Corrections_Today_Fall_2025_Vol.87_No.3

Corrections Fall 2025 | Vol. 87, No. 3 THE AMERICAN CORRECTIONAL ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE Advance. Connect. Achieve. Today Fright at Night | History of Correctional Education | Training our Future National Correctional Officers and Employees Week 2025 p.20

FEBRUARY IS #BLACKHISTORYMONTH Call for article and photo submissions for the Winter issue of Corrections Today!

A s we approach Black History Month, the field of corrections. We invite you to contribute photos and articles that highlight the experiences, challenges and achievements within this vital sector, as well as success stories of initiatives and individuals working to improve conditions and promote positive change within correctional institutions. Corrections Today is proud to honor the rich history, significant contributions and impactful stories of African Americans in Submission Guidelines: – ARTICLES: Should be between 800-2,000 words. Please include a brief bio and a photo of the author(s) and any relevant affiliations. – PHOTOS: Submit high-resolution images (300 dpi or higher) with appropriate captions and credits. Include a brief description of the photo’s context and significance. – FORMAT: All submissions should be in MSWord format for articles, and JPEG format for photos (as individual attachments, not pasted into MSWord). – DEADLINE: Please submit your articles and photos by Sept. 15, 2025. – HOW TO SUBMIT: Email your submissions to submissions@aca.org with the subject line “Black History Month”.

Your stories, insights and visuals are crucial in high lighting the significant impact of African Americans in corrections. Whether it’s a compelling article, a power ful photograph or a personal story, your submissions will help us create a meaningful tribute that honors the past, recognizes the present and envisions a strong and forward-looking future for corrections. For any questions or further information, please contact Kirk Raymond, Director of Communications and Publications, at (703) 224-0193.

Submit your #BlackHistoryMonth articles and photos by Sept. 15, 2025 to submissions@aca.org

Photo courtesy Florida Department of Corrections

2

Corrections Today Fall 2025 | Vol. 87, No. 3 THE AMERICAN CORRECTIONAL ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Features

SPECIAL EDUCATION ISSUE

34

Fright at night Allaying fears in escape communications By Colin May

60

From the archives: Confronting recidivism Inmate reentry and the Second Chance Act of 2005 By Reginald C Wilkinson and Edward Rhine Ph.D.

12 40

You Could Be Our Next Cover Star — Submit Your Best Photo Today!

We have a new teacher in education By Mary Ellen Nourse

Submit your photos for consideration in Corrections Today magazine to Publications@aca.org, ATTN: CT Photos. Photo must be large, high quality (300 dpi) and JPEG format.

History of correctional education Development and outcomes of literacy programming By Kyle L. Roberson, Ph.D., Shoshannah Bobritsky, M.S. and Melanie Quick, M.S.

52

Training our future By Joe Winkler

National Correctional Officers and Employees Week 2025 p. 20

On the Cover: Highlights from National Correctional Officers and Employees Week 2025, featuring photos from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice that celebrate the dedication of those who serve in our correctional system. Cover photos courtesy of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice; Background image: Adobe Stock

Corrections Fall 2025 | Vol. 87, No. 3 THE AMERICAN CORRECTIONAL ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE Advance. Connect. Achieve. Today Fright at Night | History of Correctional Education | Training our Future National Correctional Officers and Employees Week 2025 p.20

Fall 2025 | Corrections Today

1

Serving the Field of Correctional Health OFFICE OF CORRECTIONAL HEALTH

WE PROVIDE: • Stand Alone Health Accreditation • Technical Assistance

• Specialized Trainings on Health Care Delivery • Treatment Services Consultation & Assessment • Third Party Review • Needs Assessment • Customized Health Services Training Professional Health Certification available:

Correctional Behavioral Health Training and Certification Program

Certified Corrections Nurse (CCN)

Certified Corrections Nurse Manager (CCN/M)

For more information please contact us at Healthcare@aca.org

Our team can assist you in making a difference!

2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

News&Views

5

From Rob’s Desk

EDITORIAL STAFF EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Robert L. Green, robg@aca.org MANAGING EDITOR Kirk Raymond, kraymond@aca.org GRAPHICS AND PRODUCTION STAFF GRAPHIC DESIGNER Carla DeCarlo, carlad@aca.org ADVERTISING AND MARKETING STAFF DIRECTOR, CONVENTIONS, ADVERTISING AND CORPORATE RELATIONS Kelli McAfee, kellim@aca.org DIRECTOR, SALES & MARKETING Da’Shawn Burnette, dashawnb@aca.org

6 8

In Memoriam

Correctional Chaplain Perspectives

12 18

View From the Line

Washington Watch/BBM

ACA Departments

PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Mary Misisco, marym@aca.org MULTIMEDIA DESIGNER Kierra Khan, kierrak@aca.org

68 72 80 86 94 96

ACA Benchmarks/New Members

Committees

ACA EXECUTIVE OFFICE AND DIRECTORS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Communications & Publications

Robert L. Green, robg@aca.org CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Ben Nalette, CPA, benn@aca.org SENIOR EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT India Vargas, indiav@aca.org COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLICATIONS DIRECTOR Kirk Raymond, kraymond@aca.org CONVENTIONS, ADVERTISING AND CORPORATE RELATIONS DIRECTOR Kelli McAfee, kellim@aca.org INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ACTING DIRECTOR Ben Nalette, CPA, benn@aca.org INTERNATIONAL INITIATIVES Robert L. Green, robg@aca.org MEMBERSHIP SERVICES & ENGAGEMENT Hester Zorn Serrano, hesterzs@aca.org OFFICE OF CORRECTIONAL HEALTH DIRECTORS Terri L. Catlett — Director, terric@aca.org Dr. Dean Aufderheide — Director of Mental Health, daufderheide@aca.org PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Dr. Valorie L. Sanders, LBBP, valories@aca.org SALES & MARKETING DIRECTOR Da’Shawn Burnette, dashawnb@aca.org STANDARDS AND ACCREDITATION DIRECTOR David Haasenritter, davidh@aca.org

