Prisons are long-term correctional facilities designed to hold individuals convicted of serious crimes. They serve the dual purpose of punishing offenders for their crimes and providing opportunities for rehabilitation and reform. The security classifications (High, Medium, Low, Minimum) indicate the level of security measures needed based on the inmates' behaviors and risks.
Probation refers to a period of conditional liberty granted to convicted offenders who are not incarcerated. They are subject to periodic evaluation and restrictions, similar to parolees, but remain in the community under supervision.
Inmate transport is one of the many assignments a correctional officer may receive, which involves moving an inmate from one facility to another location. This movement often includes returning the inmate to the facility after court hearings or medical appointments at a hospital. In some cases, inmate transport may be a "one-way ticket," such as when an inmate is permanently transferred to another facility.
Parole: Inmates granted parole status are conditionally released from prison, referred to as parolees. Their limited freedom requires them to satisfy requirements mandated by law, which include maintaining good behavior and periodic reporting to supervising corrections officers or other authorized individuals. Failure to comply with these conditions could result in their return to prison.
Solitary confinement is a form of incarceration where inmates exhibiting violent or predatory behavior are isolated in individual cells. This practice aims to separate them from the general prison population for safety reasons.
Assault and battery refer to distinct but related offenses involving physical harm or the threat of physical harm. Assault is the act of threatening to harm someone, while battery involves the actual physical contact that causes harm.
Additionally, correctional officers must have a thorough understanding of the security classifications within prisons, including the distinctions between high, medium, low, and minimum security levels. This knowledge helps officers assess the level of risk posed by inmates and implement appropriate security measures to maintain safety within the facility for both inmates and correctional personnel.
Cell Extraction refers to the forcible removal of stubborn or potentially dangerous inmates from their cells. This procedure is conducted in response to various situations, such as when an inmate has injured themselves or others, or when they refuse to comply with urgent procedures (such as medical treatment) and need to be relocated to a safer area.
Community Supervision terms:
Parole: The supervised release of a prisoner before the completion of their sentence, under specific conditions and subject to monitoring by parole officers.
Probation: An alternative to imprisonment that allows a person to serve their sentence within the community under supervision, typically with conditions like reporting to a probation officer, maintaining employment, and refraining from criminal activity.
Recidivism: The tendency of convicted individuals to reoffend or return to criminal behavior after release from prison or completion of probation/parole.
These tools are used by law enforcement and corrections officers to safely manage and control individuals who may pose a threat or need to be restrained for various reasons. The use of restraining devices is governed by specific protocols and guidelines to ensure the safety of all involved parties.
A misdemeanor is a less serious criminal offense than a felony. It typically carries lighter penalties, such as fines, probation, or imprisonment for up to one year in a local jail.
