Course Objectives:
Intoxication and Withdrawal in the Jail Environment: The number of inmates coming into our facilities today with substance abuse issues is alarming. Unfortunately, in many instances, we are the first line of defense in determining whether these individuals are assessed, and proper care is provided. It’s critical that our staff are trained in recognizing the signs and symptoms of both intoxication and withdrawal so prompt intervention can be requested. This class will provide basic correctional level training in identifying behaviors prompting staff to make medical and/or mental health referrals if needed.
Medical Best Practices: Another major area of litigation for corrections is “Medical Negligence”. This class will cover “Best Practices” in addressing inmate medical issues beginning at intake and ending as the inmate is walking out the door. We will discuss proper medical screening at intake, adequately addressing medical request during incarceration, sound methods for dispensing medication, as well as, protocols for a successful sick-call mechanism.
Cell Searches, Shakedowns and Body Scanners: Jail Safety and Security is the top priority for every agency in order to provide a safe working environment for staff, and safe living environment for Offenders. Keeping contraband out of our facilities is just one of the tactics we use to accomplish that task. Contraband enters a correctional facility in various ways. This training will cover areas such as; Cell Searches & Shakedowns, Pat, Frisk & Strip Searches, Mail Procedures, Perimeter Checks, Vehicle Searches, and ends with Documenting and sound Policy recommendations to further prepare staff to combat the never-ending mission of limiting contraband within our facilities.
Use of Force- Response to Inmate Aggression: As Corrections Officers we face many challenges in dealing with the inmate population. Use of Force is utilized in our nations prisons and jails each day. It is our responsibility from the top down to insure the force we use is consistent with not only our own policies but current case law as well. This class will cover why “Use of Force” is one of the top two reasons Jails and Prisons face lawsuits around the nation and "Best Practices" we can train and implement to be successful defending these legal challenges.
Restraints for The Front-Line Officer: The use of restraints in corrections is a frequent job-related task performed by officers since such tasks are used for prisoner transports, medical intervention, controlling combative prisoners, protecting prisoner and correctional personnel, and preventing escapes. We will discuss the different type of restraints common to most facilities and review “Best Practices”, based on manufacturer recommendations and proven techniques to insure they are applied properly.
Mental Health & Suicide Awareness: Reality is, the mental health care safety net has become one of incarceration. From coast to coast our jails/prisons have become the mental health hospitals in most of our communities. In this training we will review the common mental health issues diagnosed in our inmate population, as well as, those that come through our doors facing self-harm ideations, including suicide. This class will cover recommended approaches in dealing with these special populations.
Investigating In-Custody Deaths for Staff: An Inmate death can result in civil and criminal liabilities for both the agency as well as the Jail officer(s). In many instances fault does not lie with the agency, but an inept administrative investigation that does little in proving that. This class will cover “best practices” in conducting these investigations, which will not only assist in pointing out where the concerning issues lie, in preventing future in-custody deaths, but prepare you to defend the current one.
Legal Updates & Best Practices for Corrections Officers: Jail Officers have different concerns for personal liability than an officer who’s working patrol. The subjects are already in custody, so the potential legal issues of probable cause and search warrants, aren’t at the forefront of your concerns with daily interactions with inmates. We will discuss the current parameters established by the courts when dealing with: Use of Force, Medical Care, Strip Searches, Suicides and the dreaded Grievance Mechanism. This class will offer recommendations on defending litigation “when” not “if” they knock on our door.
PREA Law and Transgender Inmates: In a country that incarcerates more of its people than any other in the world, transgender people are more likely to be stopped and questioned by police, engage in survival crimes such as sex work, end up behind bars, and more likely to face abuse behind bars. This training will begin with an over-view of the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA), then proceed into providing corrections practitioners an insight on properly dealing with the issues we face in providing a safe and secure environment for transgender inmates, while satisfying the requirements brought forth with PREA.