At Michigan's Deerfield Correctional Facility, there's a face that everyone knows – and that's the face of Eric Jones.

“Eric doesn't just talk the talk,” says Deerfield's Warden Carmen D. Palmer. “He walks the walk. He represents one of our finest in Michigan. He is corrections through and through. When you need something done, all you have to do is talk to him. He takes care of business.”

Even though Jones is known for his dedication, he continues to go above and beyond what is expected of him. He frequently takes on extra shifts to cover vacancies and trains new corrections officers at two different facilities, and he volunteers throughout his community.

As a result, Jones was recently named Michigan's Corrections Officer of the Year.

“In order to be nominated for Officer of the Year, we look at job performance first,” says Palmer. “But Eric stood out for his civic involvement. He is totally committed to the community and he has a passion for helping people. The biggest thing about Eric is that he has a commitment to his job, and the community.”

His new accolade now makes him eligible to be named National Corrections Officer of the Year.

“We're really rooting for him. We strive for excellence in Michigan and he exemplifies that,” says Palmer.

The Corrections Connection caught up with Jones to discuss his philosophy in corrections and his hard work in the community.

CC: How did you get involved in corrections?

Jones: I was drawn to corrections because I had some experience in security. I had been working in residential settings for juveniles that were incarcerated. I've always been involved in this area. To me, corrections was just an extension of what I had always done. I wanted to work with adults, though. Also, I had a number of friends that thought I would be make a great corrections officer. I've been working in corrections for six years and I really enjoy it.

CC: As you've gained more experience in the field, what have you learned?

Jones: I've learned that regardless of how long you've worked in corrections, there is something new to learn on a daily basis; either about yourself or the inmate population.

Also, my perception of inmates has really changed. You find out that a lot of these guys have families and loved ones that come to see them every single week. Many of them had good jobs before they were incarcerated. Some of them have Master's and Bachelor's degrees. Many of them are bright and articulate.

CC: What is your philosophy when you go to work every day?

Jones: Inmates should be treated the way I would want to be treated if I were incarcerated. I believe in being firm, consistent, fair and humane. You have to become a positive role model for inmates. I believe they respond to that much better.

I hope to set a positive example in corrections. I want to show the population that there are people who do things the right way. You have to show inmates a silent strength and that you have integrity.

Beyond that, I believe you should always keep yourself together in corrections. You should always take pride in yourself and your appearance. You should always have your uniform ironed, your shoes polished. If you look great, you do a better job and you take pride in your job. It also makes the right impression in the community. Overall, corrections officers get a bad reputation. It makes an impression if you take the extra time to look the part. It just makes a world of difference to everyone, including the community.

CC: What keeps you motivated?

Jones: I have very high expectations for myself. I just keep trying to become better. Getting positive reviews and evaluations also motivates me. I have a standard for myself in my job, my physical appearance and my values. I just always want to improve and I strive to become the best.

Q: What do you like to do in your free time?

Jones: I speak throughout the country on gangs. I do a lot of training for staff in corrections. I'm a motivational speaker. My wife and I also run a center for health and fitness. We're both personal trainers and we put plans together for people to get them in shape. I teach a young men's group at my church to help them overcome different temptations out in the world. I spend a lot of time with my family. I'm also involved in a mentoring program for juveniles. Every Saturday morning we have breakfast and play basketball or do another activity.