By Lieutenant Vasharn Simmons
The correctional landscape has dramatically transformed in recent years, characterized by staff shortages, high turnover rates and increasing officer burnout. These challenges have created a perfect storm for correctional facilities, but as a supervisor, I discovered a powerful solution: effective counseling.
Disclaimer: This is not 100% foolproof; there will be success stories, stories of no changes and failures. Even in the event of failure, officers usually don’t give any push back on the disciplinary counseling because they are fully aware of what is coming due to them by knowing what is expected.
A real-world example
Before diving deeper, let’s examine a real-world example of how effective counseling can transform an officer’s career. Officer Smith was a solid performer, but his consistently below-standard security scan percentage was a persistent issue. Despite multiple verbal warnings and being placed on a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP), he failed to show improvement. My subordinate supervisors, relatively new to their roles, were uncertain how to handle the situation without resorting to more severe disciplinary action.
As a supervisor, it’s easy to become complacent and let issues slide. However, I knew that a firm but supportive approach was necessary. With that in mind, I addressed the issue directly with Officer Smith.
I called him in for a written warning. During our meeting, I revisited his initial counseling and previous developmental counseling sessions, emphasizing the importance of taking responsibility for his actions. This candid conversation, combined with a clear and concise warning, sparked a transformation. Officer Smith not only improved his security scan percentage but also excelled in other areas. He joined the Special Operations Response Team and the Canine Contraband Apprehension Team and became a dedicated trainer and mentor for new staff. This remarkable turnaround underscores the power of effective counseling in motivating and inspiring officers to reach their full potential.
What every supervisor faces
As a supervisor or leader, you are the coach of your team. No matter your supervisory level or how big or small your team is, you must play the hand you’re dealt. As a leader, you’re measured by your wins and losses — just like a coach. Regardless of the personnel you have, it’s your responsibility to find a way to get the best out of them. Even if you have weak draft picks, staff members quit, or people become unmotivated, your mission remains the same: find a legitimate way to win. How do you navigate this challenge? Beyond training, the key is effective counseling. Training is essential, but that’s a discussion for another day. Here, we’ll focus specifically on the counseling aspect of leadership.
My career in the U.S. Army prepared me for the challenges I face in correctional leadership. There, I honed my skills in caring for and developing soldiers. I discovered that counseling — defined as a “professional and confidential communication process that empowers Soldiers to address personal concerns, develop coping mechanisms, and make informed decisions that enhance their emotional, psychological, and spiritual well-being” (U.S. Department of the Army, 2018, p. 1-3) — was a valuable tool for managing stress, trauma, and personal development. Transitioning into corrections, I realized those same principles could effectively apply to managing correctional officers.
It’s surprising how many supervisors view counseling solely as a disciplinary tool. In reality, counseling is a multifaceted process that fosters growth, builds trust, and enhances overall performance. By implementing a comprehensive counseling strategy, I’ve seen significant transformations within my team.
Supervisors play a critical role in this process. They must initiate and guide a structured, supportive counseling approach, engaging officers to enhance job performance, address challenges, and encourage professional growth. This requires active listening, empathy, and goal-oriented communication. Unlike traditional interactions that merely involve talking to staff, counseling emphasizes building positive relationships, providing meaningful guidance, and empowering officers to take ownership of their professional development.
Critical components of correctional counseling include:
- Communication: Open and honest dialogue between supervisor and officer.
- Goal setting: Establishing clear expectations and performance objectives.
- Feedback: Provide constructive criticism and recognize achievements.
- Support: Offering emotional support and resources to address challenges.
- Development: Assisting officers in acquiring new skills and knowledge.
By comprehensively defining counseling as a supportive and developmental process, you can reassure your audience about its transformative potential, providing them with comfort and security.
A comprehensive approach
This integrative framework comprises various counseling types, each tailored to specific needs. I utilize the following as my framework for counseling: Initial Counseling, Developmental Counseling, Informative Counseling, Event Counseling and Disciplinary Counseling. Each type of counseling has a unique purpose, but they all aim to foster a positive and supportive working relationship between the supervisor and officer.
- Initial counseling: This is the first formal meeting between the supervisor and the officer. It’s an opportunity to establish rapport, set expectations, and clarify roles.
- Developmental counseling: This ongoing type of counseling focuses on providing feedback, identifying improvement areas, and setting professional growth goals.
- Informative counseling: This involves sharing essential information with the officer, such as policy changes, procedure updates, or new initiatives.
- Event counseling: This is a recognition or reward for outstanding performance or could address a specific incident or event.
- Disciplinary counseling: While this is often seen by many as the primary purpose of counseling, disciplinary counseling should be a last resort. It’s used to address serious performance issues or misconduct.
Each type of counseling has a unique purpose, but they all aim to foster a positive and supportive working relationship between the supervisor and officer.
By understanding and utilizing these various counseling types, supervisors can create a more effective and supportive work environment for correctional officers. This can improve morale, increase job satisfaction, and better performance.
Addressing common challenges
Correctional officers face unique challenges, including stress, trauma and work-life balance issues. Counseling can be a valuable tool for addressing these challenges and providing support.
For example, counseling can help officers:
- Coping with stress and trauma: Counseling can provide officers with coping mechanisms and strategies to manage the stress and trauma associated with their work.
- Improve work-life balance: Counseling can help officers develop strategies for balancing their work and personal lives, reducing stress and burnout.
