What would you do? Write ups versus communication with inmates

Is it better to implement a write-up for every infraction, or are some incidents better handled through communication?

September 17, 2015 06:50 PM •

Check out the scenario below and add your thoughts in the comments. Is there one side you would take? Why or why not?

Two officers are holding a gentle discussion in the unit. Officer Smith believes that every violation, no matter how small, must be documented and served. He believes that every rule has a purpose and once an inmate violates a rule, they must be served a charge (ticket/write-up).

Officer DeCarlo believes in the opposite. He believes that communication is key, and there are some violations that can be better handled through a dialogue with the inmate. He believes that communication helps to maintain order and aids in the overall control of the unit.

As this discussion continues, their supervisor enters the unit. As the supervisor begins her tour, both officers approach her and state their side of the discussion. The supervisor sees merit in both angles of approach. On one hand, you have the need for the rules to be followed; but on the other, from her experience as a floor officer, a lot of smaller issues could be handled through communication.

If you were the supervisor and only able to choose one way of thinking, which would you choose and why?

This article, originally published 09/18/2015, has been updated.

Corrections Training

C1 Staff

These training scenarios are intended to draw the reader into the discussion and create a repository of differing viewpoints on a single subject. These scenarios are intended for training purposes only. Though the scenarios are drawn from real-world incidents, no one scenario talks about a specific person or place. If you have questions or ideas for a training scenario, email editor@corrections1.com.