The Ongoing Awareness Campaign In Corrections

It is largely recognized that a problem cannot be resolved until it is known and understood. Awareness and admission can be powerful tools when it comes to conflict resolution and an evaluation of current standards. The field of corrections continues to excel in applying these rules to the complex issues and opportunities presented within their field. Corrections staff have been open about sharing personal struggles and experiences on the job. They are well aware of the systems that are not working and want to share this awareness with others who may be in a position to help and provide potential solutions.

Recognition of Mental Health:

Those employed in corrections are often exposed to a high-stress environment. The constant level of awareness that corrections staff must have; in combination with repeated exposure to incidents of violence, injury, or death, contributes to the increasing rates of PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Corrections agencies and advocates have done well in raising awareness about the mental health issues that are associated with the job. The awareness campaign and research provide them with the leverage needed to negotiate much-needed services like therapy and other mental health services. While such services may not initially be a part of staff benefits, corrections agencies may be able to provide data validating the need for it. Stakeholders can then work together to ensure mental health and other services are made available to staff.

Informed Consent of Risk:

Awareness can also be raised by supervisors engaging more frequently with line staff. It is important that those in supervisory positions use these times to talk with staff and assess the needs they may have. Even prior to becoming a correctional officer, it would be helpful for prospective staff to understand the risks and data associated with those employed in this field. These are critical steps to ensure staff are well informed before and after accepting the position. With a better understanding of the risks associated with the job and providing staff with resources to combat them, staff retention is likely to improve.

Support Strategies:

Of course one of the biggest problems facing corrections today is staffing shortages. Correctional agencies and other stakeholders have been working hard to spread awareness about the current understaffing. They specifically emphasize the importance of recruitment and retention strategies to combat this shortage. These efforts seem to be paying off as it has gained attention from news and other media outlets; as well as government officials. Some agencies are also starting to see improvement. Corrections stakeholders are collaborating more; bringing the topic even more recognition. Government officials are great targets for these campaigns as they have the ability to provide agencies with the necessary funding to implement new strategies or increase wages. The government also has the ability to send the national guard to facilities to help support corrections while they seek new hires.

The field of corrections has had great success in creating a large and salient awareness campaign. Many of the efforts detail actionable steps to promote the recruitment and retention and overall staff wellness of corrections employees. They emphasize areas of concern, highlighting why these areas are important to staff well-being or to the further development of the agency. Most importantly, this campaign has provided solutions and remedies to fix these problems; whether temporary or permanent. The purpose of this campaign is to call attention to the issues prevalent in the field of corrections and garner the support necessary to implement change. Change doesn't happen overnight or in a vacuum; instead, it is an effort that requires collaboration, negotiation, and education.