Every day, Officer Johnson argues with the classification department. He tells them that custody is the backbone of corrections and holds the greatest responsibilities when it comes to inmates’ safety. Classification quickly argues back that classification is the backbone of corrections because proper placement falls into prevention. In essence, classification prevents while custody reacts. Therefore, we do work in partnership, but prevention is always better than reaction.
As you walk down the hall, you hear both parties arguing. As you get closer, both parties turn to you. Each party states their side of the argument and looks to you for an answer.
So, here is the question. For this scenario, if you could only pick one department — even though we know we need all departments working together to run smoothly — who would you define as the backbone of corrections? Would you choose classification, or would you choose custody? Or, would you suggest another department?
Whichever department you choose, please explain why.