Training Scenarios

A recent training scenario elicited so many responses we decided to give them their own article

Inmate Jackson wants to thank Officer Smith for his professionalism on his last day of incarceration – but would a handshake send the wrong message?

In this training scenario, two rookie officers have very different approaches to effectively running a housing unit. Which one is right?

In this scenario, a sergeant explains to an officer that, in order to get a little, one must give a little

The officer left his post unsecured in order to assist another officer being attacked by an inmate

A pregnant inmate poses a threat to herself and others; how should the warden create policy that allows officers to use force, but also protects the unborn child?

An officer refuses an order to respond to a situation, saying it would have forced him to leave his post unmanned. Was he right, or should he have followed orders?

In this scenario, a training recruit asks if it's possible to be "creative" with policy in order to lessen predictability

An officer with too much on his plate knows he will be disciplined if he doesn't report his tours correctly. What would you do in this situation?

Should an officer be punished for doing what comes naturally when seeing someone in peril of death?

In this scenario, an inmate helps an officer who has seemingly lost his keys — what should be the reply?

An officer is looking to switch facilities and received an offer to transfer to a female facility. Should he do it?

One inmate has figured out how he can somewhat control where he is housed; how would you handle this scenario before his behavior spreads and affects all inmates in the facility?

When teaching contraband control, how do you determine what your facility needs and which training styles benefit the learning capacities of your staff?

Feelings of obligation are powerful and can be easily used against an officer; also, recognizing an inmate for his good deed places him at risk with other inmates. Moving him was best for everyone involved.