EDITOR'S CORNER

Wearing a crisp uniform, being punctual and respecting hierarchy are just some facets that promote a sense of professionalism at the workplace. How one presents himself or herself and interacts with others are also vital elements to this equation.

Together, these actions provide the connection that professionalism has to a facility’s overall mission of staying safe and secure, as contributor Gene Atherton expounds upon in this week's feature article.
Jim
Editor, Corrections.com

FEATURED STORY

The professionalism and safety connection

By Gene Atherton

How respect leads to safety

Of all the words commonly used in corrections, “professionalism” or being “professional” is probably the most worn out catch word. It is used constantly in policy statements and speeches. It is commonly used to refer to someone who follows the rules and does the job well.

In corrections, when everyone is being “professional” the work is being done effectively; it means safety and control are being achieved along with a variety of other positive outcomes for the operating correctional institutions. People work better together and feel better about the job. Read this week's full story.

READER FEEDBACK

Regarding On the front lines, 4/15/08

I found the article to be very informative, and I am hopeful the Commissioner’s message of positive change will be realized throughout this department, in Iraq, and the rest of the world. My family’s thoughts and prayers are directed toward peace, in the hope that all of our country’s service personnel return safe and sound to their families. - JE, Westville, Indiana

Regarding Behind the walls, 2/4/08

We need more articles and training reflecting the realities alluded to by Brian Dawe. It seems that the only version of what criminals are like or “what works” is from the liberal PC camp. As a mental health professional who has worked 20 years in the prison system, I don’t need two hands to count the realistic training, seminars, or coverage of what we have to deal with.The ACA and other related organizations don't recognize the extent of lies and manipulation by inmates.
MH, Ohio

Regarding the ongoing debate about private facilities from our readers and contributors, and the articles Dungeons for dollars, 4/7/08 and Counterpoint: Too harsh on private industry, 4/14/08.

One reader wrote, "The other thing to consider is that if there were no need for private prisons then there would be none. People who don't want private prisons should be prepared for higher taxes to build public ones."

I work as an educator in a prison. My response to the above opinion is that the reason for private prisons is not because people don't pay high enough taxes, but because the laws force many more people in prison; even people who have committed minor drug offenses.

Send your opinion.

See what else readers are talking about.

LOOKING AHEAD

NOW ON CORRECTIONS.COM

Safety and the possessed parrot

Things are not always as they seem. This was proven to me last week. Full story

Injuring the soul

At some point, many officers are faced with injuries in our line of work. Full story

Coalition of the tracking

Right now, thousands of miles above Earth, Global Positioning System, or GPS, satellites are pinpointing the locations of delivery trucks, endangered species, forest fire perimeters, and perhaps a teenager borrowing his parents’ car for the night. Full story

BUSINESS NEWS

Facilities getting solid benefits from PCS’ financial strength

No long-term debt combined with consistent yearly incremental growth and profitability has positioned Public Communications Service, Inc. (PCS) as the leading inmate communications firm... More

Ferguson Safety Products G.M. visits Mississippi

Ferguson Safety Products received an invitation to join the Mississippi State Penitentiary Suicide Prevention Training seminar, held by Dr. Kentrell Liddell. More

Bob Barker Company adds complete first aid system

Bob Barker Company recently announced the addition of the All-Ready Complete First Aid System to their extensive line of detention products. More

CAREER WATCH

Longtime Tenn. veteran promoted to warden Lolie Jones is the new warden for Tennessee’s Mark H. Luttrell Correctional Center. Jones has been with the TDOC since 1976... Full story

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EVENTS

Emotional Intelligence Continuing Education Seminar

Date: 5/27/08
An Introduction to Emotional Intelligence for Anger Management Facilitators, Clinicians, MFTs and LCSWs Emotional intelligence is a learned ability needed to understand, use, and express human emotions in a healthy and skilled manner. Read more.

In Depth Gang Awareness & Investigations

Date: 6/7/08
This course covers not only the basics of gang identification but will look in depth at the history of certain gangs, identifying characteristics and what the common gang symbols mean. Read more

Unlock the Mystery: Managing Mental Health from Corrections to Community

Date: 6/23 - 25/08
Attendees will be afforded the opportunity to acquire innovative strategies, employed by correctional agencies across the country, for managing the explosive growth of the mentally ill, substance abuse, and sex offender populations within the adult male, adult female and juvenile populations in jails and prisons. Read more.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

"We rarely think people have good sense unless they agree with us."
- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749 - 1832), German dramatist, novelist, poet, & scientist


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