Comprehensive Security Strategies for Detention Facilities

1. Safety and Security By: Matthew Kuehl

2. Every detention facility must have a good overall program for ensuring security. The objectives of such a program are the same in every facility, no matter what the size of the detention facility or the mode of supervision of inmates. The basic goals of security include: • To ensure the safety of inmates , staff and the public • To maintain order and control; and • To prevent escapes

3. Three Considerations • Advance Preparation • Time management • Mental Preparedness • Physical Preparedness

4. Effective facility security is achieved through implementation of accepted correctional principles and procedures in such areas as: • Searching residents • Using keys and locking systems correctly • Conducting security checks • Searching cells, cellblocks and other areas of the facility • Counting residents • Controlling weapons • Controlling tools and utensils • Using surveillance equipment

5. However, these procedures are only part of good security. The other part involves good, ongoing supervision of residents and establishment of a positive climate. If these are present, then there will likely be fewer problems with residents and thus fewer problems related to safety and security.

6. ELEMENTS OF GOOD SUPERVISION • Ongoing observation of residents and resident activities by staff members; • Good, ongoing communication between staff members and residents; • Good, ongoing communication between staff members on all shifts and between officers and the supervisory team; and • Good documentation and report writing.

7. A GENERALLY POSITIVE FACILITY CLIMATE HAS THE FOLLOWING CHARACTERISTICS • Clean, sanitary living conditions; • Good food, in sufficient quantities; • Adequate, timely medical and health care; • Equal and fair enforcement of rules and regulations; • Adequate opportunity for visits; • Availability of programs; • Knowledge by residents that they can talk to staff members, and that they will be listened to.

8. Knowledge • Department Policy and Procedure • Your Partner • Strengths • Weaknesses • Resident • Facility • Continuum of Force

9. Your Partner is Essential for • Safety • Partnering reduces the odds of being attacked • A witness • A sounding board

10. “The brain is the primary weapon, all else is supplemental” John Steinbeck

11. The Essential Tools • Presence – uniform, grooming, stance • Knowledge – policies and procedures • Training Retention • Communication Skills – Staff to Resident and Staff to Staff • Verbal • Non-verbal • Para verbal – how you say what you say • Proximal space • Principals Of Subject Control

12. States of Awareness • White – totally unaware of your surroundings • Yellow – relaxed but alert • Orange – state of general alarm – analyze: avoidance/defensive tactics • Red – the problem has occurred – defensive tactics • Black – blind panic

13. Mental Pitfalls • “We’ve always had a good relationship” • “He’s okay, I know him” • “I can handle him” • “She’s been here before and was no problem” • “There're only kids”

14. Three Possible Responses to Threat • Over-Reaction • Under-Reaction • Appropriate Reaction

15. Remember… • Always expect the unexpected • Stay focused • Take charge of the situation – Don’t let the situation take charge of you!

16. Why Physical Fitness? • Your own health – Stress reduction • Personal satisfaction • Regular exercise increases your reaction time by 15% and increases your motor skills • Confidence / control • Increased ability to perform job functions

17. Assuming Compliance Will Get You Hurt!