JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021 VOL. 30 NO 1
STRESS TEST: HELPING COs TO COPE RESTAURATEUR TRAINING REENTRY THROUGH FOOD SERVICE JOBS
Riot Gear & Other PPE
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Determining Vaccine Eligibility Policies
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Riot Gear & Other PPE
Restaurateur Training For Reentry Employment Stress Test: Helping COs Cope
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COVID-19 VACCINE DELIBERATIONS There have been more than 330,000 cases of the coronavirus among prison inmates, according to the Covid Prison Project, which tracks Covid-19 across the nation's correctional facilities, and more than 1,900 deaths, CNN reports. Thousands more cases have been detected across the nation's jails, where experts say Covid-19 data is scarce and hard to track. And it's not just inmates: More than 77,000 prison staff tested positive and more than 110 have died, according to the project. As the pandemic enters a new chapter, with two authorized Covid-19 vaccines on the U.S. market, leading public health professionals have called for incarcerated people and corrections staff to be prioritized in vaccinations. It's the nation's moral responsibility, several experts told CNN, but also a move that will help in the
4 CORRECTIONS FORUM • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021
recovery of other communities. In its vaccine-allocation recommendations, the CDC's advisory committee listed corrections officers in Phase 1b, alongside other groups the agency deemed frontline essential workers. And while incarcerated populations aren't explicitly mentioned in any of the phases, the group said jurisdictions may choose to vaccinate them at the same time as staff. But weeks into vaccinations across the U.S., state leaders have offered few details on the vaccination of corrections facilities—and their prioritization differs vastly across the country. Many worry that—amid an already slow vaccine rollout—hardhit jails and prisons, and those who live and work inside, will again be left behind, according to the CNN story. Many public health experts
called for vaccine priority in corrections facilties for both staff and those incarcerated. Sharon Dolovich, a professor of law at the University of California, Los Angeles and the director of the Covid-19 Behind Bars Data Project says, jails and prisons—like other congregate settings, including nursing homes—continue to be hotspots for the virus. "All the arguments that anybody would offer for prioritizing people who live in long-term care facilities also apply to prisons," she said. Many other health professionals agree, noted the CNN piece. More than 480 health experts signed an open letter last month [Dec.] urging the CDC advisory group and state leaders to prioritize incarcerated populations and corrections staff for vaccinations. A report from the Johns Hopkins
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Center for Health Security also called for their prioritization, recommending both groups be placed in an equal tier as other high-risk congregate settings, such as nursing homes. The same call was made by the American Medical Association in November. A related article posted on website Corrections1.com further discusses how to determine vaccine distribution policies. Overall, the online article titled “COVID-19 vaccination: The questions correctional administrations should be asking” says: “Consideration must be given to the inmate population, as 95% of those in jails and prisons will be reentering society. Each state and locality will need to have a policy that includes detainees to prevent spread among the wider populations. The infection of COVID-19 in the prisons and jails should be treated as a public health issue.” The authors continue: “The effort to vaccinate to bring an end to the COVID-19 pandemic will chal-
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lenge all operational assumptions. We assume corrections leaders will be up to the task if they develop a plan of action now.” SUICIDE AWARENESS The job of a correctional officer is particularly stressful and one study noted they have rates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) comparable to military combat veterans. In fact in 2019 there were 113 correctional officer fatalities reported—that is a fatality rate of 2.7 per 100,000. In addition, COs have the second highest mortality rate of any occupation, living to only an average of 58 years of age, compared with about 75 for the average American. In honor of suicide prevention month in September one officer shared with Corrections Forum how his department is addressing the mental health of line staff in corrections facilities. Sgt. Jose Gurule, Jr. of the Denver Sheriff Dept. (DSD) detailed how his department has established a Peer
Support Group to reach out to officers who may be suffering with depression. This group is a network of sworn and civilian employees who share common experiences with the mission of supporting one another through emotional challenges and to provide helpful resources for the well-being of staff members and their families. Gurule relayed in an email that each DSD Peer Support Advocate receives 40 hours of in-depth initial training from Nicolettt-Flater and Associates to provide them with the tools to be able to assist their peers to overcome life's challenges. Advocates receive ongoing training in the areas of alcohol resiliency, PTSD, trauma and crisis intervention, stress management, suicide prevention and more. Finally, he noted, the Peer Support team utilizes a network of support services to provide confidential guidance and support for employees and their families. For further information contact: jose.gurule@ denvergov.org.
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BY M.J. GUERCIO, CONTRIBUTING EDITOR
RIOTS PLAGUE CORRECTIONS SYSTEM AS VIRUS SPREADS The latest equipment can limit outbreaks and protect staff and inmates in duress.
ONE
in five inmates at state and federal prisons have tested positive for the coronavirus; this is four times the rate of the general population. But even that may not be true picture. Homer Venters, former chief medical officer at New York’s Rikers Island complex says, “that number is a vast undercount.” The Marshall Project and the Associated Press have reported that in some states more than half the prison population is infected. Inmates remain vulnerable and many facilities report a lack of proper protective equipment. Correctional facilities are susceptible to COVID-19 outbreaks due to issues of overpopulation in the corrections system, and 8 CORRECTIONS FORUM • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021
the fact that these institutions are designed for confinement rather than social distancing. According to an article by the Guardian, riots and civil unrest have broken out amidst inmate fears of being infected with the virus. Last year officers at a Washington State Penitentiary fired non-lethal pellets and used pepper spray to break up a riot of more than 100 inmates that resulted from six inmates testing positive. At the Lansing Corrections Facility in Kansas, prisoners ransacked offices, broke windows, and set small fires for several hours because of a COVID-19 outbreak. These uprisings are a fraction of the nationwide prison riots that have resulted from the spread of the coronavirus. Proper protective gear and robust disinfectant
supplies, as well as strong policies, can help keep prison populations and staff safe.
Riot Gear The Traverse overt patrol vest by Armor Express has a front zipper designed for easy donning and doffing. It is available in MOLLE, half-MOLLE, and non-MOLLE. MOLLE consists of heavy-duty nylon stitched in rows that enable the attachment of various pouches and tools. This allows for the weight of tools to be evenly distributed in contrast to traditional belts that can be physically demanding on an officer’s hips and lower back. The Traverse has a heavy-duty outer shell and internal plate pockets that can accommodate stab and spike plate inserts for additional pro-
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tection. The vest has mesh in key friction zones, ambidextrous pockets, and diminished grab points. A large sheriff’s office in Michigan has used the Traverse for three years in its corrections unit. The vests are equipped with the Taurus Spike 2 panel insert which provides the team with essential puncture protection from shanks and spikes. According to Dionne Manchester, SVP, media relations, for Armor Express, “the officers have indicated that the Traverse gives them more peace of mind; they don’t have to worry about their protection.” Adam Spinniken, marketing@ armorexpress.com, 202.920.0800, www.armorexpress.com Damascus Gear Riot and Disturbance Control Shields offer state-of-the-art protection. The ergonomic handles and break-
away straps are dielectric (insulated) and prevent electricity from passing through. The handles can be reversed for ambidextrous use, and the wide nylon arm straps can be easily adjusted while in use. Damascus shields are transparent and of high optical quality. The DRS10 Riot and Disturbance Control Interlocking Shield can be used to configure a solid barrier with surrounding team members. Damascus engineers non-ballistic personal protective gear, and they report using only the highest-grade materials to deliver consistent and trusted protection. 1.800.451.4167 customercare@damascusgear.com www.DamascusGear.com
Body Cameras and Identification Cameras Police and corrections officers are increasingly under critical review. Body cameras can provide the necessary physical evidence for an officer to defend him- or herself. Furthermore, the presence of a body camera can significantly impact the behavior of an individual. For inmates and officers alike, body cameras disincentivize misconduct.
