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This article offers examples of strategies that administrators and other decision-makers can implement to make lasting improvements on correctional and other public safety systems.During a recent webinar where I was a guest panelist discussing the implementation of a comprehensive staff wellness program for a large state correctional system, a seemingly simple phrase emerged from my reflections: "All roads go back to staff wellness." At the time, I did not fully appreciate its depth, but feedback from colleagues highlighted its profound implications. This phrase, though unadorned and lacking immediate impact, encapsulates a crucial insight into the operational success of correctional systems. Understanding its significance requires an exploration of the context in which it was spoken and the broader systemic changes it advocates.In the webinar, my focus was on how staff wellness in corrections is often treated as an afterthought—an “elective” rather than a fundamental priority, perhaps following adverse events, litigation, or public embarrassment. Historically, staff wellness initiatives are considered only if there is [...]

Printed with permission. I was 21 when I got into Corrections. I started with the Division of Juvenile Justice. I quickly learned to “fit in.” The prison was like nothing I had ever seen. I learned how to act from my senior staff. I quickly became the alpha male. I quickly immersed myself into the job. I joined the Tactical Team after only 6 months, and I received Officer of the Year my second year on the job. I was “getting it,” and I was really good at what I did. After “mastering” the Juvenile field, my institution closed. I was transferred to an adult institution. This institution was known for violence. The night before I went to my new prison I cried, because in my mind I was going to die in prison. Thankfully I was wrong, and again I slowly became really good at what I was doing. I promoted to Correctional Sergeant, and quickly got a position on third watch on a Level IV 180 design [...]

Desert Waters recently conducted two webinars reflecting on the construction of correctional staff wellness programs. They are entitled “Reflections on the Construction of Successful Wellness Programs” and “More Reflections on the Construction of Successful Wellness Programs.” The webinars featured two individuals who built from scratch a still existing program in a large state correctional agency, Mr. Bob Bowen and Ms. Stephanie Rawlings. Both webinar sessions are full of useful suggestions for those responsible for a correctional staff wellness program. During the second webinar, Ms. Rawlings commented on what she had learned as their program grew. She admitted that she had started with a belief that their program was mainly a suicide prevention initiative. And while that was powerful and essential, she soon came to realize that, “When I think about every correctional issue that has been at the forefront of the industry for the last decade, there can be a case that is made that all roads go back to wellness.” In other words, [...]

It’s a beautiful Colorado summer day, and I’m standing on a golf course with a former correctional colleague. Gary retired a few years earlier, and I still have a few years to go before retiring. During our conversation, Gary says, “Retire as soon as you qualify. You don’t know the stress you’re under, until after you leave.” I never forgot these words, and when it was time, I left corrections. As far as I’m concerned, truer words were never spoken. Thank you, Gary.Retirement from any job is a big step in a person’s life, and the pending changes are probably overwhelming for most. Even the most well-planned retirement is going to offer some challenges. However, retiring from corrections work and maybe law enforcement in general, is unique in many ways.I’m sure no two retirements play out the same, but those of us who retire from corrections and law enforcement will likely face similar challenges. In spite of our diversity, we [...]

I retired from our department a little over a year ago. I was very fortunate to be able to retire when I wanted to, and did not have to retire because of health or other reasons. I had prepared myself as best that I could through reading/studying several books and speaking to people who had retired before me. I can honestly say that even though I thought that I was ready, I was still in for a bit of a surprise. Kind of like having children, I guess. During our time in our departments, we expend a lot of emotional and physical capital trying to do our jobs well. We have standards to keep and a gazillion policies, procedures, and post orders to know. And we have performance goals to meet. Then one day we wake up, and we no longer have to keep those in mind. Yeah!!! I discovered through my reading that to make retirement productive I [...]

“I’m fine.” Are you fine? Am I fine? I realized that after a decade of hearing that answer from you, I started giving the same one. I was not fine and neither were you, but I had to be. I was taking care of you, was taking care of our daughter, of our home, working full time, doing everything and anything to stay afloat, but who was taking care of me? Does anyone care how I’m doing? Do you even see me anymore? Does anyone realize how hard it is for us? We are the ones that may not work in corrections, but that were being held captive by the job. We are the family members of corrections staff. I watched you, an officer for 18 years, slowly become a person that was unrecognizable to me physically, emotionally, and mentally. You put the job before me, our family, and the life we were supposed to be building together. I [...]

One of the first things I learned in the academy was to “leave it at the door.” That was almost 19 years ago, and I never realized the damage five words could do. When I began telling people that I was going into corrections, I heard a lot of negative comments. A few rubbed me the wrong because they basically assumed I couldn’t do the job. I used the negativity and just tried to do my best. Once out of the academy, I became a master of leaving everything at the door. Whatever happened that day, good, bad or indifferent, I left it at the door. I had no clue the damage I was doing to my own mental health. I slowly was becoming a different person. I didn’t see it, and I never allowed anyone close enough to tell me otherwise. I had a string of bad relationships that I would simply end when the other person got [...]

I attended Desert Waters’ instructor course for CF2F in 2014.The following spring, we taught everyone in our division the materials we learned. It was a very positive experience with tons of very positive feedback. The follow up was easier said than done. I have committed myself to maintaining my mission of taking care of my team with the focus on their wellness. During that process, I have had some rough times of my own, and my own mental health and outlook declined. I went through a divorce; I didn’t get chosen for promotion; I bumped heads with my supervisor severely; and I had a string of critical incidents in a very short period of time. When things with my supervisor began causing me to have disturbing dreams, I sought therapy. This helped me quite a bit to reframe my way of thinking about things. Shortly after “graduating from therapy,” I had an inmate “die on me. ” I was doing CPR when “it was called.” I didn’t [...]

When you experience what to you is a verbal attack on your person, instead of verbally attacking that person back, consider the following alternative options, with your goal being the de-escalation of the situation. Such an approach will help protect your well-being and your resilience by preventing or lessening the inevitable wear-and-tear physically and emotionally that result from angry outbursts and a hostile stance. This is an example of using what are often called “soft skills”—but that are in reality skills of steel, because they can help us regain control of situations and prevail, while also preserving our health and perhaps our relationships. Step back mentally and try to assess if you were truly attacked, or if you are being overly sensitive and taking the other person’s behavior personally more than warranted. Step back mentally and try to assess if you were truly attacked, or if you are being overly sensitive and taking the other person’s behavior personally more [...]

A lieutenant who is respectful and available to listen and answer questions from staff. A captain who helps subordinates secure training that enhances their skill sets. A correctional officer who acts in ways that are fair, firm and consistent with both incarcerated persons and coworkers, and who informally mentors new officers, answering questions and offering encouragement. A warden who takes well-thought out steps to shape the facility’s culture for the benefit of both employees and those incarcerated.1 A retired director who volunteers to set up and run a program that improves the character development of both staff and the incarcerated. These are examples of servant leadership. And because much is being discussed today about improving employee retention rates in criminal justice professions, I would humbly like to offer the suggestion that servant leadership is one style of leadership that could be almost guaranteed to help increase employee retention. In correctional environments, servant leaders would first and foremost be known [...]