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Correctional Worker Concept: Being Connected in the 90's

NCJ Number
137189
Journal
Federal Prisons Journal Volume: 2 Issue: 4 Dated: (Winter 1992) Pages: 11- 14
Author(s)
M Hambrick
Date Published
1992
Length
4 pages
Annotation
For nearly 20 years, the Federal Bureau of Prisons has operated under the correctional worker concept, in which all correctional personnel are correctional workers first and perform their specialized roles after the institution's security needs are met.
Abstract
Thus, all staff, including the wardens, take responsibility for the security of the institution and the supervision of the inmates. Therefore, if any staff member needs emergency assistance, all available staff respond, leaving their desks or meetings to provide assistance. All staff receive the same basic correctional training, which includes 2 weeks at the local institution and 3 weeks of Introduction to Correctional Techniques at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, Ga. Advantages of this approach include the increased numbers of staff available to assist in emergencies, greater consciousness of security issues in all areas, improved working relationships and team spirit among staff, greater career flexibility, and uniform perceptions of staff by inmates. The long-term efficiencies of this approach definitely outweigh the greater initial investment in comprehensive training. This approach also complements the philosophy of direct supervision and may become even more important in the future. Photographs