user friendly. It has a “panic button” and the ability to start recording 30 seconds prior to initiation. The Halo is said to be durable and comes with a warranty that lasts the duration of the contract; training and support are also available. The camera automatically downloads when the unit is placed in the charging cradle. Jack McLaughlin, jack@commandsourcing.com, 650.318.8877, commandsourcing.com Reveal’s D Series body cameras have a front-facing screen, which maximizes transparency with inmates, and has been proven to have a calming effect. The camera can play back video in the field without the need for a smartphone or PC. The D Series has an articulated head that allows it to be worn in various places on people of all shapes and sizes. It can also be used in a vehicle and as an interview recorder or handheld camera. In
Command Sourcing Inc.’s Halo Body Camera offers unique fea-
tures including 1440p and a continuous recording time of up to 16 hours. The camera is outfitted with redaction software that is VISIT US AT WWW.CORRECTIONSFORUM.NET
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national sales manager, “bodyworn cameras document realtime interactions between corrections officers and inmates, as well as guests. This provides liability protection and documentation of events and incidents as they happen. These devices have become increasingly important tools for all law enforcement and corrections personnel.” Lisa Cayce, lisa.cayce@us.panasonic.com, 224.230.1073, i-PRO.com/BWC4000 EyeLock LLC provides iris-based identity authentication solutions. The nano iXT iris recognition reader can both detect the presence of a mask and check a per-
addition, Reveal offers DEMS 360, an advanced digital evidence management solution compatible with all media types. A recent testimonial by a customer states that their American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) case was dismissed thanks to a Reveal body camera’s footage. Steve Venable, salesusa@revealmedia.com, 888.269.9924, www.revealmedia.com The BWC4000 by Panasonic iPro features a swappable battery with up 12 hours of battery life. It has an easy-to-read LCD status screen, an enhanced field of view, and 1080p HD resolution. The body-worn camera has built-in WiFi and Bluetooth, onboard GPS, H.264, and H.265 compression. It has an IP67 environmental rating and MIL-STD 810H military-grade design. According to Rob Thompkins, Panasonic i-Pro
son’s temperature. Based on these assessments it can conditionally deny access to anyone that poses a risk. The mask detection feature is enabled when the iTemp temperature screening module is used in combination with the nano iXT. Jeff Carter, EyeLock’s CEO, states that “when used in conjunction with the optional iTemp module, the nano iXT equips companies with a reliable, highly accurate tool that helps create the safest possible working environment for their employees, customers, and visiting parties.” Caitlin Marinaro, CMarinaro@voxxintl.com, eyelock.com
Disinfectant Systems and Disinfectants LightStrike by Xenex is a “germ-zapping” robot that is 10 CORRECTIONS FORUM • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021
being embraced by police stations and correctional facilities across the nation. It uses pulsed xenon (an inert gas) to create a broad spectrum of UV light (200-315 nm), unlike older UV technologies, which utilize mercury bulbs to produce narrow spectrum UV light. Broad-spectrum UV light is beneficial for two reasons: firstly, different pathogens are susceptible to varying wavelengths of UV light, and secondly, it is less damaging to materials and surfaces. The LightStrike robot is proven to destroy SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, in two minutes as tested by the Texas Biomedical Research Institute in a BioSafety Level 4 Lab. The robot’s efficacy has been validated by more than 40 peer-reviewed and published scientific studies. LightStrike quickly and efficiently disinfects every surface in a room, decreasing the risk of infection for inmates and officers. The robot has been used to disinfect cells, cafeterias, offices, holding areas, conference rooms, restrooms, elevators, and equipment. One LightStrike robot can disinfect dozens of rooms and areas per day without leaving behind any chemical residue. 800.553.0069, www.xenex.com The Halo Disinfection system combines Halosil’s HaloMist disinfectant with the HaloFogger to create a dry-mist fog that kills 99.9999 percent of infectious agents. The system can cover an entire room and kill pathogens on every surface without wetting surfaces or damaging them. The unit is touchless; this reduces
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Bob Barker’s Aqua ChemPac Disinfectant Kit meets the EPA’s criteria for combating the spread of COVID-19. It comes with 40 dissolvable packs of disinfectant, four spray bottles, and four microfiber cloths. The dissolvable packs are safe and easy to use; they are concentrated so they don’t take up storage space. Concentrating the product also has environmental benefits: the company saves thousands of gallons of gasoline and eliminates excessive use of plastic by concentrating the formula. Erin Howell, product management lead, erinhowell@bobbarker.com, 800.334.9880, bobbarker.com
labor and the potential for the applicator to be exposed to disinfectant chemicals. The mist consists of a hydrogen peroxide and silver mixture that provides reliable and repeatable disinfection. HaloMist meets EPA guidelines for effective disinfection against the coronavirus and it has been added to the EPA’s List N of solutions. It is also registered to eliminate other hard-to-kill pathogens. Correctional facilities are deploying the system throughout their facilities and are increasingly relying on whole-room disinfection systems to eliminate pathogens and prevent the spread of infectious diseases in high-density corrections populations. Hawaii Correctional Industries has adopted the Halo Disinfection System to disinfect inmate housing, their infirmaries, and public access areas. Montana and Delaware’s correctional systems are currently treating facilities and vehicles with Halo Disinfection Systems. info@halosil.com, 302.454.8102, www.halosil.com TRI-CHEM’s BioShield 75 is a patented organic antimicrobial technology that can be applied to any surface by spraying, wiping, 12 CORRECTIONS FORUM • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021
fogging, or immersion. It forms an invisible, odorless, and durable layer of biostatic surface protection. Studies have shown that BioShield 75 is effective for up to 90 days from application, unlike traditional technologies that are no longer effective after they evaporate or are rinsed off. BioShield 75 is non-toxic, nonleaching and does not contain heavy metals, such as silver, zinc, or tin. It has been proven efficacious by widely-recognized testing methods and verified effective by independent studies conducted at the University of Minnesota. It is approved by the EPA for use on food contact surfaces, and it is effective against a variety of bacteria, fungi, and yeast. TRI-CHEM also produces disinfectant wipes. Their WipesPlus disinfecting wipes kill the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, and they are on the EPA’s List N. They are independently lab certified to quickly disinfect; they are lint-free and highly absorbent. Their formula is water-based and is safe to use on plastics, laminates, metals, plexiglass and rubber surfaces. info@trichem.com, 800.456.6255, trichem.com
Federal Supplies LavenderScented Alcohol-free Hand Sanitizer comes in two- or eightounce bottles that are equipped with a foam pump. Hand sanitizer is a viable alternative to soap and water since they are not always available in prisons. Having hand sanitizer at the ready can reduce the presence of bacteria and viruses like COVID19 that cause disease. In corrections, products that are not alcohol-based are essential. Federal Supply uses a benzalkonium chloride formula sanitizer for this very reason, which eliminates the risk of inmates turning it into contraband or “hooch.” info@federalsupply.com, 847.623.1310, federalsupply.com
In Conclusion Keeping inmates and staff safe during the pandemic will require a multi-pronged approach. Having the proper equipment to secure facilities during riots as well as to safeguard against outbreaks will be crucial in the months to come. In addition, prioritizing both those incarcerated and those who serve for a jab in the arm will surely help to keep both inmates and staff healthy and safe as well as assist in the recovery of surrounding communities. %
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BY DONNA ROGERS, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Ex-offenders Need NOT Apply Justice-involved individuals are often told their convictions mean instant rejection–prior to applying.
