By Robert Greenwood
On a cool November day, my family and I were eagerly anticipating the regional state volleyball championship game to support my daughter’s high school team. Some parents organized a trip for the event, securing hotel accommodations and making a reservation at a charming restaurant. Unfortunately, our plans were unexpectedly disrupted when my supervisor informed me at the end of my shift that I would be required to work another 8-hour shift due to staffing shortages.
As we know in the profession, plans can be shattered with mandatory overtime. This news left me feeling disappointed and frustrated because I had been looking forward to watching my daughter’s game and spending quality time with my family and friends. The unfortunate reality is that my family and friends had become desensitized to my absence. They were often taken aback when I actually showed up for birthdays, holidays and other special occasions.
The ‘new normal’ in corrections
The ongoing staffing crisis in correctional facilities nationwide poses a significant challenge for those who work in these environments. Correctional officers are required to work mandatory overtime due to staff shortages and call-ins. COs frequently find themselves working in single-person assignments and under continuous pressure from both the prison administration and the inmates. This combination of factors, high stress levels, lack of recognition, challenging supervisory relationships and mandatory overtime creates a complex working environment for correctional officers. [1]
As a former correctional officer, I also know firsthand the demands of this job. With call-ins and staff vacancies, I was forced to work double shifts. Instead of finishing my shift at 2 p.m., I sometimes didn’t get home until 10:30 p.m., exhausted and facing the start of a new shift just a few hours later. This relentless pressure took a personal toll on me and my coworkers, many of whom had suffered serious burnout from the extended hours and highly stressful conditions.
For numerous officers, the combination of job dissatisfaction and safety concerns had become overwhelming, prompting an alarming rate of departures. This, in turn, creates a damaging cycle, as more staff leave, the remaining officers, as in my case, are burdened with even greater responsibilities, including mandatory overtime.
The repercussions extend beyond the workplace. I found it increasingly difficult to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Like many officers, I missed family dinners, reunions, holidays, children’s sporting events and other moments, leaving me too drained to engage meaningfully with my loved ones when I did get off work. The emotional and physical strain of the job lingers, making it challenging to relax or truly disconnect. This compounded stress not only affects individual well-being and relationships but also contributes to a less safe environment within the facility. Today, addressing the urgent need for support and staffing improvements has never been more essential.
The tactical mindset: Navigating the understaffed facility
In facilities where we face limited staffing, it’s essential for correctional officers to prioritize our core responsibilities. Our main focus should always be on safety, security and inmate management. Correctional officers must utilize coping mechanisms that work best for them. Research identifies several categories of coping resources, including problem-solving skills, social networks, personal beliefs like self-efficacy or locus of control, overall health and morale and practical supports such as tools, money or specialized training. [2]
For instance, when I managed a situation that required immediate attention, like a potential conflict between inmates, I had to put my full attention there instead of getting sidetracked by routine paperwork, which could wait. Furthermore, I frequently needed to exercise sound judgment to determine which non-essential tasks can be postponed until we have more resources available. For example, in the event of a staffing shortage, if I must choose between conducting a routine facility inspection and addressing an inmate’s immediate serious health issue, the health concern will take priority. Such decisions are crucial for maintaining order and ensuring the safety of everyone involved.
In moments when resources were severely limited, I discovered the vital importance of relying on established training. For instance, during an afternoon shift disturbance on the unit, we encountered a tense standoff. By strictly following our protocols and employing de-escalation techniques, we were able to engage in calm communication with the prisoners involved, ultimately preventing the situation from escalating. This experience underscored the significance of staying rooted in your training during high-pressure situations.
Prioritizing your well-being: Surviving mandatory overtime
Over the years, researchers have conducted extensive studies on the characteristics, types and impacts of job stress, as well as the triggers causing stress among those in corrections. [3] To prevent job-related stress from affecting my personal life, I’ve implemented a deliberate transition routine for my commute home. For me, this ritual includes listening to calming music or taking a few moments for quiet reflection. This practice effectively helped transition from “work mode” to “home mode.”
Prioritizing rest and recovery was essential for my overall well-being. I adopted better sleep hygiene practices, such as avoiding screens before bedtime and establishing a relaxing evening routine. Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule on my days off significantly improved my mental clarity.
Proper nutrition and hydration also have a profound impact on how I feel. I made it a priority to prepare healthy meals on my days off and keep water readily available during the shift, especially during long shifts. This approach helps combat fatigue and maintain higher energy levels. I’ve also learned to set firm boundaries around my days off, making a conscious effort to decline additional work when necessary. This strategy was a game-changer for protecting my personal time and reducing the risk of burnout.
Moreover, I’ve discovered that regular physical activity serves as a potent antidepressant and stress reliever. Whether I go for a run, hit the gym or simply take a brisk evening walk, staying active is crucial for maintaining my overall health and well-being.
