NCJ Number
130622
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 53 Issue: 4 Dated: (July 1991) Pages: 96,98,100
Date Published
1991
Length
3 pages
Annotation
High technology may assist in the operation of a more efficient, safer, secure facility, but there is no substitute for well-trained, motivated correctional officers.
Abstract
Properly trained correctional staff constitute the key to effective facility security. In a 1990 report funded by the National Institute of Corrections, staff members of six direct-supervision jails were asked to identify the most important training they had received. They identified interpersonal-communication skills, problemsolving skills, and knowledge of policies and procedures. They also mentioned crisis management, report writing, self-defense, and observation skills. In a 1990 survey by the Institute for Law and Justice, jail administrators reported they wanted better training in liability issues, stress management, interpersonal relations, and the handling of special problem inmates. They considered security training a less vital need. These findings imply a reordering of training priorities; e.g., firearms training is not needed for all correctional staff. Even in emergency situations, only the corrections emergency response teams need firearms. It is not an efficient use of training time and resources to require every corrections officer to qualify and requalify in the use of firearms. 2 references