Restaurant employer partners—examples of which can be found in Illinois, Virginia and Massachusetts—hire individuals who are HOPES participants to support their career growth through a 12-month follow-up period.
OVER 600,000
PEOPLE MAKE THE DIFFICULT TRANSITION FROM PRISONS TO THE
COMMUNITY EACH YEAR DESPITE FACING SIGNIFICANT STUMBLING BLOCKS, NOT THE LEAST OF WHICH IS EMPLOYMENT.
EMPLOYMENT
PROVIDES ECONOMIC STABILITY, A
SENSE OF WORTH TO THE HUMAN EXPERIENCE, AND REDUCES THE LIKELIHOOD OF RETURNING TO PRISON.
Yet despite the overwhelming benefits of employment “people who have been to prison are largely shut out of the labor market,” states a report by the National Employment Law Project (NELP) in New York. The 2011 report titled 65 Million “Need Not Apply”: the Case for Reforming Criminal Background Checks for Employment by M. Rodriquez and M. Emsellem notes that 9/11 made commercial background checks so readily available that some companies used them for 90% of their hiring decisions. “In the right situations, criminal background checks promote safety and security at the workplace. 14 CORRECTIONS FORUM • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021
However, imposing a background check that denies any type of employment for people with criminal records is unreasonable,” they allege. “Employers that adopt these and other blanket exclusions fail to take into account critical information, including the nature of an offense, the age of the offense, or even its relationship to the job.” Frequently these background checks shut out anyone with a previous conviction—no matter how minor. The report documents, based on a survey of online job ads posted on Craigslist, major companies as well as smaller employers routine-
ly deny people with criminal records any opportunity to establish their job qualifications. “For any number of entry-level jobs, ranging from warehouse workers to delivery drivers to sales clerks, employers and staffing agencies post these and other job ads that unambiguously close the doors on applicants with criminal records by stating: No Exceptions! . . . No Misdemeanors and/or Felonies of any type ever in background.” Indeed the lack of opportunity for those who have been justice involved is staggering. A July 2018 Prison Policy study Out of Prison & Out of Work: Unemployment Among Formerly Incarcerated People found that the unemployment rate for workingage, formerly incarcerated people is nearly five times higher than the unemployment rate for the
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Restaurants employ more minority managers than any other industry and 90% of all restaurant managers started in entry-level positions, says the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation.
general United States population, 27.3% compared with just 5.2% for their general public peers. Prior research suggests that employers discriminate against those with criminal records, even if they claim not to, notes the Prison Policy Initiative report. Although employers express willingness to hire people with criminal records, evidence shows that having a record reduces employer callback rates by 50%, details a 2003 study The Mark of a Criminal Record published in the American Journal of Sociology. The Prison Policy Initiative further finds that unemployment is highest within the first two years of release, suggesting that preand post-release employment services are critical in order to reduce recidivism and help incarcerated people quickly integrate back into society. Of those most recently released from prison (that is, within two years of the 16 CORRECTIONS FORUM • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021
survey date), more than 30% were unemployed.
Encouraging News Despite the bleak figures, some encouraging news has surfaced. Studies have found that those released from prison have worked hard at gaining employment. Unemployment rates decreased for those released within two to three years of the survey (down to 21%), and people who had been out of prison for at least four years reported the lowest rates of unemployment (just under 14%). Also promising, research shows that those with prior criminal justice system involvement want to work and hiring them can benefit both employers and the general public: A study of job performance among call center employees found that individuals with criminal records had longer tenure and were less likely to quit than those without records. (D.
Minor, N. Persico, and D. Weiss. 2017. Criminal Background and Job Performance.) The good news is that while formerly incarcerated people have been shown to make good employees, the bad news is that when they do land jobs, the jobs are often the most insecure and lowest-paying positions, according to an analysis of IRS data by the Brookings Institution. To some extent this is attributed to a lack of skills, which training programs can help overcome.
HOPES: Restaurant & Hospitality Training One such program making inroads with formerly incarcerated individuals is the Washington, D.C.-based philanthropic arm of the National Restaurant Association, the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF). It provides skills
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training and career development to incarcerated and recently released individuals within a field generally more open and friendly to them than others. In 2019 NRAEF established the Hospitality Opportunities for People (Re)Entering Society, or HOPES, program to assist justice-involved young adults gain industry-specific skills, facilitate career exploration, and address barriers to sustained employment, with the ultimate goal of increasing employment opportunities and reducing recidivism for young adults. “HOPES connects young adults, ages 18-24 with current or previous justice-involvement, to case management, work-readiness training, occupational credentials, and employment to increase effective reentry and decrease recidivism,” says Patricia D. Gill, director, HOPES. Gill points out that one study found “formerly incarcerated individuals who maintained employment for one year postrelease had a 16% recidivism rate over three years compared to a 52% recidivism rate for those who did not maintain employment.”
