Real-Life Communication
Sometimes, communication is a matter of life or death for correctional
officers.
Correctional officers must be excellent communicators. The
tight confines of correctional facilities can quickly generate tense moments
that may threaten the security and well-being of everybody there.
This
means that correctional officers must be able to communicate their points,
and if necessary their authority, quickly and effectively in a way that does
not make matters worse.
Cheryl Rowley is a correctional officer. She
also trains new correctional officers. She says communication skills are extremely
important in her line of work.
"We spend the majority of our time on
communication and conflict resolution," says Rowley.
You're the officer
in charge of a prison facility where inmates have been rioting for several
days. After handling media inquiries one by one during the early days of the
situation, you decide to hold a news conference. Your audience isn't only
the public, but also the family members of prisoners and guards. Even the
prisoners may want to hear what you have to say!
You have to make sure
you give straightforward answers, no matter how angry you get or how much
you want to say what you feel. Here's a quick briefing:
- The riot began at 10:30 p.m. on Wednesday night
- About 200 prisoners were watching Citizen Kane when several inmates planned
to use the confusion at the movie's end to attempt an escape
- You believe three prisoners are leading the riot, which involves about
60 of the prison's 1,500 inmates
- Two guards were grabbed as hostages and are still being held now (Saturday
morning)
- As far as you know, the guards (William Morris, 35, a 10-year veteran;
Jill August, 29, with the jail for four years) are unharmed
- The prisoners want six key violent felons freed, and improved conditions
at the jail
- Local politicians have joined the negotiations
- Two guards were taken to the hospital but have since been released
- Several prisoners are likely hurt but have not come forward for medical
help
Ready for some questions? Try to keep your answers short and to the
point -- that helps prevent saying things you'll regret later!
Questions:
- Are any guards hurt?
- How many prisoners are involved in the riot?
- What caused the riot?
- What are their demands?
- Will you give in to their demands?
- Who are the hostages?
- What message do you have for the prisoners and their families?