Officer Safety
Officer Safety is a critical concern within correctional facilities, focusing on protecting staff from physical harm and ensuring a secure working environment. This directory provides articles and resources on best practices, training, and equipment that enhance the safety of correctional officers. Understanding the importance of officer safety helps develop strategies to mitigate risks and respond effectively to threats. For further insights, explore our section on Defensive Tactics.
Corrections officers, our protectors, need your interest, research and compassion just as much as the infamous predators and anonymous inmates they protect us from
COs were assaulted when they responded to a gang-related altercation between prisoners that occurred in an open area inside the facility
Roy Booth, 40, was charged with crimes including armed assault with intent to murder for the alleged attack on CO Matthew Tidman
“The VADOC will do everything in its power to ensure this vicious attack is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” VADOC Director Chad Dotson said
The Bibb County jail has recorded over 80 inmate-on-inmate assaults annually since 2023, up from just 16 in 2020
One corrections officer was permanently blinded after being stabbed with a piece of steel in 2020 at USP Allenwood
Emotional intelligence helps correctional officers stay sharp, think clearly and recover stronger after the toughest shifts
Two corrections officers at CSP-Sacramento were hospitalized in fair condition after an inmate attacked them while being escorted for a cell search
James Ortley got within feet of a public elevator in the Hennepin County jail before being restrained and tased by deputies
This conversation explores career lessons, the importance of integrity and how the next generation can prepare for the challenges ahead
Unplanned extraditions can unravel even the most efficient operation — a structured readiness plan keeps transports safe, predictable and under control
A simple psychological law from the 1950s still shapes how officers think, react and perform in critical moments
Melvin Bishop admitted to chasing and tearing at a woman’s clothing during a medical exam at Atlantic County Jail
Police, firefighters, EMS providers and other public safety workers often pursue relatively risky pastimes that can impact their work as well as their families
The L.A. County Sheriff’s Department has purchased 4,641 BWCs for deputies to wear in the facilities, which have seen a spike in inmate deaths in 2025
The sheriff says the Pima County corrections officer discharged her firearm during a struggle at Banner University Medical Center South
There are many reasons why inmates ask questions of COs; remaining in control of how and when you respond is the key to success
Police say a concealed .22-caliber revolver was fired during the trip, prompting new screening protocols for incoming inmates
Turning complex data into actionable strategies for staff, inmates and facilities
Physical design flaws, staffing shortages and complacency all create unseen risks in correctional facilities — but proactive supervision can help eliminate blind spots
A HAZMAT team responded after the Wallkill inmate was found unresponsive on a bathroom floor and two officers became sick during the incident
The Attorney General charged Garrett Smead with indecent assault, unlawful restraint and indecent exposure
If realized, the numbers would near or surpass Corrections’ 16-year record, further straining the General Fund as prisons consume a growing share of the budget
The CO was monitoring inmates leaving the mess hall when an inmate walked past him, doubled back and hit him in the stomach with a makeshift weapon
How lessons from COVID-19 are shaping the next evolution in PPE for law enforcement, fire, EMS and corrections
Plastic fans, lighter padlocks and revamped mail processing are among measures aimed at limiting weapons and contraband
Proactive thinking and clear justification are key to managing force incidents and protecting both staff and inmates
The officer was hit in the eyes and mouth and required medical treatment and disease monitoring, S.C. DOC officials said
Officers in community corrections face real risks of being followed — here’s how to stay aware, confirm suspicions, and respond safely