BJOC 2.4 - Supervision of Inmates

Terminal Performance Objective (TPO):

BJOC 2.4 - Supervision of Inmates

Enabling Objectives (EO’s):

As a result of this instruction, the student will be able to:

2.4.1        Identify the relationship of good supervision practices to an orderly, safe and controlled environment and distinguish between supervision and control.

2.4.2        Identify procedures and techniques of inmate supervision in various situations.

2.4.3        Identify inmate behavior patterns and the appropriate officer response to:

a.       inmate with personal problems

b.      inmate who is violent and may hurt self or others.

2.4.4        Identify supervisor requirements for inmates using dangerous or hazardous items.

2.4.5        Identify effective techniques to settle disputes, perceive stress and assist in reduction of tension and unrest among inmates.

2.4.6        Identify methods used by inmates to divert an officer’s attention

2.4.7        Identify supervisory techniques used to deal with inmate cultural and ethnic behavioral patterns.

2.4.8        Identify two methods for evaluating an inmate’s working capabilities based on the inmate’s physical and mental ability.

2.4.9        Identify the purpose and importance of good officer/inmate communications.

2.4.10    Identify areas of sanitation that require a jail officer’s supervision to include:

a.       hygienic items

b.      laundry

c.       food service

d.      housekeeping supplies.

2.4.11    Identify critical points in the transition to jail life which may contribute to an emotional or violent reaction by the inmate.

2.4.12    Identify the factors that contribute to the climate of the jail.

2.4.13    Identify interpersonal skills that a jail officer can utilize to effectively supervise inmates.

2.4.14    Identify the benefits of ethical, and the consequences of unethical, decision making and behavior as related to supervision of inmates.

  Observing and reporting inmate behavior, and the procedures that are involved.

Supervision is the continuous observation of inmate behavior. 

Control is the enforcement of established rules, procedures, and acceptable way of behaving; intervention in situations where behavior is disruptive or otherwise unwanted.

If a jail is safe for staff, inmates and visitors, what does that tell you about the jail? 

Develop and enforce policies, procedures, and rules.

1) Communication; 2) Understanding,  Honesty, and Fairness;  3) Consistency;   4) Knowledge; and 5) Organization.

Communication accomplishes the following: ensures that everyone knows what is expected or required for maintaining an orderly, safe environment; prevents confusion in case of emergency; avoids misunderstanding between jail officers and managers; helps officers feel comfortable and confident in carrying out their assigned tasks.

Develop an ability to be free from prejudices and officers must develop their own effective style for relating and communicating with inmates from a wide array of cultural backgrounds. 

 1) Sanitation – Contributes to poor morale among inmates and unhealthy conditions;

2) Daily schedules – A daily schedule helps inmates cope with incarceration;

3) Laundry - Clothing and linen exchange improves personal hygiene and inmate morale; and

4) Cleanliness - Cleanliness has a direct impact on jail climate.  Poor inmate personal hygiene can cause conflict among inmates.

 Yes, of course.  In order to motivate inmates to help sustain a positive jail climate, staff must communicate jail standards to inmates and be consistent – give praise when it is appropriate.  In order to motivate inmates to help sustain a positive jail climate, staff must communicate jail standards to inmates and be consistent – give praise when it is appropriate.

Only jail members are qualified to supervise inmate activities.  Inmates should NOT be allowed to exercise control or authority over other inmates.  Allowing inmates to supervise other inmates is both dangerous and illegal.

Aggressive behavior is an effort to establish or re-establish control over a situation perceived as a threat to some important aspect of life.

1) Verbal abuse;

2) Threats;

3) Harassment;  and

4) Physical contact.

 Inmate rules help inmates understand what is expected of them, ease the tension of adjusting to the jail environment by reducing uncertainty, and help promote the supervision and control of inmates by the jail staff. In particular, rules are relevant to discipline because the rules provide advance notice of what behavior is acceptable.

1) Unexpected consequences for the inmates, such as solitary confinement or other punishment; 

2)  Creating misunderstandings and tension between officers and inmates;

3)  Disruptions, grievances, and law suits based on violation of prisoners’ rights.

  Meals are a visible indicator of whether or not jail personnel are concerned with the welfare of inmates.

Strong ethical behavior will ensure your success and keep you from becoming an inmate yourself.