By Lieutenant Vasharn Simmons
Leadership within correctional facilities is the cornerstone of operational success. According to Merriam-Webster, leadership is defined as “the office or position of a leader” but, more importantly, as “the capacity to lead.” Leadership goes beyond a title or position; it’s about treating people with dignity and respect. When you hear people talk about leadership, you’ll often hear terms like “steadfast leadership,” “strategic leader,” “giving ongoing leader,” or “mentorship.” However, true leadership is about how you interact with and treat those around you, especially within a high-stakes environment like corrections.
My journey, as someone who has navigated various roles in corrections, has been a testament to how critical leadership is at every level. Starting as a recreation manager for inmates, transitioning into a correctional officer, and eventually becoming a supervisor, my experiences have taught me the value of leadership that draws from personal strengths and adaptable strategies.
Beginning in correctional leadership
When I began my career in corrections, I wasn’t immediately tasked with overseeing security or managing officers. Instead, my role focused on managing health and wellness programs for inmates. My previous experience — a 21-year leadership course in the U.S. Army — instilled in me a deep understanding of discipline, structure and personal development, principles I carried into this new environment.
Although the role of a recreation manager may not seem like a pivotal leadership position, I quickly realized that leadership transcends titles. Leading inmates within rehabilitative programs required the same qualities I had honed in the Army: empathy, consistency and a focus on development. By applying those principles, I built a program that emphasized physical wellbeing and fostered a sense of responsibility and trust among participants. This wasn’t just about managing activities — it was about showing inmates that leadership and personal development could happen even behind bars.
The program’s success caught the attention of corporate leadership within the private prison system. Members of the leadership team started talking to me about how I ran my program and sought input on how to share these methods with other facilities. My strategies weren’t unique to the Army; they were adaptable to corrections and had a transformative impact on inmate morale and behavior.
Transition to frontline leadership
After leaving the private prison system, I transitioned into a new role as a correctional officer at a county adult detention center. This new position brought me back to the front lines of security and inmate management, starkly contrasting my previous focus on wellness and rehabilitation. The transition was not without its challenges, as I had to adapt to a new set of policies and procedures, a different inmate population and a more restrictive environment. Despite these differences, the importance of leadership became even more apparent.
As I moved into a supervisory role, I once again relied on the leadership skills I had developed during my military career. Leading correctional officers and managing the daily operations of a detention facility demanded a blend of empathy, decisiveness and strategic thinking. It wasn’t just about overseeing tasks but also about building morale, maintaining discipline, and creating a safe environment for staff and inmates.
In this role, leadership required balancing the delicate dynamics of control and care. Correctional facilities need firm management to ensure safety and security, while officers and inmates need a leader who can listen, understand, and guide them through the challenges of detention life. My Army experience provided a blueprint for handling these high-pressure situations while staying grounded.
Leadership across all levels
Throughout my journey, whether managing inmate programs or supervising officers, one principle has remained constant: effective leadership is critical, regardless of rank or role. Strong leadership within a correctional facility isn’t limited to the highest levels of management; it is needed at every level of supervision to ensure the facility functions smoothly and safely. Effective leadership at every level means taking responsibility for your actions, setting a positive example for others, and always striving to improve and learn. It’s about understanding that leadership is not just a title but a set of behaviors and attitudes that inspire and motivate others.
As a supervisor, I’ve seen how critical it is to be consistent, transparent and decisive. Correctional officers look to their leaders for guidance in times of uncertainty, and inmates respond to consistency and fairness. The leadership principles I applied in the Army — knowing when to delegate, how to listen and when to take calculated risks — proved invaluable as a correctional supervisor. These qualities allow a leader to maintain control while fostering an environment where staff and inmates thrive.
Leadership blueprint for correctional supervisors
As a first-line supervisor, your leadership directly impacts the facility’s daily operations. You are responsible for maintaining security, managing staff morale and ensuring inmates are held accountable for their actions while still being given growth opportunities. Several fundamental principles must be considered to be an effective leader at this level:
- Knowledge: Staying informed about disciplinary policies, procedures and best practices is essential. Supervisors must be aware of evolving trends in inmate management, mental health care and rehabilitation programs to make informed decisions.
