By Daniel Scorza, student, Criminal Justice at American Military University
Unlike law enforcement officers, correctional officers have minimal tools to deal with unruly or threatening inmates. Most correctional officers only carry a radio, restraints, and sometimes a baton. Rarely are they even issued pepper spray. Firearms are only available in locked areas of the facility and are only used in the most serious situations such as a prison riot.
The reason correctional officers are unarmed is because they are constantly outnumbered and in close quarters with dangerous offenders. If correctional officers were armed like regular patrol officers—with a Taser, firearm, and pepper spray—they risk being disarmed by an inmate. In essence, minimally arming officers prevents institutional takeover, hostage situations, and injuries.
[Related: Three Ways Corrections Prepares You for a Career in Law Enforcement]
Because correctional officers don’t have many tools at their disposal, the most important skill a correctional officer can arm him or herself with is strong communication skills.
Full Story: Correctional officers must master verbal judo
