>Users:   login   |  register       > email     > people    


Safe & Sane
By Caterina Spinaris
Published: 06/29/2009

Bull rider If you ask me what I think are the two most important focus points for effective functioning in corrections, I’d have to say that the two top ones are SAFETY and SANITY. And these two are interdependent. If you don’t have safety, there goes your sanity. And if you don’t have sanity, you can forget about safety.

The corrections workplace cannot operate effectively without a sufficient degree of staff safety. Safety helps staff survive not only physically, but also psychologically. Lack of safety contributes to psychological distress and even disorders, such as generalized anxiety, panic and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder.

On the other hand, to perform safely on the job, staff must be “sane enough.” By that I mean that staff needs to be reasonably well psychologically. They have to be able to manage their emotions and motivate themselves when the going gets tough. They must also be able to withstand and manage conflict without cowering or becoming aggressive. Additionally, they need to be flexible and resourceful enough to be able to switch from the work mindset to that of the free world when at home, and back to work mode when they report once again to their facilities.

Yes, safety and sanity are vital in corrections. Yet they both are in the crosshairs. How so?

Much of what I’ll say you may have thought about already. If so, let’s indulge in some repetition and a few reminders.

Undermining safety is always the goal of some inmates. Employee complacency and short-staffing threaten safety further.

Sanity also takes a hit in many ways in the corrections workplace.

Surrounded by felons 24/7, correctional employees are exposed to violence, injury and death much more than the average citizen, perhaps more than law enforcement officers on the street. Security concerns and exposure to traumatic incidents cause staff hypervigilance, anxiety or even terror.

Cooped up during their working hours, staff essentially is doing time alongside the inmates in 8+hour shifts.

Also, there is not much joy, optimism, beauty and compassion in corrections, all key contributors to mental health.

Instead, surrounded by toxic clouds of negativity, fear, anger, hate and grief, staff gradually get increasingly more poisoned. And—Catch 22—seeking help is often seen in corrections as a sign of “weakness.”

Corrections staff have to work hard to maintain their health and wellness in every way—physically, psychologically and spiritually. Doing so is like pedaling uphill. If you ignore your well-being—if you only want to coast—you’ll be going downhill.

The aim of DWCO is to challenge, inspire and encourage corrections personnel to think about their own and their colleagues’ well-being, and their families’ welfare also.

I’d like to hear your ideas about improving staff wellness in the corrections workplace and shedding the perilous belief that seeking help from friends, family or professionals is a sign of weakness.

Visit the Caterina Tudor page

Comments:

  1. xunexuho on 05/02/2020:

    Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your weblog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed browsing your blog posts. After all I’ll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write again soon! post free local ads

  2. vosyxudo on 04/21/2020:

    I wanted to thank you for this great read!! I definitely enjoying every little bit of it I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you post. tote bag

  3. vosyxudo on 04/10/2020:

    Hi! Thanks for the great information you have provided! You have touched on crucuial points! cupom amazon primeira compra

  4. vosyxudo on 04/07/2020:

    This is a great inspiring article.I am pretty much pleased with your good work.You put really very helpful information... Write for us Digital Marketing

  5. xunexuho on 04/04/2020:

    This is my first time visit here. From the tons of comments on your articles,I guess I am not only one having all the enjoyment right here! exposed acne treatment coupon

  6. xunexuho on 04/02/2020:

    i read a lot of stuff and i found that the way of writing to clearifing that exactly want to say was very good so i am impressed and ilike to come again in future.. hapcheta

  7. vosyxudo on 04/01/2020:

    It is imperative that we read blog post very carefully. I am already done it and find that this post is really amazing. home window tinting

  8. vosyxudo on 03/31/2020:

    Great post I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in writing this interesting and knowledgeable article. Buy car online

  9. vosyxudo on 03/29/2020:

    I read that Post and got it fine and informative. Please share more like that... overwatch aimbot

  10. vosyxudo on 03/26/2020:

    Thanks for posting this info. I just want to let you know that I just check out your site and I find it very interesting and informative. I can't wait to read lots of your posts. click tracking software

  11. vosyxudo on 03/25/2020:

    This is my first time i visit here. I found so many interesting stuff in your blog especially its discussion. From the tons of comments on your articles, I guess I am not the only one having all the enjoyment here! keep up the good work shipping cars canada

  12. xunexuho on 03/22/2020:

    Wonderful illustrated information. I thank you about that. No doubt it will be very useful for my future projects. Would like to see some other posts on the same subject! 結婚指輪　猫

  13. xunexuho on 03/21/2020:

    Thanks for taking the time to discuss this, I feel strongly about it and love learning more on this topic. If possible, as you gain expertise, would you mind updating your blog with more information? It is extremely helpful for me. 結婚指輪

  14. xunexuho on 03/21/2020:

    I’ve been searching for some decent stuff on the subject and haven't had any luck up until this point, You just got a new biggest fan!.. 結婚指輪

  15. vosyxudo on 03/20/2020:

    Thanks for sharing this information. I really like your blog post very much. You have really shared a informative and interesting blog post with people.. public adjuster

  16. xunexuho on 03/19/2020:

    I am unable to read articles online very often, but I’m glad I did today. This is very well written and your points are well-expressed. Please, don’t ever stop writing. 結婚指輪　手作り

  17. vosyxudo on 03/19/2020:

    An fascinating discussion is value comment. I think that it is best to write extra on this matter, it won’t be a taboo topic however generally people are not enough to talk on such topics. To the next. Cheers https://coastalpools.ca

  18. vosyxudo on 03/18/2020:

    I am happy to find your distinguished way of writing the post. Now you make it easy for me to understand and implement the concept. Thank you for the post. http://www.mtbakerclydesdales.com

  19. nacaj on 03/17/2020:

    Hi there! Nice stuff, do keep me posted when you post again something like this! 婚約指輪

  20. nacaj on 03/16/2020:

    Thanks for a wonderful share. Your article has proved your hard work and experience you have got in this field. Brilliant .i love it reading. GLM marine aftermarket OMC parts

  21. vosyxudo on 03/15/2020:

    Nice to read your article! I am looking forward to sharing your adventures and experiences. Kinderzahnarzt Luzern

  22. vosyxudo on 03/15/2020:

    Positive site, where did u come up with the information on this posting? I'm pleased I discovered it though, ill be checking back soon to find out what additional posts you include. Car shipping

  23. vosyxudo on 03/14/2020:

    Wonderful article, thanks for putting this together! This is obviously one great post. Thanks for the valuable information and insights you have so provided here. Ameriprint business cards near me

  24. vosyxudo on 03/12/2020:

    I am glad you take pride in what you write. This makes you stand way out from many other writers that push poorly written content. Dentalhygiene Bern

  25. nacaj on 03/10/2020:

    nice post, keep up with this interesting work. It really is good to know that this topic is being covered also on this web site so cheers for taking time to discuss this! condo painting

  26. nacaj on 03/10/2020:

    Thanks for providing recent updates regarding the concern, I look forward to read more. Notary Pleasanton

  27. lavohese on 03/09/2020:

    I was looking at some of your posts on this website and I conceive this web site is really instructive! Keep putting up.. reverse phone number lookup

  28. nacaj on 03/09/2020:

    Thank you for helping people get the information they need. Great stuff as usual. Keep up the great work!!! https://ruleoflawinstitute.org

  29. nacaj on 03/08/2020:

    Hello I am so delighted I located your blog, I really located you by mistake, while I was watching on google for something else, Anyways I am here now and could just like to say thank for a tremendous post and a all round entertaining website. Please do keep up the great work. Roofers Dublin Ohio

  30. vosyxudo on 03/08/2020:

    I read a article under the same title some time ago, but this articles quality is much, much better. How you do this.. Stay Dry Roofing 46033

