Welcome to Corrections 104-Control and Supervision in Corrections
| Please print this page and complete the required sections. The recommend text is Correctional Officer - Resource Guide, American Correctional Association, 4380 Forbes Boulevard, Lanham, Maryland 20706-4322, 800/222-5646.The text may be ordered by calling the ACA directly. There are no CD's/Audios Required! Please complete the discussion question for each unit. When you have completed your assignments, please submit your work to your instructor. The preferred method of submission is email. However, if you are mailing your assignment: |
Mail to:
Rio Hondo College
Department of Public Safety
3600 Workman Mill Road
Whittier, CA 90608
Course Description: This course offers an overview of supervision of inmates in the local, state, and federal correctional institutions. The issues of control in a continuum from institutional daily living through crisis situations will be introduced and discussed. The course will emphasize the role played by the offender and the correctional worker.
Course Objectives: List the class and/or discuss the following:
Unit 1
Unit 2 - Overview of the Criminal Justice System. Define and discuss the relationship of the Corrections function to; please respond to two of the following questions:
Unit Overview:
The basic tasks required of correctional officers have not changed over the
years--security inspections, inmate searches, countless head counts, observation
and supervision of groups, marksmanship. Additionally, the correctional officer
needs to know how to use new technology, including the extensive use of
computers. Interpersonal communication skills and humane attitudes that made
good correctional officers in the past are the same today. Even if there were no
interventions by court officials, no public demand for accountability, no
greater recognition of the rights of the confined, and no changing prison
population, good correctional practice still would focus our attention on the
basics of security and supervision and emphasize humane performance of these
duties.
Unit 3 - Officer Responsibilities & Training.
Define and Discuss:
Web Assignment:
Access the National Criminal Justice Reference Services (NCJRS) and review the links under "Corrections" and "Training" Submit a posting of the list of links related to training.
Unit Overview: The time of being a "guard" have long passed. Today’s corrections worker a wide range of tasks and responsibilities to perform. They face the dichotomy of working in facilities built to last for decades--and don't, with management systems developed to last for many years, while having to adapt to changes in public sentiments and to laws that concern the incarcerated individuals.
A facility designed for one main purpose, which is housing of the inmate population. Changes in attitude, court decisions, and pressure from civic groups compel the administrator to adopt new programs and ideas. Facilities must now accommodate a redesign for classrooms to conduct new rehabilitation programs and religious services. Painted walls are softer colors and murals decorate the hallways. All the same, no matter what "big changes" take place, it is the daily task of supervising inmates that dominates the institution. Correction workers still face the same dangers and job stresses.
A skilled professional staff can make all the difference. Officers who are confident, knowledgeable, and use sound judgment keep the institution running smoothly and efficiently. The old-timer corrections officer usually warns the new recruit that they should never trust a trusty (inmate worker), and that inmates have nothing to do but think of ways to [mess] with the system. Officers must be alert every minute for some incident to happen!
A inexperienced, or poorly trained, officer is a liability to themselves, their fellow officers, the facility, the inmates, and the public. It should be of the highest priority of management to see that each officer is provided the best training [in a wide assortment of subjects] at the onset of their career.
Unit 4 - Corrections & the Law. Post responses to the class instructor for two of the following:
Unit Overview: Early approaches to the incarcerated, were draconian; harsh, restrictive and punitive. Inmates had few rights and little recourse to seek assistance. The term "outlaw" meant just that, the person was "outside of the law" and was fair game for anyone. Outlaws had no rights and could be killed on sight. Convicts, as they were called, were subject to the whims of the correctional workers, with few civil rights. "This loss of rights was justified as a part of the punishment." Inmates were abandoned by society to a life behind bars, to serve their sentence, suffer the punishment, even unto death. The courts, beyond sentencing the defendant took little notice once they were surrendered to corrections.