Solid Career Restaurants are an obvious choice to help those reentering society. According to NRAEF: Restaurant careers are accessible, diverse, and opportunity-rich. Restaurant and foodservice operations careers do not require a high school diploma, GED, licensure or certification. Restaurants employ more minority managers than any other industry and 90% of all restaurant managers started in entry-level positions. Furthermore, restaurants need a well-trained workforce. Employers are looking for qualified staff familiar with foodservice skills and new health and hygiene guidelines. In addition to industry-specific skills, HOPES participants can receive ServSafe training (more on that later), another widely recognized certifi18 CORRECTIONS FORUM • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021
cation by NRAEF. The HOPES program currently has more than 70 active participants and plans to enroll 500 justice-involved young adults in the next few years. It is part of the NRAEF’s Restaurant Ready initiative, a national program dedicated to helping individuals acquire the basic job and life skills necessary to pursue jobs in the restaurant industry and jump start a pathway to independence, she notes. The program reaches into the community in various ways. Using a Community Collaborative Model, HOPES partners with Departments of Corrections, Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) and State Restaurant Associations (SRAs) to offer career opportunities in the restaurant, foodservice and hospitality industry. The program is currently active within the communities of Boston, Chicago, and Richmond and Farmville, Virginia. On the corrections side, the program joins forces with the Illinois and the Virginia DOCs. At the same time, the CBOs connect with young people either during correction-based industry training or upon reentry. HOPES also partners with local SRAs to connect participants with employment opportunities. Restaurant employer partners also hire individuals who are HOPES participants to support their career growth by working with them in a 12-month follow-up period to ensure retention and skill development, as well as to foster apprenticeship connections. For example, MODPizza, a national fast food outfit with hundreds of locations, gained the designation of first impact partner last year, noting they offer “opportunities for people with barriers to employment.” The criterion for young adults to enroll in HOPES is open ended, details Gill. Eligible candidates for the HOPES program are between the ages of 18 and 24, and have either current or past justice involvement or are high school dropouts. “All that is required is
an interest in receiving training and employment in the hospitality, restaurant, or food service industry,” she emphasizes. Individuals with foodservice experience and incumbent workers in the hospitality industry who have justice involvement are also eligible to join HOPES to access additional supports and training opportunities. Each HOPES participant works with a case manager to develop an individualized plan, listing their career goals and identifying workreadiness and industry-specific training leading to employment, Gill explains. HOPES participants will complete training, achieve at least one industry credential and receive job placement to successfully graduate. There is no set timeframe to complete the training, she points out. Participants can receive training and be placed in employment as soon as they are ready to work. Significantly, participants receive a full year of follow-up after placement in employment and are eligible for a wide range of supports and benefits, including transportation vouchers, emergency housing assistance, and additional training to support job retention or career advancement, she says. HOPES provides participants with the case management support, work-readiness preparation, industry-specific skills, and credentials necessary to find and attain employment. In addition, HOPES’ one year of post-placement support and benefits helps participants retain that employment, as well as advance in the industry if they desire, she concludes.
Food Safety In the restaurant business, while the type and quality of food served is important, probably nothing is more important than the safety of serving that food. For 30 years, ServSafe (also an affiliate of the National Restaurant Association) has been at the forefront of preparing foodservice workers to deliver
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safe dining experiences for their guests and staff. ServSafe is a training tool that operators can use as part of their Food Safety Management System, says Neeley Carlson, sales manager, Food Service & Hospitality, National Restaurant Association. “Think of it as a tool that can be used to
Certification verifies that a manager or person-in-charge has sufficient food safety knowledge to protect the public from foodborne illness. “Individuals that have earned the ServSafe credential will stand out from other applicants when applying for a job. Staff and
the public and the employer. As an example, one longitudinal study out of Johns Hopkins Hospital in 2016 found that after “banning the box” on initial applications and making hiring decisions based on merit and the relevance of prior convictions to particular jobs, hired applicants with
inmates looking to grow their career can utilize our additional training programs for portable, stackable, industry-recognized certifications,” Carlson points out.
criminal records exhibited a lower turnover rate than those with no records. Additional follow-up studies at Johns Hopkins showed similar results. A five-year study of almost 500 ex-offenders hired showed a lower turnover for the first 40 months vs. non-offenders. Another Hopkins study of 79 individuals with serious records who were followed for three to six years showed 73 were still employed at the hospital at end of study period with only one involuntary termination. Finally, an anecdotal observation of those employed at Johns Hopkins showed no “problematic” terminations were exoffenders. Perhaps this is impetus for employers to look at the skills an applicant brings to the position and to provide that opportunity for a second chance he or she might crave. They just might turn out to be a star employee. %
In the restaurant business, while the type and quality of food served is important, probably nothing is more important than the safety of serving that food. The National Restaurant Association’s ServSafe program can help.
ensure employees and inmates know how to identify and reduce food safety risks.” ServSafe partners with correctional facilities to provide training resources for their staff as well as inmate education. Of the various certifications available, the ServSafe Food Handler and ServSafe Manager programs are most popular for justice-involved individuals and are designed to complement each other to help ease communication and training between different levels of foodservice staff. ServSafe Food Handler training (2-4 hours) is a tool to learn the basics of food safety. “It takes everyone on a team working together to develop a food safety culture,” Carlson says. ServSafe Manager training (8-16 hours) helps individuals in a manger or supervisory role understand all of the food safety risks faced by an operation. The ServSafe Manager 20 CORRECTIONS FORUM • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021
Following Ex-offenders: Employment Study Results The first year or two of reentry into the community is the most critical for justice-involved citizens. Along with housing and health, getting a job is a key piece to fitting their life back together. Says the Out of Work study, “Exclusionary policies and practices—not individual-level failings of criminalized people—are responsible for these labor market inequalities.” NELP urges employers to engage in “fairer and more accurate criminal background checks for employment.” Research from various sources shows that hiring those with prior criminal justice contact can benefit both
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BY DONNA ROGERS, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
STRESS TEST Corrections
programs often address the mental health and stress of incarcerated individuals, providing treatment, behavioral management programs, drug rehab and community based follow up. But treatment for corrections officers, who are exposed to highly stressful events in the course of their routine duties, is all too often overlooked. “The corrections environment can be stressful, adversarial and traumatic,” states Dana Neitlich, VP of Employee Relations, Centurion. She explains a host of unique factors in this field lead to stress. These include “exposure to de-humanizing situations and language; witnessing and responding to fights, emergencies, medical crises, severe injuries or suicides; limited support from peers and supervisors; being threatened or assaulted, and the constant risk of harm in dangerous environments.” Having no control over the volume and type of calls (fights, medical codes, fires, suicides, etc.) is
Amid the pandemic, violence toward staff and other de-humanizing situations, how do we protect our officers? the way Dr. Aashia M. Bade, Psy.D., HSPP, associate director of mental health, Wexford Health Sources, describes it. “Witnessing horrifying things (physical assault, sexual assault, suicides)” is one of the greatest sources of stress for a CO. Moreover, she says, it is particularly stressing after being in the service for a long time, since stress is cumulative. The potential for violence in correctional facilities requires staff to be hyper-vigilant and prepared for the unexpected at all times, says Karen Galin, Ph.D.,
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group vice president of mental health at Wellpath, who collaborated with a group of her colleagues for this discussion. “Crisis situations occur frequently and unexpectedly and it can become very difficult to ‘detach’ after work, leaving many in a state of prolonged stress response, unable to relax, and potentially resorting to unhealthy means of coping.” The stress of working in a dangerous and unpredictable environment can have a cumulative negative emotional impact, she furthers, resulting in some individuals becoming increasingly anxious, withdrawn, and less trusting of others. “Despite the negative emotional effects, many are unwilling to reach out for counseling or professional assistance, believing that one must remain stoic and that requiring assistance shows signs of weakness.” Another significant source of stress for correctional officers is working long hours in environments that are often understaffed, Dr. Galin continues. Overtime may be required, and shifts are often inconsistent, resulting in disruptions to rouCORRECTIONS FORUM • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021 21
tine and sleep schedules. Staffing shortages result in staff being unable to take time off when desired or reluctant to request time off due to the burden this places on their peers. The demands correctional officers face often take a toll on their mental and physical health.
