This article was printed several years ago in the Correctional Oasis, and we are reprinting it, as it is still relevant.

Much is written about leadership in corrections. Here is input from seasoned corrections officers, as to what they need from their supervisors. Many thanks to all of you who contributed your thoughts and suggestions!

Correctional Officer #1 My best supervisor:

  1. Pointed out our strengths.
  2. Used our strengths.
  3. Rewarded our strengths.
  4. Trained us regarding our weaknesses.
  5. Was a good listener.
  6. Allowed us to vent and voice our opinion.

Correctional Officer #2

  1. Remember that you were once a CO.
  2. When COs work overtime they are giving up their free/family time. So, they should be taken care of as far as duty assignment before your normal shift officers.
  3. Work some CO overtime, so that COs can have a little break from all the OT.
  4. Lead by example.
  5. Insure that COs have the tools they need to do their job to the best of their ability.
  6. Check on your officers’ well-being, not only their performance.
  7. Remember that just because you are a Sergeant does not mean that you know everything. There is nothing wrong with asking a CO a question.
  8. Never embarrass an officer in front of another officer.

Correctional Officer #3

  1. One of the most respected supervisors I’ve had was an old Army guy who would come into the mod and ask me, “What can I do to help you do your job better?” He said that is the Army way of doing things and it always made the troops feel supported. He truly wanted us to have what we needed to do our jobs.
  2. PLEASE respond to your COs’ emails, phone calls, questions, comments, etc. I will take a “No can do” over no response at all.
  3. Don’t ask your COs to do things you wouldn’t do, such as to listen to someone continually threaten them or constantly bang on windows.
  4. It is so easy for supervisors to become lazy. PLEASE do not become lazy. Your COs can’t afford to be or they may be risking their life or someone else’s.

Correctional Officer #4

  1. You need to come to the new position with a clean slate for everyone. As we progress through our career we have many preconceived notions about our fellow officers. These are formed by our association with them as co-workers. One must forget all this and start anew.
  2. Lay down your expectations to all the people you supervise, and stay as consistent as possible about your expectations with everyone.
  3. LEAD, LEAD, LEAD! Be prepared to step up and make decisions!!!
  4. Not only do you need to know your job, you need to know mine. The days of saying that you have done my job are gone. You will need to stay abreast of the constantly changing workplace, not only of your job but of those under you as well.
  5. Never take the word of an inmate over that of your officers, unless there is other substantiated evidence that your subordinates are lying to you.
  6. Never blanket punish your subordinates. Step up and single out your problems. It’s part of being a responsible supervisor, no matter who the offending person is.
  7. Be prepared to face YOUR superiors with the issues brought to you by subordinates. Don’t hide issues to make your shift look good.
  8. Be personable, approachable, intelligent, and likable.
  9. If all else fails, kick ass and take names!!