We are still reflecting on the excellent content from the American Jail Association’s (AJA) May conference. One thing was repeatedly made clear: Inability to hire security and medical staff is hindering operations and increasing the risk of adverse health events among those in custody. Addressing the crisis involves a multi-faceted approach, as this issue is driven by a range of factors including working conditions, pay, training, and public perception.
Key ideas for improving recruiting and retention include:
- Mental Health Support: Provide access to mental health resources and support for staff, including counseling services and stress management programs.
- Targeted Recruitment: Develop targeted recruitment campaigns to attract a diverse workforce, including veterans, former law enforcement, and individuals from underrepresented communities.
- Retention Incentives: Offer retention bonuses, career development opportunities, and pathways for promotion to encourage staff to stay longer in their roles.
- Robust Training Programs: Implement comprehensive training programs that cover conflict resolution, mental health awareness, and de-escalation techniques.
- Continuous Professional Development: Provide ongoing training and development opportunities to help staff advance their skills and careers.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Launch public awareness campaigns to improve the perception of careers in corrections, highlighting the importance and value of the work.
- Community Engagement: Foster positive relationships with the community through outreach programs and partnerships with local organizations.
- Leverage Technology: Use technology to streamline administrative tasks, improve communication, and enhance security. This can include the use of automated systems for monitoring and reporting, as well as advanced security systems.
- Remote Monitoring: Implement remote monitoring systems to reduce the burden on staff and improve safety.
- Advocate for Policy Changes: Work with lawmakers to advocate for policies that support better working conditions, funding for staffing, and resources for correctional facilities.
- Standards and Regulations: Establish and enforce standards and regulations that ensure a safe and supportive work environment for correctional staff.
- Cross-Sector Partnerships: Partner with educational institutions, healthcare providers, and other sectors to create pipelines for recruitment and provide additional resources and support for staff.
- Peer Support Networks: Develop peer support networks within the corrections community to foster a sense of camaraderie and support among staff.
- Alternative Scheduling: Offer flexible work schedules, such as shorter shifts, part-time opportunities, and job sharing, to accommodate the needs of staff and reduce burnout.
- Remote Work Options: Where possible, explore remote work options for administrative roles within the corrections system.
NCCHC Resources can conduct a systems assessment to identify how staffing is affecting operations and identify high-risk areas. Employees may be more candid with our consultants, who have decades of experience in correctional health.