Consequences of Stress
Unfortunately, the stress these first responders face does not occur in a vacuum. “The emotional toll on the correctional officer is of critical consequence to both the individual and the institution,” says Centurion’s Neitlich. Emotional deterioration
OFFICER STRESSRELATED STATISTICS • 33.5% of all assaults in prisons and jails are committed by inmates against staff • COs can be seriously assaulted on average at least twice during a 20-year career • COs have a 39% higher suicide rate than any other job • COs have a higher divorce and substance abuse rate than the general population • COs live on average 18 months after their retirement date • COs have the 2nd highest mortality rate of any occupation, living to only an average of 58 years of age
due to excessive stress can lead to a number of destructive and risky behaviors, she says. These include drug and alcohol abuse and destructive relationships (affairs, involvement with inmates). It may also lead to recurrent images and thoughts, behavioral changes (aggressive and/or avoidance behaviors), inability to let go of work, over-protectiveness of others, harsh judgment, attitude of entitlement, deliberate indifference towards inmates or peers/family, victim blaming; and self-doubt, Neitlich says. A type of trauma faced by corrections staff, is what Dr. Bade terms “vicarious trauma (or secondary trauma or compassion fatigue), the emotional ‘residue’ or state of tension due to exposure to hearing about trauma or witnessing the emotions and pain of trauma survivors.” In addition, she notes, burnout happens over time and is cumulative. Left untreated, vicarious trauma and burnout can result in: • High turnover rates • “Teams” that do not work well
together • Negative attitudes towards management and leadership • Job requirements and routines that are not completed • Breaking or ignoring the rules • Verbal and physical aggression among co-workers and towards offenders • Rigidness/unwillingness to change • Unwillingness to believe positive change is possible • Desensitization and dehumanization As the first responders and most essential staff members in the correctional setting, concurs Wellpath’s Dr. Galin, officers may experience increased levels of posttraumatic stress, anxiety, depression, substance use disorders and suicide. These mental health concerns may lead to increased “call-outs” from work and high rates of turnover, resulting in inadequate staffing levels. Thus, the individuals who work in this setting “are often overworked with few supports available to accommodate much needed time
—Compiled by Dr. Aashia M. Bade, Wexford
The stress of working in a dangerous and unpredictable environment can have a cumulative negative emotional impact, resulting in some individuals becoming increasingly anxious, withdrawn, and less trusting of others. 22 CORRECTIONS FORUM • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021
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off and hard-earned breaks.” Limited opportunity or encouragement is available to COs to engage in self-care and prosocial activities, Galin asserts, which impacts relationships and functioning outside the work setting. “Ultimately, poor job performance, lowered morale and reduced life satisfaction can result. This, inevitably, has a negative impact on the officer and
STRESS PREVENTION STRATEGIES • Increase accessibility of supervisors and adopt Management by Walking Around • Promote teamwork and show appreciation • Promote healthy diet, exercise, mindfulness or other relaxation techniques rather than substance-use to cope with stress • Establish quiet spaces where officers can relax after a stressful experience • Destigmatize asking for help and keep confidentiality of those who request assistance • Encourage supervisors to share their own struggles with stress and mental health • Encourage correctional officers to identify negative effects of the job and think about solutions that would improve quality of life • Encourage correctional officers to nurture and protect significant relationships and to seek balance between demands at work and home • Encourage adoption of meaningful and enjoyable activities outside of work —Compiled by the Wellpath mental health staff
24 CORRECTIONS FORUM • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021
colleagues, the patient population and correctional institutions as a whole.”
Specific Training Programs
Mental health professionals are keenly aware of the hazards of the job that COs face. They believe COs should receive more regular mental health services, but a gap exists in their needs and the services they receive. Some correctional systems do offer peer support programs, and most offer employee assistance programs, or EAP, programs, says Dr. Bade. However, she says: “In my experience, most COs are not offered individual counseling from a mental health professional; in fact, they are most likely to be addressed by a supervisor, typically during a critical incident debrief or when receiving some form of corrective action. “From my observation, one of the primary barriers for seeking help in correctional staff is the stigma of mental health needs. Frequently, any ‘one on one’ conversation with a supervisor is construed as ‘being in trouble.’” “I have seen correctional officers take great pride in being tough warriors, and that demeanor can
lead to avoiding the introspection needed to be able to associate correctional stress as an occupational hazard,” acknowledges Centurion’s Neitlich. And while most agencies do have an EAP, only some offer peer programs. “Correctional managers often misunderstand the need for these support services and training because they fear the staff will hold the agency responsible for the problem. This creates a cycle that is hard to break but also contributes to the problem of correctional stress.” A systemic response through quality supervision and training can create an environment that reduces stress and increases productivity and fulfillment, Neitlich furthers. Skilled correctional staffs are a vital asset and correctional agencies should invest in this valuable resource by providing employees with essential guidance to assist with managing this occupational hazard. In addition, Neitlich suggests agencies can help by teaching life balancing techniques for use at work and at home. These trainings should include teaching about taking responsibility for decisions and behaviors; learning cognitive behavioral associations and strategies; practicing stress relieving techniques such as mediation, mindfulness, yoga, exercise, and healthy eating; learning when to seek professional help and offering supervision and support groups. In one initiative, a group of Wellpath mental health care professionals recently spoke with a senior level correctional officer who has spent 30-plus years in the corrections industry. He indicated that his jurisdiction begins teaching correctional officers at the outset of their careers about their wellness by covering topics such as stress management in their academy training. He added that the most significant ways for officers to receive help is through employee assistance and peer support programs. Wellpath is actively involved
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in correctional officer wellness programs in the state of Maine, joining MDOC in a partnership with McLean Psychiatric Hospital for a campaign designed to address the stigma that can accompany mental illness and addictions. Posters feature individuals with honest and brave stories of their experiences with mental illness or addiction, Dr. Galin explains. Clinical staff supported the campaign at the Maine Correctional Center by celebrating the individuals featured in the posters with resoundingly positive results. At Maine State Prison (MSP), the commissioner and deputy commissioner participated in a podcast, MDOC staff added their own stories to the poster series, and clinical staff from McLean Hospital provided information and conversation in two town-hall style events. In November 2019, representatives from McLean returned to MSP to give peer support to small, unitbased groups of MSP staff. MDOC also offers peer support at each facility, and the Wellpath behavioral health director has a consultative role with that team. Following any major incidents, the Behavioral Health Team provides debriefing and follow-up and works closely with the peer support team. While research on the effectiveness of wellness programs for correctional officers has been undeniably limited, Wellpath mental health staff and interns and the Maine deputy commissioner are currently participating in a research project with researchers from Brown University and Rhode Island College. The goal of the study is to better understand Maine’s correctional workforce culture and identify opportunities to foster wellness throughout the system. While much work still needs to be done, the following are some of the treatment modalities that Wellpath recommends: • Process and work through the impact of highly stressful work events • Trauma-informed care • Treatment for depression and suicidal thoughts and behavior • Substance-use counseling • EAP and peer support programs • Address vicarious trauma. The Office of Violent Crimes has a vicarious trauma tool kit https://ovc.ojp.gov/program/vtt/introduction Likewise, Wexford offers a number of training programs related to wellness for COs via written, audio/visual presentation, role-play, teleconferencing or other formats, details Dr. Bade. “We have developed a specialized behavioral health training curriculum specifically for correctional officers, presenting these sessions with the needs of the adult learner clearly in mind.” Wexford solicits the knowledge and expertise of participating officers during each interactive training session. While they consider the trainer leading the session to be the subject matter expert, Bade VISIT US AT WWW.CORRECTIONSFORUM.NET
details, the didactic and collegial atmosphere of these trainings always brings practical realities to the table. The sessions’ atmosphere of collaborative problem-solving allows participants to leave with “takeaways” that can be applied in the real-world correctional setting. Some of the specific seminars from Wexford include: Leave Your Job at Work—Stress Management; Mental Health Treatment in the Free World; and Compassion Fatigue in Corrections. Corrections officers face a unique set of stressors compared with those in any other field. They and their supervisors must confront a formidable challenge head on and encourage leadership staff to destigmatize treatment. Says Dr. Bade: “I recommend participating in training regarding burnout and vicarious trauma to raise the awareness at all professional levels in each correctional system (from central office administrators to line staff). I also recommend developing peer support groups with mental health clinicians at each facility. Each correctional facility could also benefit from wellness strategies with a reward-based system (e.g., earning points for participating in therapy or support groups). Overall, the goal ought to be to change the professional culture of the correctional facility to destigmatize mental health and normalize, support and celebrate help-seeking behavior.” %
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BY MICHAEL GROHS, CONTRIBUTING EDITOR
Meals on Wheels When you’re short on space or doing a renovation,
these temporary structures can provide urgently
sought-after square footage.
