May - 20209GOVERNMENT CIO OUTLOOKcustody will eventually result in Corrections having to out-source these jobs. Struggles with recruiting will continue as the trend calls for staff to manage more challenging personalities in settings not designed to house this type of clientele safely. This is exacerbated by heightened community tension with law enforcement due to use of force and transparency issues. In the face of this, as well as, competing againstgrowing employment opportunities nationwide, Corrections will need to embrace innovation and change to become and stay relevant to peak the interest of the work force. Furthermore, it is of critical importance to actively address the physical and mental health of staff as the daily interaction with challenging people can be draining. As Corrections gears up to recruit and hire employees, it is incumbent on management to forecast how the changing environment of Corrections will dictate the different skills a Corrections Officer will need to be successful. Corrections would be well served to hire a hybrid officer who possesses a diverse educational and social background with an emphasis on psychology, sociology, criminal justice, and technology classes. It is important leaders in Corrections collaborate with educational institutions to bolster curriculums in an effort to enhance skills to compliment counselors, psych staff, and programming efforts, while effectively operating correctional facilities and managing the adults housed there. The modernization of obsolete facilities is necessary as technology continues to stretch operations in an effort to gain efficiencies and create a more positive environment. The introduction of electronic tablets has given those in custody greater opportunity to stay connected to their community, offer self-help, and provide greater access to education. It also will aid staff in proficiently performing their duties by introducing an array of technology, such as, scan technology to electronically log security and welfare checks, electronic logbooks that are searchable, and x-ray machines to aid in detecting and preventing unauthorized items from entering into the system. Management must be cognizant of balancing technology with staff resources as it can unintentionally increase workload and raise stress levels, leading to premature burnout.This can also put pressure on the overall operations as staff focus gravitates towards implementation, which could lead to complacency in routine duties. The end result could be the impediment of human to human interaction that is crucial in successfully managing those entrusted to their care. This would be especially prevalent in direct supervision jails. The future of Corrections is exciting as it continues to become increasingly standardized and professionalized. The safe-keeping of citizens from our community who are in custody is a noble career and of paramount importance as the majority of those in custody are released back into society. Corrections must take a more pivotal and intentional role in ensuring the safety of our society, both inside and out, by encouraging and helping those in custody to seek positive change. The reality is the people Corrections work with are our neighbors, friends, and family who have the potential to live a productive life to its fullest. Corrections must take a more pivotal and intentional role in ensuring the safety of our society, both inside and out, by encouraging and helping those in custody to seek positive change
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