Understaffing is a major threat to the safe an orderly running of our nation’s correctional facilities. It’s a threat that has been hidden from public view for many years. But, thanks to A&E, the threat has now been exposed.
At first glance, A&E’s “60 Days In” shows a jail that’s in need of better management. Retired Florida Prison Inspector, Gary York states, “My initial impression after seeing “60 Days In” was that this facility needs training in areas of leadership, contraband control, internal investigations, and inmate manipulation.”
From sex to drugs, from extortion to assaults, inmates at the Clark County Jail had free reign to live life as they pleased. But does free reign mean that the inmates were given permission? A&E would have you believe the answer is “yes.”
What the viewers don’t know, because A&E kept it under wraps, was that the Clark County Jail, in Indiana, is seriously understaffed. Sheriff Jamey Noel states, “We are at a current budgeted staffing of 80 Corrections Officers. A recent staffing study showed that we are additionally 30 Corrections Officers short, or a total of 10 per shift.” He also states, “Without the needed staff available, the jail does not have the ability to increase staff presence and conduct more random searches.” As seen on A&E, this is what led to limited direct supervision of the housing pods and the limited control of contraband.
Also, let’s not forget about training and fatigue. Training and retraining helps to maintain the level of response needed when working inside a correctional facility. Without proper coverage inside the facility, training can not be provided. If training is not provided, correctional staff will not have the knowledge needed to do their job effectively and safely.
As for fatigue, correctional staff must remain alert at all times, but, due to staff shortages, staff are being forced to work overtime to make up for the bodies needed to run each shift. If the staff member can not remain alert while performing their duties, they will easily overlook on things that can threaten the safety and security of the facility.
Increased staff can help maintain a facility that is both preventive and reactionary. With increased staff to meet the facility’s needs, proper coverage can be given, more staff presence would be made available, and preventive measures like searches, gathering Intel, etc. would be implemented on a regular basis. These are the needed measures to prevent criminal activity inside the jail.
In an attempt to deter criminal activity within his jail, Sheriff Jamey Noel has asked the County Council for additional staff and has yet to be approved. On a daily basis, with the current staffing he has available, he has to constantly reassign staff to best meet the operational needs.
In an effort to expose corruption, A&E showed the world the dangers of an understaffed facility. This was an up close and personal look into a facility that has limited means to control the nation’s toughest beat. For now, the public only has a view of a small jail in Clark County, Indiana. But, unfortunately, understaffing is now a national problem that has affected multiple states across the country. It’s time for the public to become aware of the concerns that hide deep within the shadows of Corrections. You never know when you, or someone you love, will find their way behind the wall.
