1. Entry Level Correctional Academy Values and Conduct Lieutenant Steve Snow Special Operations Commander Frederick County Adult Detention Center

2. Introduction In addition to the many requirements necessary to function as a modern correctional officer, one must possess an internal set of traits. These are known as: –Moral Values –Ethical Conduct –Professionalism –Integrity

3. Definitions Integrity Having character which develops hope, honesty, courage, empathy, etc.Having character which develops hope, honesty, courage, empathy, etc. Derived from the word integer: wholenessDerived from the word integer: wholeness

4. Definitions Ethics Standards or rules of conduct by which we liveStandards or rules of conduct by which we live Relates to what is RIGHT & WRONGRelates to what is RIGHT & WRONG

5. Definitions Values Beliefs upon which our actions and decisions are made Beliefs upon which our actions and decisions are made

6. Professional Expectations Correctional Officers must at all times, and at all levels, exhibit professional attitudes and conductCorrectional Officers must at all times, and at all levels, exhibit professional attitudes and conduct –High esteem and sound moral values promote and sustain conduct consistent w/the highest ideals of a profession

7. Professional Expectations Professionalism is the uncompromising pursuit of excellenceProfessionalism is the uncompromising pursuit of excellence Professionalism is easy to recognize but hard to defineProfessionalism is easy to recognize but hard to define One cannot be a professional without a professional attitudeOne cannot be a professional without a professional attitude Apathy and a general insincerity toward work are just not compatible with being a professionalApathy and a general insincerity toward work are just not compatible with being a professional

8. Professional Expectations If someone acts like a professional, thinks like a professional and works like a professional, then he must truly be a professional

9. A Correctional Officers Primary Responsibilities SafetySafety –Inmates, fellow staff, working environment SecuritySecurity –Inmates, staff, public, physical facility ControlControl –Inmate population (behaviors) CustodyCustody –Inmate population

10. Indifference Indifference to these moral and ethical attributes provides the breeding ground for future misconduct

11. Motivation for unethical behavior Why Do Good People Do BAD THINGS ?

12. Motivation for unethical behavior Rationalize Peer PressureRationalize Peer Pressure –Going along with the group instead of thinking for self Momentary SelfishnessMomentary Selfishness –What’s in it for me Quick Bad DecisionsQuick Bad Decisions –Not using rational judgment

13. Acts of Misconduct Four Most Common Acts Of Correctional Misconduct –False Reports Protect self/co-workers for misdeedsProtect self/co-workers for misdeeds –Theft Inmate, staff, or departmentalInmate, staff, or departmental –Sexual Misconduct Inmate, co-workers, visitorsInmate, co-workers, visitors –Excessive Force InmatesInmates

14. Causes For Misconduct Peer PressurePeer Pressure –Omissions on reports to protect co-workers GreedGreed –Stealing Inmate Property LustLust –Sexual Misconduct with inmate or co-worker AngerAnger –Abuse/Excessive Force of inmates

15. Unethical acts are a major cause of: Civil SuitsCivil Suits Destroying Public TrustDestroying Public Trust Ruining a careerRuining a career Being sent to prisonBeing sent to prison

16. Resulting Factors Financial liability – guilty/civil suitFinancial liability – guilty/civil suit Negative publicity – employer/employeeNegative publicity – employer/employee –A single act of corruption can destroy the entire image of a department Loss of credibilityLoss of credibility Loss of employment, retirement, future employment prospectsLoss of employment, retirement, future employment prospects

17. Responsibilities To Your Profession True professionals realize they owe a commitment to their professionTrue professionals realize they owe a commitment to their profession –Be sincere, loyal and dedicated –Each officer has an obligation to promote professionalism

18. Results Sincerity produces ethical conductSincerity produces ethical conduct Ethical conduct promotes professionalism among your peersEthical conduct promotes professionalism among your peers Professionalism promotes respectProfessionalism promotes respect

19. The Oath Of Honor Honor, Integrity and Respect are never betrayed –I will always hold myself and others accountable for having the courage to do the right thing