctional Center in Cameron into an academy where would-be prison guards can get more real-world experience before being assigned to one of the state’s 20 lock-ups.

The state has training academies in Jefferson City, St. Joseph and Farmington.

Those facilities may be consolidated once the conversion is complete.