Correctional Officer Safety Equipment: Findings about Use and Procurement Decisions

• In Event: Use of Technology in Policing and Corrections

Abstract

The use of safety equipment technology in correctional facilities plays a critical role in the safety of personnel, yet there have been few evaluations of the use or outcomes of use of this technology. Previous research has neither clearly articulated which types of safety equipment are used across facilities nor delineated the policies and training requirements for such equipment. To address this gap, CNA has conducted a mixed methods research project using a case study approach. This presentation reports on findings from a series of qualitative data collection efforts across eight correctional facilities, including observations of operations and correctional officers duties, as well as interviews with facility administrators and safety officers.

Authors

• Emma Wohl, CNA

• James Coldren, CNA