Unit 5 - Inmate Supervision & Discipline. Post responses to the class instructor for two of the following:
Unit Overview: Consider first the fact that you, the corrections worker, are often alone in locked environment with some of society's worst criminals. They hate being in prison, they hate the system, and they hate you (for keeping them there). Since it is policy in nearly every correctional institution that no weapons may be carried by staff [except under extreme cause] you will be inside unarmed with only your "professional demeanor", and the inmate's desire to stay out of trouble, to enable you to keep some semblance of order and control. As soon as there is a display of weakness on your part, an agency policy that seems "unfair", or breakdown in self-control by the inmate and you have big problems. Interacting with the inmate population should be done in a fair impartial manner. Too friendly or too heavy handed can both lead to difficulties. Use this time, especially those of you who will some day work other assignments in law enforcement, to learn about criminals. The way they act in prison is most likely the way they will act on the outside--jargon, mannerisms, and the con games they play. Use this time for what it can be--a learning experience. Stay observant, and watch inmates for signs of trouble, or violation of rules.
Their behavior can be the tip off. The text gives an excellent list of trouble signs. Inmates who seem overly friendly may be just that, or they could be taking your attention while other inmates conduct some illegal activity. There are those inmates, who for some reason, want to confide in the officer. They may also wish to inform on other inmates. Whatever their reasons, they are playing a dangerous game. If they are thought to be a "snitch", their lives are on the line. During the infamous riot at Attica State Prison in New York, the inmates basically took over the cell blocks and broke into the areas where the "informants" were segregated. Many of the informant inmates were killed, some in horrific ways. If you can cultivate an informer--protect them! The institution should have procedures for dealing with this class of inmate. Disciplinary actions in the institution can range from loss of privileges or some item, isolation, civil tort, to criminal prosecution. The inmate have a basic rights to know what the discipline is for, appear before a hearing board, be represented, call witnesses, and to appeal to an impartial third party. All of which are within the court's opinions on "due process." The important thing is that the discipline is for violations of rule, regulations, or statutes and not just capricious acts by the staff. Supervising inmates can be boring at times, and it only takes a minute of mental distraction to lose control. Inmates move around an institution and it is crucial that you know which is where doing what! Do not be caught "not knowing the location of each inmate assigned to you." Escapes usually occur when inmates have unsupervised time to dig, cut, and climb their way out. If they think you are watching, they will give up--for the moment! Be alert during recreation and other group activities. Bringing a number of inmates together can afford them the time to plan.
Unit 6 - Security & Control. Post responses to the class instructor for two of the following:
Unit Overview: The majority of correction workers will not build, nor be a part of the design team, for the facility they work in. The worker may however have the opportunity to suggest changes to facility and that is what this unit is about--learning what is effective and efficient.
Security controls for an institution are determined by the type of inmates it houses. The American Correctional Association standards define how a facility should be modeled. Building in all of the security features we might like, is not a guarantee. Funding, locale of the facility, construction limitations, and the attitudes of the public and elected officials all influence the final product. The maximum-security institution, by its name suggests that only the most hardened criminals are kept there. Escape, safety hazards to staff and the public are primary concerns here. The construction, procedures, and technology should be state of the art.
Medium-security institutions have similar security measures, however it will have inmates who are no less dangerous than the maximum-security inmate. Often, inmates here are those moved from maximum facilities because of overcrowding, inmate is close to release date, inmate is not, or no longer considered a high risk, or has pending court appearance dates (it is often easier to move an inmate about in a medium facility). Minimum-security institutions are generally low profile with few obvious security fences, and the inmates have greater freedom to roam the facility.
Unit 7 - Use of Force. Post responses to the class instructor for two of the following:
Unit Overview: The use of force is one of those "have to's" in a correctional
setting. Few correction workers look forward to confrontation, nonetheless it is
a fact of life working in jails and prisons. Inmates in jail or prison are there
for a reason, they do not follow social guidelines, and/or they have shown a
proclivity to violence. Understandably this behavior can surface at any time. At
those times when an inmate will not cooperate or becomes violent. It will
necessary to use some force; generally escalating in this sequence:
Verbal commands, supported in part by hand signals.
Guiding force, mainly for assisting, with little or no pressure.
Controlling force, for moving or restraining, with pressure.
Less-lethal force, use of special weapons.
Deadly force, last resort and only under exigent circumstances.
