|
|
| Line level intelligence gathering for STG |
| By Joe Bouchard |
| Published: 04/20/2009 |
About the Author – Joe Bouchard is a Librarian at Baraga Maximum Correctional Facility within the Michigan Department of Corrections. He is also a member of the Board of Experts for The Corrections Professional and an instructor of Corrections and Psychology for Gogebic Community College. You can reach him at (906) 353-7070 ext 1321
Are we just cogs in a large, complex machine, turning helplessly without purpose? That cynical sentiment may be common. But upon further examination, it is not entirely true. The statement needs to be qualified. Certainly, the term “cog in the machine” has a pejorative connotation. But if a large corrections agency is a complex machine, line level staff must be the cogs that keep the machine running. One of the most important functions of that particular machine is to provide safety for staff, offenders, and the public. Suddenly, the unobtrusive cog becomes a crucial part of a noble cause. And when the machine and all of its many components operate well, the common goal becomes more attainable. One of corrections most pervasive problems is groups of offenders who work in unison against the safety of the institution. Some may call this gang activity. Others may term it as Strategic Threat Groups (STG). Whatever the terminology, this manifestation of cooperation in the perpetration of illegal acts is very destabilizing. Because of this activity, there is a rise in contraband, manipulation of rules, and assaults. The existence of STGs promotes an intangible but dangerous stress among staff and prisoners. Staff can become disillusioned and less effective. Other ill effects of STG activities include burnout, rapid turn-over, and expensive staff recruitment and retention costs. It is fair to say that not all prisoners are directly involved in gang activity. But everyone is impacted by the activities. And this spills outside of correctional institutions and into the streets. Because of all of that, it behooves corrections agencies to rally against such threats. As we aspire towards increased safety, it is wise to use all resources possible. Even though intelligence officers and other specialists are critical tools, line staff are sometimes overlooked. Yet a bountiful harvest of information can be had at the grass roots. Line staff are perfect intelligence gatherers. And this is not limited to the ranks of custody. Non-custody staff may observe atypical behaviors in different settings. Their inclusion in the equation gives a more complete picture. So, all line staff, custody and treatment, contribute to the larger pool of information. A known STG list should be available each facility. It is a roadmap of the various associations. Some of these will record the known individuals in each group. What should line staff look for when searching? Line staff can verify the manner in which confirmed STG offenders and other prisoner suspects wear their clothes. It may be a simple as which back pocket they place their headgear. Sometimes the manner in which offenders lace their shoes has meaning. Braids and hair puffs can be fashioned to serve as symbols of affiliation. Observers should also be aware of how a beard may be forked, as that method has proven to take on distinctive meanings. The facility STG coordinator can guide observers in the various meaning. There are many other subtle nuances. For example, primacy can be ascertained between two offenders based on their relative seat positions. In a regular prisoner activities call out, for example, the same basic groups of prisoners attend. Seating preferences may indicate who holds the real power within the group. Sometimes how offenders are positioned within their seats give clues. I have witnessed a row of four seated prisoners who simultaneously stretched a leg outward and into an aisle. It looked like frozen choreography. The message was very clear – they were in unison. A look at the STG list revealed that all were affiliated with the same group. From there, staff can widen the circle. This is as easy as noting who each known STG associates with. Line staff, always adept at finding patterns, can establish this through observation. This is a way of employing establishing a prosopography, or a study of a group of people within a particular context. One thing to look for is with whom this person walks to meals. Staff may ask the following questions: Was this association always in existence? Is there a walking formation? Is there a prisoner mix from different groups? With so much to watch, it is also important to consider how to observe. In the institutional setting, everyone watches everyone. Some matters require overt and immediate attention. In other instances, covert monitoring may gather more information. This all depends on circumstances and observation styles. Many observers will note STG activities in a special log or place the information in a particular file. Whichever is used, it is important to keep a written account. Otherwise, the information is less durable, limited to the confines of memory. There remains the question: How much to report? This depends on the intake person and the amount of information that the observer has harvested. Observers and information intake officers will develop a rapport over time and understand the needs and styles of their colleague. Sometimes, the observer has to realize that there is not always a deeper meaning in a gesture or posture. In the course of concentrated observation, we occasionally assign meaning to something that has no meaning. Signals can be an intentional feign or an innocent occurrence. Information should be reported up the chain of command and to the facility STG coordinator. Naturally, each chain of command in any given facility will differ somewhat from a neighboring institution. That is where the observer has to abide by the operating procedures and expectations of his/her work location. All staff should be aware of the unofficial communication vines. Often, it is useful to compare notes with colleagues who work in different areas. This is done to determine a fuller picture of activities. Some work sites offer STG training. Others allow selected staff to attend seminars outside of the facility. A look at various corrections conference offerings indicates that this is a popular topic. There are other methods of self-training such as literature, documentaries and internet information. The field is constantly changing, so continuing education is crucial for the corrections professional. It pays to observe STGs and report their activities and associations. What you put forward can be the missing piece in a yet unsolved puzzle. The major benefit of observing and reporting is that it enhances safety for staff, offenders and the public. Perhaps the term “cog in the machine” is not a positive manner to describe the tireless and worthy efforts of line level staff. Maybe we should consider ourselves as a gathering of individuals who contribute efforts toward the maintenance of safety for all. About the Author – Joe Bouchard is a Librarian at Baraga Maximum Correctional Facility within the Michigan Department of Corrections. He is also a member of the Board of Experts for The Corrections Professional and an instructor of Corrections and Psychology for Gogebic Community College. You can reach him at (906) 353-7070 ext 1321 These are the opinions of Joe Bouchard, a Librarian employed with the Michigan Department of Corrections. These are not necessarily the opinions of the Department. The MDOC is not responsible for the content or accuracy. Other articles by this author |
MARKETPLACE search vendors | advanced search
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
|
Comments:
No comments have been posted for this article.
Login to let us know what you think