  31. nacaj on 03/07/2020:

    Thanks for sharing nice information with us. i like your post and all you share with us is uptodate and quite informative, i would like to bookmark the page so i can come here again to read you, as you have done a wonderful job. Zahnarztpraxis Bern

  32. vosyxudo on 03/05/2020:

    this is really nice to read..informative post is very good to read..thanks a lot! virtual phone number

  33. nacaj on 03/04/2020:

    The website is looking bit flashy and it catches the visitors eyes. Design is pretty simple and a good user friendly interface. florence residences pricing

  34. lavohese on 03/02/2020:

    I wanted to thank you for this excellent read!! I definitely loved every little bit of it. I have you bookmarked your site to check out the new stuff you post.Verkehrswertgutachten

  35. nacaj on 03/01/2020:

    I was reading your article and wondered if you had considered creating an ebook on this subject. Your writing would sell it fast. You have a lot of writing talent. tprints t shirt printing

  36. yajolos on 02/27/2020:

    Most of the time I don’t make comments on websites, but I'd like to say that this article really forced me to do so. Really nice post! psicologos para adolescentes en Madrid

  37. yajolos on 02/24/2020:

    I love the way you write and share your niche! Very interesting and different! Keep it coming! Boiler installation

  38. lavohese on 02/23/2020:

    This was really an interesting topic and I kinda agree with what you have mentioned here! Orange County Electrician Air Conditioning Home Services

  39. lavohese on 02/23/2020:

    I am happy to find your distinguished way of writing the post. Now you make it easy for me to understand and implement the concept. Thank you for the post. dji mavic air

  40. yajolos on 02/23/2020:

    i read a lot of stuff and i found that the way of writing to clearifing that exactly want to say was very good so i am impressed and ilike to come again in future.. Carpet Cleaners London

  41. yajolos on 02/19/2020:

    hello!! Very interesting discussion glad that I came across such informative post. Keep up the good work friend. Glad to be part of your net community. hair dry machine

  42. yajolos on 02/18/2020:

    I really thank you for the valuable info on this great subject and look forward to more great posts. Thanks a lot for enjoying this beauty article with me. I am appreciating it very much! Looking forward to another great article. Good luck to the author! All the best! read the article

  43. johnb6174 on 02/14/2020:

    Nice knowledge gaining article. This post is really the best on this valuable topic. look at this

  44. yajolos on 02/13/2020:

    I went over this website and I believe you have a lot of wonderful information, saved to my bookmarks is it safe to travel to taiwan coronavirus

  45. yajolos on 02/12/2020:

    You completed a few fine points there. I did a search on the subject and found nearly all persons will go along with with your blog. crypto news

  46. yajolos on 12/25/2019:

    I know your expertise on this. I must say we should have an online discussion on this. Writing only comments will close the discussion straight away! And will restrict the benefits from this information. navarre vacation rentals

  47. yajolos on 12/16/2019:

    Thanks so much for this information. I have to let you know I concur on several of the points you make here and others may require some further review, but I can see your viewpoint. voyance amour eternel

  48. hykukud on 12/10/2019:

    You completed a few fine points there. I did a search on the subject and found nearly all persons will go along with with your blog. design your own t shirt

  49. yajolos on 12/09/2019:

    This article gives the light in which we can observe the reality. This is very nice one and gives in depth information. Thanks for this nice article. Psicoterapia en Madrid Moncloa

  50. yajolos on 12/01/2019:

    Thanks for posting this info. I just want to let you know that I just check out your site and I find it very interesting and informative. I can't wait to read lots of your posts. Alfred Hitchcock


Login to let us know what you think

User Name:   

Password:       


Forgot password?




correctsource logo




Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of The Corrections Connection User Agreement
The Corrections Connection ©. Copyright 1996 - 2024 © . All Rights Reserved | 15 Mill Wharf Plaza Scituate Mass. 02066 (617) 471 4445 Fax: (617) 608 9015