(Author’s note: These and other corrections truisms can be found in “Wake up and Smell the Contraband” 2nd edition by LRP Press.)
Just like job philosophies, with truisms you do not have to agree whole-heartedly with every aspect. Where those with diametrically opposed viewpoints debate, they can often nod comfortably on individual points of wisdom. Corrections truisms transcend vocational philosophies. When at the vocational buffet of advice, you have choices. Read more…
joebouchard Assessing the organization, Staff relations, Training
(Author’s note: These and other corrections truisms can be found in “Wake up and Smell the Contraband” 2nd edition by LRP Press.)
Corrections truisms are the voices of experience from our vocational past. They are part of our living culture. Information gained from many hard fought battles is encoded in each verbal knowledge nugget. As we repeat these to newer colleagues, we are transmitting part of our profession. What tumbles from our mouths today may serve as a cornerstone of corrections philosophy in the future. Read more…
joebouchard Assessing the organization, Self Scrutiny, Staff relations, Training
Crop-circling – Of course, there are many documented crop circle events that were nothing more than hoaxes achieved by bona fide human pranksters. I am sure that with each tongue in cheek exercise, the aftermath is always interesting to watch. Certainly, there are many laughs from the perpetrators as they see frantic interviewees declare that an invasion in nigh. Read more…
joebouchard Self Scrutiny, Staff relations
Whether it be a long climb or an outstanding view from on high, what you see is a matter of where you are. Perception is a matter of perspective.
For example, those who consider themselves as realists are often branded as cynics by optimists. Avowed pessimists will label those self-reported realists as too hopeful. Despite the many perspectives, it is agreed that every worksite has a skeptic, one who doubts almost anything unless presented with compelling proof. Read more…
joebouchard Assessing the organization, Self Scrutiny, Staff relations
The corrections work world has enough pitfalls and hazards without our adding to it. However, that sentiment does not simply eliminate division in the ranks. No matter our good intentions, circumstances and a mix of personalities will always produce staff discord.
Unfortunately, we do not always see the signs. Read more…
joebouchard Assessing the organization, Self Scrutiny, Staff relations
One morning as I entered the secure perimeter of our facility, I smelled the unmistakable odor of a skunk. Its pungent melodiousness cut through the normal facility smells. I offer the word “Pew!” for those who seek a more direct description.
Word was that there was once a skunk roaming between our security fences. Staff and prisoners alike were wary of our guest, fearful that they would be the target of some potent unpleasantly. Read more…
joebouchard Assessing the organization, Staff relations
There are some staff dynamics that look uncomfortable to the untrained eye. However, many seemingly contentious exchanges are really the expressions of respect. In other words, this is an instance of professional blazing meant in the best of ways.
One of my favorite out-of-state colleagues recently attended a presentation that I conducted about effective icebreakers and group activities. There were two good dynamics in this for me. First, this colleague is an accomplished trainer and would certainly offer good, constructive suggestions to me at the conclusion. Second, the person in question is my all-time favorite sparring partner. She is an incomparably adept blazer, playful and unyielding. Read more…
joebouchard Security, Self Scrutiny, Staff relations, Training
No one really thinks about a bench when it is not used. Its utility is not usually heeded until it is needed. Perhaps prison programming staff are like a bench.
At times, programming staff suffer professional identity crises. On one hand, these people have been hired to perform specialties. (Librarians, Teachers, Athletic Directors, Chaplains, etc.) On the other hand, they work in a non-traditional professional framework, the paramilitary structure. This is a setting where security supersedes service. Therefore, the programs staff often feel vocationally unimportant in the institutional scheme of things.
This has a potentially detrimental, yet overlooked impact on the facility’s operations. It leads to increased staff divisiveness, lower productivity, absenteeism, and a rapid turn over of staff that are difficult to recruit. Prisoners can capitalize on such weaknesses and compromise the security of any institution.
But, it is up to the non-custody staff to assail professional ambiguity. Read more…
joebouchard Assessing the organization, Security, Staff relations
The cat’s fur stood on end to make it appear larger and fiercer…
The little dog barked loudly, from the safe side of the fence…
The man sucked in his stomach as the woman on the beach walked by…
These are three common behaviors in nature. We cannot suppose that animals who try to appear formidable or fit do so for any other reason than to ward off predators. Even the beach enthusiast in the example has an instinctual reason to promote a not entirely true image of physical fitness.
But there are times that people perform in order to project a truth. Some of those times, the performer is only convincing herself or himself of that image. That is an instance of self-delusion or image ruse. Read more…
joebouchard Guest Author, Self Scrutiny, Staff relations
Some of us are, for a lack of a better term, rocks. We have the confidence to stay in the middle of the stream, facing the steady flow of water in an unwavering manner. True, pressures of the flow erode confidence for many. But, resolute strength keeps the confident in the game. 
Read more…
joebouchard Assessing the organization, Self Scrutiny, Staff relations