people on HGTV are looking at a house, the kitchen often draws the most scrutiny. It’s the room where people spend a lot of time and one they use every day. More than 2 million inmates do the same thing. Correctional kitchens have moving parts, heat and steam from industrial-sized kettles, use a lot of electricity and water, and undergo use and abuse. They wear out and leave correctional facilities needing a substitute. Sometimes it will be extra storage space, and other times they will need an entire kitchen including all utilities. The ability to make it happen is out
When
26 CORRECTIONS FORUM • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021
there, and what providers offer runs the gamut from extra dry storage to a fully functional dining operation. There are generally three options when choosing a temporary kitchen: mobile, which is on wheels and attaches to a semitruck; modular, which can be temporary or permanent; or containerized, which are, as Matt McConnell, VP of Sales at Georgia-based BMarko Structures points out, actual shipping containers. Says McConnell, shipping containers are versatile structures and can be repurposed for multiple uses. They can be turned into functional kitchens by adding insulation, cutting
doors and windows, and installing equipment such as kitchen appliances and an HVAC system. Shipping container kitchens vary in size, purpose, and layout. A small kitchen may consist of a single container. A large kitchen may consist of multiple containers joined together. Shipping container conversions are flexible. Once an agency decides what they’re going to do in the kitchen and how they are going serve inmates, the vendor will determine the design and cost of the containerized kitchen. (For example, all kitchens need water supply and refrigeration, but not all need fryers or ovens.) Amy Lewis, director of
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Marketing and Business Development at Kitchens to Go (KTG) points out that setting up temporary kitchens can be simple, but it depends on the scope of the project as well as what prep work has been done or needs to be. The location may change, and depending on the security level of the facility, sometimes temporary kitchens are set up outside the walls. In most cases, providers of temporary kitchens try to mimic the kitchen the facility already has and often use the same name brands. Tyler Leatherwood, territory manager at U.S. Mobile Kitchens in Maryland, points out that assembly of their kitchens is essentially the construction equivalent of plug and play. They can bring in kitchen facilities and place them on a moment’s notice. This can include kitchens, dish washing facilities, ‘PLUG AND PLAY’ mobile food prep, and supplemental storage for canned goods. If the correctional facility’s utilities are unavailable, U.S. Mobile Kitchens can also provide generators, supply water tanks, waste water tanks and delivery and removal service for both. This can be helpful if the utilities are specific to one part of the facility but the kitchen will be placed in another. They also provide access ramps and decking to wheel carts and for ADA compliance.
allowed it to be placed in a unique area that, when completed, was completely enclosed and secured. Leatherwood of U.S. Mobile Kitchens notes how the Law Enforcement Detention Center in Winston Salem, N.C., was in need of a large temporary kitchen to serve over 3,200 meals a day due to a renovation in their existing kitchen. To meet this requirement, the company provided three 48-foot mobile kitchen trailers customized with identical equipment that the facility had in their existing kitchen. All of the trailers were interconnected and leveled to meet the dock height. U.S. Mobile Kitchens also coordinated all of the utility connections and permits to make the project a turnkey and seamless operation for the staff at the detention center. Another project, the Youth Detention Center in Philadelphia, required a temLARGE RENOVATION porary kitchen for 400 people per meal for a period of three years. The project, also done by U.S. Mobile Kitchens, included mobile kitchens, mobile prep food trailer, cooler and freezer, and dishwashing units. The project took two weeks to construct. Special considerations included the facilities being 100% electric with back-up electrical generation, and due to safety requirements, no gas could be used. The firm’s other
A facility may need an interim kitchen for a variety of reasons including short-term for a floor or pipe repair, long-term for an entire renovation, additional cooking power needed for special events, an influx of inmates that need to be fed, or helping with a disaster response or recovery situation. Lewis points out that after Hurricane Katrina, more than 1,000 inmates were displaced, and the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office needed an interim kitchen during the construction of a permanent facility. Kitchens To Go brought in a complex that included cook, wash, and prep modules. The layout was designed with open space among the modules that allowed for visual communication and supervision. The complex also included a walk-in freezer, walk-in DISASTER DISPLACEMENT c o o l e r , storage, loading dock, and an in-house laundry facility. The project was funded by FEMA and needed to remain portable because the contract required KTG to remove the kitchen within 72 hours of a potential hurricane landfall. Another project, the John E. Polk Correctional Facility in Fla., needed to renovate their kitchen, which was located in the basement. Because of security restrictions, phasing the work was not an option. Kitchen To Go’s temporary complex included cook, wash, and prep modules along with a cooler, freezer, dry storage, and a bathroom. The design VISIT US AT WWW.CORRECTIONSFORUM.NET
CORRECTIONS FORUM • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021 27
projects have included trailerstyle kitchens for Lee Arrendale State Prison in Alto, Ga. (a 1,476bed facility), Dekalb County Jail in Decatur, Ga. ( a 3,800-bed facility), and El Paso County Jail in Colorado Springs, Colo. (a 1,450bed facility). Says Leatherwood, “Capacity is never an issue.” Naturally, needs vary facility to facility. Leatherwood notes that the highest demand for them is for 48-foot and 53-foot trailers. Says Lewis, “If the project is a planned renovation, clients are still looking for our typical solutions—mobile, modular, and containerized kitchens and ancillary support facilities. Since Covid, she notes, we have been discussing the use of food trucks and wheeled units to provide on-thego dining, containers to create
pop-up locations to de-densify the population at meal time, modular units to create commissaries or expanded dining spaces, and the combination of KTG with our strategic partner Sprung to create large facilities to assist with physical distancing.” Keith Futerman, director of Sales at Stewart's Mobile Concepts, Ltd. in Huntington Station, N.Y., has worked with facilities across the spectrum: men’s and women’s, youth detention centers, and minimum, medium, and maximum security. He points out the variety of needs that can be met include hot production (fryers, steamers, and hoods) or cold preparat i o n
trailers (sandwiches and salads), from single mobile kitchens to a turnkey dining facility with addon support such as laundry, showers, generated power, bathroom trailers and even housing. There is also duration: is it going to be a month or two years? A primary consideration is the amount of meals to serve and whether they will be scaling back or continuing to operate as usual. Large facilities use institutional level kettles and ovens. They have kitchens that can feed a dozen to thousands, which requires sturdy appliances. He points out that Stewart's Mobile Concepts uses all commercial-grade kitchens with
Side by side 53-foot trailers from U.S. Mobile Kitchens.
