Corrections Columnist Articles

• Training day: Pepperball BLAST deployment scenarios

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  The advantages of this handheld, lightweight, refillable launcher make it perfect for every correctional officer’s use of force toolbox

• The dangers of the food port in corrections

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  Whatever you call it, the food port presents risk to all corrections personnel

• Effective public safety report preparation

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  Remember to follow three simple principles: preparation, organization and clarity

• Overcoming the mental health stigma in public safety

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  Why first responders should seek treatment as soon as mental health symptoms appear

• How does manipulation lead to love and escape?

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  Toby Dorr talks about her path from dog program volunteer to helping convicted murderer John Manard escape from a Lansing, Kansas prison

• Readers respond: Is shaking an inmate's hand ever appropriate?

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  A recent training scenario elicited so many responses we decided to give them their own article

• Help wanted: Servant leaders needed in correctional services

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  As leaders, when we find ways to engage and support our staff, there isn't much we can't overcome

• Can you defend your facility staffing in court?

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  How long has it been since someone has taken a good look at the way you are utilizing your staff?

• Will a policy violation lead to liability?

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  Though an officer ostensibly made his rounds, he did not physically enter the video arraignment room as required by policy – during which time an inmate overdosed

• The importance of being vigilant in a correctional environment

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  As COs, there must never be any doubt that we are observing, analyzing and ready to protect those under our watch

• Fallout: The stress of 'working short' in corrections

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  We may not be able to resolve all the root causes of staff shortages in corrections, but there are steps that can help alleviate the problem

• Controlling contraband in jails and prisons: What COs need to know

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  Taking contraband control seriously saves lives; here's what COs should be on the lookout for

• Training scenario: Is shaking an inmate's hand ever appropriate?

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  Inmate Jackson wants to thank Officer Smith for his professionalism on his last day of incarceration – but would a handshake send the wrong message?

• Why everything you think you know about jail-media relations is probably wrong

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  As jail administrators, the media is only our enemy if we let them be

• A correctional officer's musings on professional team building and basketball

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  Basketball and corrections are both team sports – and it takes work to function well as a team

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