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Teamwork is the oil in the engine of progress. It is the viscous substance that prevents the breakdown of parts. Without teamwork, resources are squandered, deadlines are not met, and hostilities fester. In other words, a world without teamwork becomes more difficult than it needs to be.
The following is an account of a breakdown in cooperation. Read more…
With the influx of so many new staff each year, the need for good mentors in the profession is crucial. However, not everyone will have the best interests of the trainee in mind. Read more…
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Self Scrutiny, Staff relations, Training
Someone once asked me if the glass is half empty or half full. I replied, “I am not really concerned if the glass if half full or half empty. I tend to check if the glass is clean.”
This was not some sarcastic reaction to an inquiry about whether I was a more optimistic or pessimistic person. It was an assessment for the feel of the organization. And this was a special nod toward realism and context. Read more…
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Assessing the organization, Staff relations
Please note: The following is not meant to inspire fear. It is merely a corrections-eye collection of thoughts concerning how we deal with possible disasters.
Do you believe in luck, fate, or blind circumstances? Do you consider humanity as helpless puppets merely doing the bidding of Agents of Fortune? Or do we control our destinies? If you are unsure, please consider the following.
Mark your calendars for February 13, 2029, dear readers. On that date, the asteroid Apophis will come uncomfortably close to earth. Some people even contend that the earth may be destroyed (or at least very badly damaged) by Apophis on Friday the 13th of that year. Read more…
Corrections is a profession that has many elements of danger. Every day, staff are subjected to potential peril. Because of that, not everyone will even consider working in such conditions. Yet, corrections’ ranks are filled with dedicated professionals who perform well under adverse conditions. When you think about it, there is heroism inherent in what we do. Read more…
Is it worth it to you as an instructor to spend a few dollars to impart a valuable lesson? Are you willing to tread on the edge of absurd and flashy in order to make a point? These are decisions that all corrections trainers must make at some point.
Some classroom exercises can sometimes come out of left field. A strange concept that does not appear to have anything to do with corrections or criminal justice often takes the participants off balance. When you can bring the idea back to our vocation, it makes the lesson even more potent.
In “Paradise inside the walls”, participants will learn about contraband control and the inside economy. All that is needed are a few pair of dice (pun intended), and some gift wrapping. Read more…
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Contraband Control, Training, What the...?!?
The potential of a pandemic outbreak of the swine flu is something that should be given very serious consideration. This is especially true for those of us who work in a closed area with many people.
“I work in a Petri dish”, a friend once remarked to me. And she was really not kidding. As an education professional, her phrasing was apt. During flu season, it seems that almost everyone in a school succumbs to a health issue of some sort. Corrections staff are generally in the same position. Close quarters and many people make it inevitable that illnesses spreads. Read more…
NEGATIVE – neg’ . a . tiv – a denial of permission, a refusal, a veto.
Her voice on the telephone sounded defeated and beleaguered. Although I could not see her face, I knew that her eyes would reveal a quite desperation. And she was trapped by her sharing spirit, helpless in the grip of her own inclination to be a helper.
“I wish someone would just teach me how to say ‘no’,” is what she said. These were the words of a very active person who simply added one too many volunteer activities to her already full plate.
I said to her, “One of the most common words used at work is no. Would you like me to teach you how to be more assertive in relaying that sentiment?”
“Yes, please,” she said with enthusiasm.
“Well, you failed your first test. You did not say ‘no’,” I replied playfully.
Talking about denying a request makes me think deeper about the nature of the word ‘no’. It is so much more than a monosyllabic refutation. The word carries a variety of psychological and physical reactions. Read more…
Quite simply, cell phones are the new contraband. This is not a case of rich kids with expensive gadgets. Cell phones are ubiquitous and inexpensive.
The danger that these technological wonders pose to corrections facilities is
great. Corrections staff must acknowledge the potential harm that instant
communications in the wrong hands can cause.
To add to the challenge of maintaining security for staff, offenders, and the
public, there is this additional nuance. As phones get smaller they gain
features. In other words, as cell phones gain more uses (and misuses) they
become harder to detect by corrections staff.
With some clear tape applied to a concealment flap made from the altered pages, the cell phone can be rendered undetectable to the untrained eye.
Sometimes we can be motivated by something like a chocolate covered espresso bean. It is a unique incentive. Can an egg accomplish the same purpose?
The following exercise complements any module on security issues.
Almost everyone did it. We recall as children how we searched for eggs on a spring morning in our past. The thrill of the chase spurred us on to find these multi colored little gems. And the prize for most eggs found drove us to push forward diligently.
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Contraband Control, Training