U.S. Mobile Kitchens says 48- and 53-foot trailers are the most requested. 28 CORRECTIONS FORUM • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021
stainless steel and hot water heaters that can run on electricity or be converted to natural gas. Lewis points out other considerations include a site location for the temporary facilities, access to utilities, determining the number of meals to be served, equipment needed in facilities, climate, and need for tempered make up air fans and winterization. “The KTG team will work with the client to identify the best site location for both operational flow and the utilities needed for the kitchen. The facility will need to determine what cooking, prep space and dishwash equipment will be needed which may include changes to their menu or serving on disposable goods. Additional cold or dry storage is VISIT US AT WWW.CORRECTIONSFORUM.NET
Kitchen trailer options from Stewart's Mobile Concepts include hot production (fryers, steamers, and hoods) or cold preparation trailers (sandwiches and salads) and single mobile kitchens to turnkey dining facilities with add-on support.
often needed to support the interim kitchen.” Set-up time depends on the scale of the project and the solution chosen. Says Lewis, a single wheeled unit might take a few days, and a large complex might take several weeks or more. “KTG offers a variety of solutions, and the set-up time will be driven by the solution and the site. Our set-up times can be as little as a day or two or as long as a few months.” Leatherwood points out that if scheduling is done tightly using licensed contractors and simple exterior connections with any complicated electric and plumbing already done inside the facility, set ups can be done in a couple of days. Naturally security is a concern. Lewis notes that if inmates will be part of the food service staff,
THE ISSUE OF SECURITY they can provide a correctional
For security’s sake, Stewart’s notes that employees at the detention facilities inspect underneath the unit before they are decommissioned to make certain no one is taking a ride out.
equipment package for additional security. She furthers, “Our open span modules allow for visual and verbal communication for supervision of the food service team.” Leatherwood explains that the kitchens they provide are made to be escape proof. The facility, he says, will construct corridors that connect the unit, and U.S. Mobile Kitchens will secure the secondary exits. Futerman points out employees on the site may undergo background checks to ensure they do not have a record. Employees are also instructed to keep all tools on them at all times and not leave as much as a washer
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lying around. They also offer prison-proof units that were designed with details in mind such as kitchen knobs and other weaponizable considerations. It depends on the facility, but the vendor may have contact with inmates, and in some cases they may even help with construction (as a reward for good behavior, mechanical knowledge, etc.). Usually there is a C.O. present at all times. Employees at the facilities also search the unit and some have a pit, such as those in a Jiffy Lube, which they use to inspect underneath the unit and make sure no one is taking a ride out of the facility. Says Futerman, “I’ve never felt threatened.” % CORRECTIONS FORUM • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021 29
BY BILL SCHIFFNER, CONTRIBUTING EDITOR
CORRECTIONS TRADE SHOWS GOING THE HYBRID ROUTE In 2020
most in-person events and trade shows were either cancelled or went virtual or hybrid due to the significant shift forced by the COVID-19 pandemic. With both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines beginning to be available to the general public, things could change when it comes to social gatherings as we move through 2021. But for now, virtual/hybrid trade show events seem to be the new normal. A recent survey conducted by The Harris Poll found more than half (54%) of Americans who now work from home due to the pandemic said they are still not comfortable going to large, inperson work-related conferences or events. Many organizations are also reporting that even when virtual events become physical again, they still will require a hybrid type approach so attendees have options to remain safe and comfortable. This means some aspects of the show, whether exhibitor booths, keynote speeches or networking gatherings, will remain virtual for greater access and reach. The American Correctional Association shifted in this direction when it switched its 2021 30 CORRECTIONS FORUM • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021
Winter Conference (February 3-6) to a hybrid show and moved the location to the Hyatt Regency in Orlando, Fla. Onsite activities at this year’s event included the Board of Governors meeting, Delegate Assembly, General Session, Plenaries, Accreditation Panels, as well as some specialized events. Virtual-only activities included the workshops, the exhibit hall and simulcast of the Orlando sessions. The ACA said that all sessions are available on demand for 30 days after the conference for attendees to view. The exhibit hall was set to be open for the duration of the conference and there was a live chat screen that was available where virtual attendees had the ability to have one-on-one video conferences with suppliers. Here are some of the products that were on display at the show.
Safe Game Pieces Bob Barker received such high marks for its flexible dominoes, chess and checkers that they have added a multi-game pack to its silicone line. These new pieces (6 pawns, 6 dice, 100 two-sided tiles and 4 tile holders) can be used to play games such as Monopoly and Scrabble. Pliable material reduces possibility of weaponiz-
The ACA Winter Conference and upcoming AJA Show offer a mix of virtual and live events.