Building a resilient support system
Peer support is essential for a correctional officer. There have been times when the stress of the job seemed overwhelming, and confiding in trusted colleagues provided me with both comfort and perspective. After a particularly tough shift, I remember talking with a fellow officer who really got what we had just been through. Just being able to share my thoughts and feelings with someone who understood the unique challenges of our job made such a difference.
Also, I used the “mirror test” and sought honest feedback from my peers and family regarding any noticeable changes in my behavior. This practice has been incredibly helpful in keeping track of my mental and emotional health. One time, a colleague noticed that I seemed more irritable than usual. This observation prompted me to take a step back and consider what might be bothering me, allowing me to focus on addressing that issue.
Spending quality time with family and friends outside of the corrections environment was vital for creating that necessary mental and emotional distance from work. I often organized off-day hikes or friendly sports competitions, giving myself a chance to enjoy moments of fun and camaraderie outside of work.
Research indicates that approximately 72% of correctional staff look for support in managing stress. However, despite this approach, these occupations continue to demonstrate a higher likelihood of resorting to drugs or alcohol as a means of coping with work-related stress. [4]
I would strongly recommend taking advantage of the agency’s wellness programs, especially the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). There were times when I could have really benefited from professional support, and I’ve come to realize that having access to those resources would have made a substantial difference in my overall experience.
Lastly, cultivating a culture of mutual support is essential for establishing a robust support system. I made it a priority to regularly check in with my fellow officers and foster open conversations. A simple “How are you holding up?” can spark meaningful discussions. I now reflect on how much my colleagues’ check-ins contributed to my overall well-being.
Leading from the front: Being a leader on your team
Correctional officers operate in highly dangerous settings and encounter substantial risks on a daily basis. [5] In challenging environments like corrections, it’s crucial to focus on what we can control. For example, instead of getting overwhelmed by the systemic barriers we often face, we can concentrate on doing our jobs to the best of our abilities.
Picture a scenario where a colleague has had a tough day. A small act, such as checking in with someone to see if they’re alright, can significantly uplift their spirits and foster a more supportive atmosphere within the team.
Effective and respectful communication is vital for maintaining team cohesion, especially in high-pressure situations. During particularly busy shifts, taking a moment to connect with your team can have a significant impact on morale. For instance, gathering everyone during count times or other downtimes to check in on their well-being can help ensure that everyone feels informed and engaged. These small gestures can transform a stressful environment into a more positive experience for the entire team.
While a complete overhaul of the system may not be feasible in one night, we can still make a concerted effort each day to act with integrity and support one another.
Conclusion: Taking control in a challenging profession
Although staffing shortages are a serious systemic issue, we are empowered to take control of our personal and professional well-being. Recognizing the resilience, sacrifice and integrity required in the corrections profession is essential for thriving on the frontlines.
Tactical takeaway
Audit your current routines. Identify one boundary, one wellness habit and one peer-support action you can strengthen this week to reduce stress during mandatory overtime.
What part of mandatory overtime hits you the hardest — the safety concerns, the family impact or the long-term burnout? Share below.
References
- O’Connell D, Rell E, Chambers D, Visher C, Niness M, Gavnik A, Lamberton C. (2024). “This place will wear you down”: Examining the organizational and contagion effects of stress on correctional staff working overtime in U.S. prisons. Journal of Contemporary Criminal Justice, 40(4), 640–661.
- Folkman, Schaefer & Lazarus. (1979). Appraisal, coping, health status and psychological symptoms.
- Tewksbury R, Higgins GE. (2020). Prison staff and work stress: The role of organizational and emotional influences.
- Jayawardene W, Kumbalatara C, Jones A, McDaniel J. (2024). Work stress and psychoactive substance use among correctional officers in the USA. Psychoactives, 3(1), 65–77.
- Cheeseman-Dial K. (2010). Stress and the correctional officer. LFB Scholarly Publishing.
About the author
Robert Greenwood has been an Assistant Professor in the Criminal Justice Department at Madonna University since the fall of 2019. He retired from the Michigan Department of Corrections after more than 34 years of service in various roles, including corrections officer, parole officer, and probation officer. Throughout his career, he also held several supervisory positions, such as Sergeant, Assistant Resident Unit Supervisor, Captain, Deputy Director of Safety and Security, and Parole and Probation Manager.
Robert has received multiple commendations for his work at the Michigan Department of Corrections. In 1995, he was recognized for his bravery during the violent conditions of a riot that occurred on August 13, 1995, at the Gus Harrison Correctional Facility in Adrian, Michigan. Additionally, he received a commendation for his efforts in apprehending a violent parole absconder in Chicago, Illinois, while serving as a parole officer in Detroit, Michigan.
Robert possesses two master’s degrees, one in Public Administration and the other in Higher Education Administration. He is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership and Innovation at Madonna University.