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Skill Training of Institutional Corrections Officers for Effective Management

NCJ Number
111044
Journal
Guidance and Counselling Volume: 1 Issue: 5 Dated: (May 1986) Pages: 56-61
Author(s)
B Schumacher
Date Published
1986
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article describes a 3-day inservice training program for Canadian correctional officers designed to develop a sense of personal power among officers (to replace their sole reliance on the power arising from their role as corrections officers) and to create a norm of mutual support for constructive feedback to be transferred and applied at the work site.
Abstract
Both of these goals were met by developing interpersonal skills for conflict management and problemsolving. The training was designed to provide conceptual awareness and experiential training in the conflict management model for a variety of conflicts in the correctional setting. This was done through small informal groups; general group discussion; and experiential skill training via lecture, simulations, demonstration through modeling, role playing, and video feedback. The training design was arranged to help officers become aware of a need for more flexibility in their approach to conflict; understand the various conditions for the model; and then practice the skills, role play, and receive constructive feedback within the group setting. The course was effective in achieving team building among the officers; and by the completion of the course, most officers had a better awareness of and were more skillful in conflict management. 11 notes.