ing. The pieces are unable to be melted and molded into various shapes, lightweight and safer than heavier pieces and are quiet when slammed or dropped. 1.800.334.9880, bobbarker.com
Television Services Buford Satellite Systems is a leader in delivering television services to local, state and federal correctional facilities for 17-plus years. As a satellite television service provider, they offer over 100 channels for selection including local programming. Equipment, programming and service are included in one low monthly price. Dish and C-Band platforms are available to meet institutional needs. A dedicated in-house channel is included for the facility’s private use. Character generators are also available for creating institutional television messaging systems. 1.866.480.1844, www.bufordsatellitesystems.com
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Jail Management System SallyPort is a full-featured, browser-based jail management system, provides increased efficiency and security for inmate records management through its many intrinsic features. SallyPort allows an agency to streamline its operations with My Queues and workflow, inmate screening and
correctional systems, it reports. 1.800.416.3649, www.centurionmanagedcare.com
New Tablet Platform Securus Technologies and JPay have reimagined the possibilities and brought together the best features of their two tablet platforms to create the Securus Unity Platform. Experience the most
ument wellbeing checks, inmate activities, handouts, meal and medication distribution and more. Instant alerts are sent directly to the control room and staff for incomplete or missed tasks. The Guard1 platform continues to grow and expand, with new features, products, and integrations. Guard1’s software can serve any sized agency—from one bed to more than 10,000. 1.800.THE.PIPE, www.guard1.com
Stacking Tray
classification, intra-agency messaging, and Electronic Shift Log, which replaces paper logs. Other features include digital mug shot image capture, inmate time computation, inmate property inventory and transactions, standard and ad-hoc reporting capabilities, medical module, expansive audit capabilities, threat group assessment and more. 1.205.949.9900, www.blackcreek.com
Managed Care Centurion Health is a leading provider of health care services to state correctional agencies and serves seven state correctional systems (Delaware, Arizona,
Jones Zylon showcased a new five-compartment self-stacking tray (no lids needed) that seals off each compartment. The trays are paired with small, medium or large heavy-duty correctionsgrade carts with long-lasting cast-
comprehensive and customizable tablet software delivered on its JP6S, the most advanced tablet in corrections. It reports it offers the most complimentary betterment programs, delivers the largest library of entertainment including movies, games and music and is customized to meet agency needs. Sales@SecurusTechnologies.com, SecurusUnity.com
ers that fit a surprisingly large number of trays. There is an option to add a heat box right away or provide one later to convert to a heated cart if experiencing temperature issues. 1.800.848.8160, www.joneszylon.com/ServeSmart/
Inmate Tracker Guard1 Electronic RFID Inmate Tracking makes it easier and simpler for correctional facilities to reach 100% compliance by automating and organizing officer tasks. With Guard1, it is said to be simple to electronically docKansas, Florida, Minnesota, New Hampshire, and Tennessee). Founded by two of the oldest and most respected companies in correctional health care and managed Medicaid—MHM Services, Inc. and Centene Corporation— Centurion brings a level of innovative care coordination services never before available to large VISIT US AT WWW.CORRECTIONSFORUM.NET
AJA Annual Conference & Jail Expo The American Jail Association’s 40th Annual Conference & Jail Expo is another event that will be hybrid in 2021. It is set to be held April 10-14 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center. “AJA’s Annual Conference will be held in Columbus, Ohio, as planned, assuming the COVID pandemic numbers have subCORRECTIONS FORUM • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021 31
sided,” says Joel Huffer, director of communications. “During the conference, AJA will follow all CDC guidelines and public health and executive orders issued by the governor and the Ohio Department of Health. “All conference workshops in Columbus will be recorded and provided to in-person and virtual attendees, and additional prerecorded workshops will be available online as well. This solution will give attendees access to more conference content than ever, and it will remain available online for at least 30 days following the conference,” Huffer reports. “AJA had the benefit of observing several other virtual conferences prior to selecting an online platform, and the virtual component of our conference will exceed the expectations of exhibitors and attendees alike,” he says. “Registration and housing are now open online, and I encourage attendees to register now to take advantage of early bird rates.” Products slated to be on the show floor include the following.
Innovative Solutions Keefe Group is the nation’s leading provider of products, services and technology to the corrections industry. Since its inception, the company has focused on providing innovative solutions and exceptional service to this unique market. The company offers complete, full-service solutions to help corrections agencies improve their operations, efficiencies and security. 314.963.8700, www.keefegroup.com
Streamline and Connect Tyler Corrections is a comprehensive jail management software that automates business processes and drives efficiencies at intake, release, and everything in between. Tyler Corrections is said to eliminate redundancies, reduce errors and costs, and 32 CORRECTIONS FORUM • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021
ensure a safer, more efficient jail operation for jail facilities of all sizes. Seamless integration and secure data sharing provide courts, public safety, and supervision partners access to critical inmate information, creating a chain of efficiencies, including automatically flowing information from one agency to the next. 1.800.431.5776, cjsales@tylertech.com, www.tylertech.com/products/ tyler-corrections
CorreTrak, its latest product offering, is a powerful, mobile application suite designed to meet the unique data collection and reporting needs of corrections agencies. CorreTrak provides inmate tracking, security tours, cell checks, inmate deliveries and more—all using handheld Wi-Fienabled iOS devices. 856.988.1545, www.dynamicimaging.com
Corrections Policies and Training
GUARDIAN RFID is a technology company whose mission is to build and deploy systems of engagement and insight to protect America’s Thin Gray Line. The company’s inmate tracking technology is backed by innovation, onboarding and JailOps support. It has real-time defensible data for activity and observation logging, cell checks, movement tracking, headcounts, med passes, meals, recreation, supplies, keep separates, cell conditions and more. 612.367.6926, www.guardianrfid.com
The Lexipol CorrectionsOne Suite is noted to be the nation’s leading source of mission-critical training and state-specific policy solutions for correctional facilities and probation departments. Delivered via an online platform and mobile policy app, its content cost-effectively addresses legislative changes and evolving best practices, allowing corrections/probation personnel to focus on serving their communities. With principal offices in Dallas and Irvine, Calif., Lexipol services public safety professionals in 7,000 agencies across the United States. 469.731.0818, www.lexipol.com
Managing Correctional Health Costs
Laundry Loop with Sock Snare
Tracking Technology
Since 1992, Wexford Health has offered economic, clinically sound programs to manage correctional
health care costs while maintaining quality of care. Contact them to learn how Wexford Health’s comprehensive clinical expertise, state-of-the-art technological solutions, and innovative strategies can help improve your facility’s bottom line. 1.888.MED-MGMT (1.888-633.6468), www.wexfordhealth.com
Mobile Solutions Dynamic Imaging Systems, Inc. is nationally recognized for providing advanced integrated mug shot and biometric solutions to the corrections industry.
Laundry Loops allow clothes to get thoroughly clean and cut drying time, energy consumption and utility costs in half. The company’s patented Sock Snare is said to be the only efficient means
available to secure multiple socks of varied thicknesses throughout the laundry process. The company also will showcase Laundry Loop PLUS, which is 5-inches longer than the original Loop, with Double Sock Snares to accommodate correctional laundry schedules. 1.888.246.5667, www.laundryloops.com
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COMPLETE EYEGLASSES
$14.95
RX Eyeglasses On-Site Optometry On-Site Ophthalmology Testing
1000 Facilities Nationwide 44 States - Federal in all 50 States Correctional Vision Care Since 1983
New Tie-Top Laundry Bag Tie-Top Laundry Bag allows for ample laundry capacity while eliminating the need for closure components that can break or go missing. It comes in three convenient sizes to fit an individual change of clothes all the way up to blankets and bedspreads.
1-800-334-9880 www.bobbarker.com
Institutional Eye Care LLC website: institutionaleyecare.com email: info@ institutionaleyecare.com
New TPU Pillow
The sealed seams on the pillow combined with the strength and durability of its TPU fabric help prevent moisture or bedbugs from entering the pillow. The seams are also very difficult to pick apart, and the TPU fabric naturally resists cracking, meaning these pillows are built to last. 1-800-334-9880 www.bobbarker.com
AD INDEX Page No.
Black Creek Integrated Systems Corp. ...............4,11 Bob Barker............................35 Centurion ...............................2 Damascus ...............................9 Institutional Eye Care...........34 Jones-Zylon Co. ....................17 Keefe Group .........................36 Keytrak, Inc. ...........................7 Medi-Dose Company ..................4,23,25 STV Architects, Inc ...............27 TBN 2nd Chance ....................6 TrinityServices Group, Inc....13 Union Supply Group ............19 Vistar Corporate...................15 Western Union .....................33 Wexford Health Sources ........5 This advertisers index is provided as a service to our readers only. The publisher does not assume liability for errors or omissions.
34 CORRECTIONS FORUM • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021
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