"Physical security is supported by programs that positively engage inmates in work, training, education, recreation, and self-help."

A Message from Director Jackie Crawford

We believe that security is and always has been the foundation of correctional systems.  All staff members are expected to contribute to security by being observant and interacting with inmates.  Physical security is supported by programs that positively engage inmates in work, training, education, recreation, and self-help.  We believe that neither physical security nor inmate activities can stand-alone:  they are interdependent.

We believe that the design of the institution assists staff to carry out security but it cannot be the security.  Good design minimizes the number of staff needed to assure safety and allows offender movement without unnecessary barriers.  Institutional design provides separation of incompatible activities, services and programs.  It is staff contact and not structures that prevents inmates from acting out destructively.

We believe that security is enhanced when there is an appropriate balance between work, programs, services and security.  Viable work experience and programming designed to address inmate needs can greatly enhance security by directing offenders toward self-improvement and away from ways to challenge the security system. In a balanced and structured institution, offenders must learn the value of earning privileges and know that privileges are lost through negative behavior.

We believe that clean and orderly institutions are a basic requirement and the status of these institutions reflects the efficiency and effectiveness of everything else we do in them..

We believe that national accreditation is a process that brings all staff together under nationally developed policies, procedures and practices assuring safety, cleanliness and a spirit of teamwork. Additionally, it enhances staff competencies subsequently reducing institutional liabilities.

We believe that the organization of staff into teams under unit management brings security and program staff together and allows a more productive decentralized management of the institution.  It maximizes all staff skills and provides ongoing cross training and experiences for all team staff, and creates a unified front that discourages offenders from attempting to exploit the system.