- Build resilience: Counseling can help officers develop resilience, enabling them to better cope with challenges and setbacks.
The importance of regular counseling
Regular counseling sessions are essential for maintaining a positive and supportive work environment. Even high-performing officers can benefit from counseling.
By scheduling regular counseling sessions, supervisors can:
- Identify and address potential issues early: Counseling can help identify and address problems before they escalate.
- Provide ongoing support: Regular counseling sessions can provide officers with ongoing support and guidance.
- Foster a culture of open communication: Counseling can create a culture of open communication and trust between supervisors and officers.
Addressing potential challenges and obstacles
While counseling can be a valuable tool for correctional facilities, it’s essential to acknowledge the potential challenges and obstacles that may arise in implementing a program. These may include:
- Funding: Securing funding for counseling programs can be challenging, especially in tight-budget environments.
- Training staff to provide effective counseling services can be time-consuming and resource-intensive.
- Privacy concerns: Concerns about confidentiality and privacy may arise, mainly when dealing with sensitive issues.
- To overcome these challenges, correctional facilities can:
- Prioritize counseling: Make counseling a priority and allocate resources accordingly.
- Partner with internal and external organizations: Partner with internal organizations, such as HR, that can assist in training on how to counsel or external organizations that provide counseling services for your agency’s employees.
- Develop clear policies and procedures: Develop clear policies and procedures for counseling to address privacy concerns and ensure confidentiality.
Leveraging technology for effective counseling
In today’s digital age, technology can play a significant role in enhancing counseling programs. Digital databases can serve as a central place for tracking and recording counseling sessions, ensuring that no information is lost and providing supervisors at all levels with a comprehensive view of an officer’s counseling history.
Key benefits of using digital databases:
- Centralized record keeping: A digital database can serve as a central location for all counseling records, eliminating the need for paper files and reducing the risk of lost or misplaced information.
- Improved accessibility: Supervisors at all levels can access counseling records easily, providing them with a comprehensive understanding of an officer’s progress and any challenges they may be facing.
- Data analysis and insights: Digital databases can be used to analyze counseling data, identify trends, and inform evidence-based decision-making regarding counseling practices and resource allocation.
- Enhanced accountability: A digital database can improve accountability by ensuring that counseling sessions are documented and that follow-up actions are taken as needed.
- Support for promotions, evaluations, and disciplinary actions: When it comes time for promotions, evaluations, or disciplinary actions, supervisors can use counseling records to provide a complete picture of an officer’s performance, including their strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement.
By leveraging digital databases, correctional facilities can streamline their counseling processes, improve data management, and make more informed decisions regarding the well-being and performance of their staff.
A call to action
Effective counseling is not just a tool but a transformative strategy that can significantly improve correctional workforce management. By implementing a comprehensive counseling program, supervisors at every level can create a more positive and supportive work environment for their staff. This program can improve officer well-being, enhance job performance, and create a more positive and productive work environment.
Remember, counseling should be a priority for all levels of staff, including supervisors. When I took over my shift, a comprehensive counseling program was needed. Introducing counseling and changing the perception of its purpose was a gradual process. Initially, officers were hesitant and only associated counseling with adverse events. Over time, as they experienced the benefits of counseling, their attitudes shifted, and they became more comfortable and open to the process.
By fostering a culture of open communication and support, correctional facilities can improve the well-being of their officers, enhance job performance, and create a more positive and productive work environment.
Additional resources
To further enhance your understanding of counseling techniques and their application in correctional settings, consider exploring the following resources:
- American Correctional Association (ACA): The ACA offers a variety of resources, including publications, training programs, and conferences, related to correctional counseling and mental health services.
- American Psychological Association (APA): The APA offers resources and guidelines for psychologists working in correctional settings, including information on counseling techniques and ethical considerations.
- Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS): The BJS provides data and statistics on correctional systems, including information on mental health services and counseling programs.
- National Institute of Corrections (NIC): The NIC provides research, training, and technical assistance to correctional agencies. They offer resources on a variety of topics, including counseling and mental health.
- U.S. Department of the Army. (2018, September 14). Army Regulation 608-18: Mental Health Services Program.
- U.S. Department of the Army. (n.d.). Field Manual 6-22: Leader Development.
About the author
Vasharn Simmons is a seasoned corrections professional with over two decades of experience in law enforcement and security operations. He currently holds the rank of lieutenant and serves as the Operations Commander at the DeSoto County Juvenile Detention Center in Hernando, Mississippi, overseeing the daily operations of all four shifts, ensuring the safety and security of both juvenile offenders and staff.
A retired U.S. Army veteran with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from American Intercontinental University, Vasharn brings a unique blend of military discipline and academic expertise to his role. His specialization in Homeland Security and Crisis Management has equipped him with the skills to navigate complex challenges and ensure the safety of the facility.
With a proven track record of success in correctional leadership, Vasharn has a deep understanding of the unique challenges and complexities of the field. His expertise in security protocols, risk management and team leadership has been instrumental in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of both the adult detention center and now the juvenile detention operations.
In his role, Vasharn has implemented innovative strategies to improve security, reduce recidivism and foster a positive environment for both inmates and staff. His dedication to continuous improvement and commitment to excellence have earned him a reputation as a respected leader in the corrections community. As Vasharn prepares to pursue a Master’s in Business Administration Organizational Leadership from Western Governors University, he is poised to continue his career trajectory and make a lasting impact on the field of corrections.