NCJ Number
137967
Journal
American Jails Volume: 6 Issue: 2 Dated: (May-June 1992) Pages: 17-21
Date Published
1992
Length
5 pages
Annotation
While correctional training has progressed rapidly over the past decade, improving the public view of corrections as a professional career, three areas in training that remain critical are the control of infectious diseases, ethics in corrections, and educational advancement for personnel.
Abstract
An inservice training program on communicable diseases should cover HIV, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and tuberculosis. Any training in infectious diseases must include as a component ways in which correctional personnel can protect themselves and others from transmission of these diseases. Precautions include use of latex gloves when in contact with body fluids or blood, proper decontamination procedures, use of probes and mirrors during cell searches, and education in personal risk reduction measures. The course should also discuss the legal requirements of each jurisdiction regarding the disclosure of medical information to correctional administrators, health care workers, and security staff. Recruit and veteran correctional officers should receive ethics training that goes beyond a basic penal or criminal code approach. A complete approach covers personal values, inmate setups, and inmate goals in compromising correctional officers. Because recruits are increasingly dedicated to a career in corrections and are interested in furthering their education, instructors must ensure that the training challenges officers with advanced education and must attempt to obtain college-level credit for trainees who complete their courses.