- Decision-making: Effective leadership in corrections requires decisiveness, especially in high-stress situations. Decisions must balance security needs with rehabilitation goals, considering both immediate outcomes and long-term impacts.
- Empathy: Understanding the perspectives of both staff and inmates is crucial for creating a cooperative environment. Empathy allows supervisors to resolve conflicts, support staff during challenges and develop a sense of respect among inmates.
- Courage: Beyond physical bravery, supervisors must exhibit moral courage, standing up for what is right, even when it is unpopular. Whether advocating for staff or pushing for inmate rehabilitative programs, courage strengthens the facility’s mission.
- Trustworthiness: Trust is built through consistency and fairness. A trustworthy supervisor fosters an environment where officers and inmates feel confident in their leadership.
- Support: Supporting your team through mentorship, resources, or professional guidance empowers them to succeed and handle the daily complexities of correctional work.
Effective communication
Leadership in corrections hinges on solid communication skills. Active listening, clear language and nonverbal communication are all essential for reducing misunderstandings and maintaining safety. An open-door policy encourages transparency, while constructive feedback helps staff and inmates grow and improve.
Unique challenges in corrections
Supervisors in corrections face a range of unique challenges, including:
- Balancing security and rehabilitation: Security is paramount, but it must not come at the cost of rehabilitation efforts. Effective supervisors find ways to maintain safety while promoting programs that help inmates prepare for reintegration into society.
- Managing staff morale: The high-stress environment of corrections can lead to burnout. Supervisors must actively work to build morale through recognition, professional development, and support.
- Dealing with difficult inmates: Non-compliant inmates present challenges that require de-escalation techniques and consistent discipline. Supervisors must work closely with health professionals to manage complex cases while maintaining order.
Leadership at the mid-level and administrative levels
As supervisors rise through the ranks, their roles evolve. Mid-level supervisors must use strategic thinking and team-building skills to oversee multiple units. They are the bridge between frontline officers and upper management, ensuring policies are implemented effectively across the facility.
At the administrative level, wardens, deputy wardens and jail administrators are responsible for the facility’s overall strategic direction. Visionary leadership, stakeholder engagement and crisis management become critical as these leaders shape the facility’s long-term goals and ensure operational efficiency.
Conclusion
Leadership in correctional facilities requires diverse skills, from empathy and decision-making to strategic thinking and communication. My journey has shown me that leadership is needed at every level — from managing inmate programs to supervising staff — and that solid leadership principles remain constant, whether in a recreation yard or an officer’s station. Leadership holds everything together, and it is the force that ensures correctional facilities operate smoothly, safely, and with purpose. Leadership is not just about a position; it is about treating others with dignity, respect, and the ability to inspire and motivate those you serve.
About the author
Vasharn Simmons is a seasoned corrections professional with over two decades of experience in law enforcement and security operations. He currently holds the rank of lieutenant and serves as the Operations Commander at the DeSoto County Juvenile Detention Center in Hernando, Mississippi, overseeing the daily operations of all four shifts, ensuring the safety and security of both juvenile offenders and staff.
A retired U.S. Army veteran with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from American Intercontinental University, Vasharn brings a unique blend of military discipline and academic expertise to his role. His specialization in Homeland Security and Crisis Management has equipped him with the skills to navigate complex challenges and ensure the safety of the facility.
With a proven track record of success in correctional leadership, Vasharn has a deep understanding of the unique challenges and complexities of the field. His expertise in security protocols, risk management and team leadership has been instrumental in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of both the adult detention center and now the juvenile detention operations.
In his role, Vasharn has implemented innovative strategies to improve security, reduce recidivism and foster a positive environment for both inmates and staff. His dedication to continuous improvement and commitment to excellence have earned him a reputation as a respected leader in the corrections community. As Vasharn prepares to pursue a Master’s in Business Administration Organizational Leadership from Western Governors University, he is poised to continue his career trajectory and make a lasting impact on the field of corrections.