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Preparing and Training for Jail Emergencies

NCJ Number
166343
Journal
American Jails Volume: 9 Issue: 6 Dated: (January-February 1996) Pages: 37-38,41-42
Author(s)
J J Ness
Date Published
1996
Length
4 pages
Annotation
Jail administrators need to have a policy and procedure plan for emergencies, as well as regular and systematic training for staff on how to respond according to policy.
Abstract
Jail emergencies differ from those in the general population. A good place to start in developing a plan is the AJA JOB Bulletin, Volume 2, Number 9, on Emergency Preparedness. This training bulletin offers insight for both correctional officers and managers and gives helpful suggestions on ways to deal with issues involved in jail emergencies. Emergency plans should cover bomb threats; fire, smoke, and explosions; natural disasters such as earthquakes and tornadoes; spills and accidents related to hazardous materials; helicopter escapes; other escapes; medical emergencies; employee job actions; inmate work stoppages; periods of limited visibility; hostage situations; evacuation; inmate deaths; and other emergencies. Training that is solid, realistic, ongoing, and verifiable is central to having correctional officers who perform properly and according to policy and procedure. 1 reference