Unit 8 - Emergency Planning & Procedures. Post responses to the class instructor for the following:
Unit Overview: The American Correctional Association standards require that institutions have written plans to be followed in situations that threaten institutional security. Every correctional facility is vulnerable to a variety of emergencies, both man-caused and natural, that can change a nice routine day into anything but! Staff must take the time to address each and every contingency that could occur leaving none out, even those which are only remotely possible. Earthquakes never happen in our state is a nice thought and maybe we can put this plan on t the bottom of the pile--then again it could happen tomorrow. The main point is write the plan anyway--it can't hurt, and it will help!
Unit 9 - Sanitation, Hygiene, & Health Care; Food Service. Post responses to the class instructor for the following:
Unit Overview: Food in a correctional institution takes on a whole new meaning. It can be source of major disturbances, lawsuits, and general discontent for both staff and inmate. The preparation of the meals is generally done inside of the facility by civilian employee cooks and inmate trustees. The kitchen is a security problem that will never go away. The inventory of foodstuffs is a tempting target for inmate and personnel. The tools to prepare the meals are dangerous (knives, large spoons, meat cleavers, and mallets, to name a few). Control of these items is very important.
In many facilities, the staff is fed meals prepared by inmates. Food tampering is a potential threat to corrections workers. Although we know we are not supposed to "trust" a trusty, we do anyway, especially in the kitchen. Thankfully only a few isolated incidents have ever been reported.
Inmate meals are usually served by the inmates and
officers must be alert for inmates stealing extra portions, or that the
servers are favoring some inmates. The potential for fights over something
as mundane as an extra slice of bread is real.
Most correction workers say that the greatest potential for trouble is
when inmates are crowded together--and where are they congregated together
on a daily basis--in the dining area; and we are talking three times a day!
This is one of the reasons that more institutions are serving meals in the
inmate dormitories. The logistics of decentralized serving does take more
effort, but administrators consider it a better way. The ability to control
the inmate serving lines, and the retrieval of cutlery (spoons and trays)
are improved with smaller groups.
Sanitation is always a concern and only an aggressive
systematic inspection policy will keep the facility fit for occupation.
Filth and vermin can collect quickly in a facility that is housed to
capacity. Waste and pest control programs are a must. Mice, roaches, and
lice can proliferate quickly in left unabated. Disease is sure to follow.
The threat of AIDS is too real, and a facility must have a "plan"
for cleaning up spilled blood and bodily fluids.
Health care is a "right" according to the courts. If we
incarcerate a person, and prevent their ability to seek medical treatment,
then we must provide it. It is in the institutions and inmate's interest
that we screen newly received inmates to ensure that their condition does
not pose a threat to the general inmate population or to the staff.
Medical care requires an supply of medicines and special equipment. It
will be necessary that proper controls be established and acted upon. There
would be medical staff who provide the care, and should also maintain
security over the medical supplies. Correction officers will still have to
provide support. It may be necessary for correction officers to handle
violent inmates, or to standby while some "special" inmates are
treated.
This writer having worked the County Jail, was surprised at the number of
incidents where inmates, and staff, were injured. It is a fact of life, that
corrections staff must have first-aid training. I lost count of the number
of inmates who had epileptic seizures. Some inmates who are first timers
also suffer hyperventilation, and start to panic. We face the threat of
AIDS, Tuberculosis, and other afflictions on a daily basis.
Inmates who have mental illness are a definite threat to staff and other
inmates. It is important that correction workers be trained to identify the
symptoms, and how to deal with this type of person. In most cases, the
inmate was already identified and placed in a separate unit. Their behaviors
are unpredictable and they pose a real threat to staff.
The suicidal inmate may not display any such tendencies until the very
act itself; or they may begin to display some of the known behaviors.
Corrections workers must learn how to recognize the signs.
Final Examination: Your grade for the course will be weighted as follows: Written Assignments = 50%, Final Exam = 50%. In order to successfully complete the course you MUST complete the written assignments and, take the final examination. If you live within 50 miles of the campus, you MUST take the final examination on campus. You may contact the Learning Assistance Center at (562) 692-0921 x 4016 or 3169 to schedule taking the final exam. The Learning Assistance Center is located at the Police Academy which is on the main campus on Canyon Drive. If you live over 50 miles from the college the exam may be proctored at your location. Contact your instructor for details.
If you experience any difficulty or need any further clarification, contact the Online Coordinator, Carley Mitchell at mitchellcarley@hotmail.com or in an emergency call him at (801) 953-6173.