Office of Correctional Health

Sales & Marketing

Standards & Accreditation

108

Corrections Calendar

Statements contained in Corrections Today are the personal views of the authors and do not constitute ACA policy unless so indicated. ACA does not assume responsibility for the content of Corrections Today as submitted by contributors, reserves the right to edit all articles and, if necessary, condense them. The publication of any advertisement by ACA is neither an endorsement of the advertiser nor of the products or services advertised. ACA is not responsible for any claims made in advertisements. Printed in U.S.A. by Mt. Royal Printing, Baltimore, MD Vol. 87, No. 3. Copyright 2025 by the American Correctional Association

Fall 2025 | Corrections Today

3

INQUIRIES AND INFORMATION

ARTICLE AND PHOTO SUBMISSIONS: Managing Editor, 206 N. Washington St., Suite 200, Alexandria, VA 22314; email submissions@aca.org. Articles must be in Microsoft Word. Please include all contact information. Unless expressly requested in writing, all photos and artwork submitted become the property of ACA and may be used in future ACA publications. Articles and photos will not be returned unless expressly requested by author. ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: Please direct all inquiries to DaShawn Burnette, Director of Sales & Marketing, at 703-224-0030 (Direct) or dashawnb@aca.org. MISSION STATEMENT: The American Correctional Association provides a professional organization for all individuals and groups, both public and private, that share a common goal of improving the justice system. Corrections Today (ISSN 0190-2563, USPS 019-640) is published four times a year in Summer (June/July/August), Fall (September/October/November), Winter (December/ January/February) and Spring (March/April/May) by the American Correctional Association, 206 N. Washington St., Suite 200, Alexandria, VA 22314; 703-224-0000. Vol. 87, No. 2. Copyright 2025 by the American Correctional Association POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Corrections Today , American Correctional Association, 206 N. Washington St., Suite 200, Alexandria, VA 22314. Periodicals rate postage is paid at Alexandria, VA 22314 and additional mailing offices. SUBSCRIPTION CHANGES: Subscriptions are included in annual membership dues. Nonmember subscription rates are $25 per year. You can join ACA or renew your subscription online at www. aca.org. Changes to your contact information and address can be updated through the membership portal at www.aca.org, via email at memberships@aca.org or by calling the Member Support Center at 703-224-0115 (Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.– 5 p.m., EST).

AMERICAN CORRECTIONAL ASSOCIATION OFFICERS

PRESIDENT Ricky D. Dixon Florida IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Denise M. Robinson Ohio VICE PRESIDENT Bryan Collier Texas PRESIDENT-ELECT Tyrone Oliver Georgia

TREASURER Anthony O. Vann North Carolina BOARD OF GOVERNORS REPRESENTATIVES Marina Cadreche Florida Latera Davis Georgia SECRETARY Robert L. Green Maryland

CONNECT WITH US ONLINE

CHAPTERS AND AFFILIATES

Alston Wilkes Society—American Catholic Correctional Ministries—American Correctional Health Services Association—American Institute of Architects—American Jail Association—American Probation and Parole Association—Arizona Probation, Parole and Corrections Association— Association of Correctional Food Service Affiliates—Association of Paroling Authorities International—Association of State Correctional Administrators—Association of Programs for Female Offenders—Association of Women Executives in Corrections—Colorado Criminal Justice Association— Correctional Accreditation Managers Association— Correctional Association of Massachusetts— Correctional Education Association—Council of Juvenile Correctional Administrators—District of Columbia Criminal Justice Association—Florida Council on Crime and Delinquency—Historical Association for Corrections—Illinois Correctional Association—Indiana Criminal Justice Association— International Association for Correctional and Forensic Psychology—International Association of Correctional Training Personnel—International Correctional Arts Network—International Corrections and Prisons Association—Iowa Corrections Association—Jamaica Federation of Corrections— Juvenile Justice Trainers Association—Kansas Correctional Association—Louisiana Correctional

Association—Maryland Criminal Justice Association— Michigan Corrections Association—Middle Atlantic States Correctional Association—Missouri Corrections Association—National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice—National Association of Probation Executives—National Association of Adult and Juvenile State Corrections Mental Health Directors—National Correctional Industries Association Inc.—National Council on Crime and Delinquency—National Council of Juvenile Correctional Administrators— National Juvenile Detention Association—National Organization of Hispanics in Criminal Justice— Nebraska Correctional Association—New Jersey Chapter Association—New Mexico Criminal Justice Association—New York Corrections and Youth Services Association—North American Association of Wardens and Superintendents—North Carolina Correctional Association—Ohio Correctional and Court Services Association—Oklahoma Correctional Association— Parole and Probation Compact Administrators Association—Prison Fellowship—Salvation Army—South Carolina Correctional Association—Southern States Correctional Association—Texas Criminal Justice Association—Virginia Correctional Association— Volunteers of America Inc.—Washington Correctional Association—Wisconsin Correctional Association— Wyoming Correctional Association

www.facebook.com/​American Correctional​Association

www.linkedin.com/company/american- correctional-association

www.twitter.com/​ACAinfo

www.threads.net/ @amercorrectionalassoc

https://www.youtube.com/ @AmericanCorrection

www.instagram.com/ amercorrectionalassoc

Corrections Today | Fall 2025

4

News&Views

NEWS FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

From Rob’s Desk Education in corrections leads to a brighter future for all

E ducational programming and attainment in corrections serves not only as a founda tion for personal transformation but also as a beacon of hope for individuals seeking a second chance. Education illuminates the path to a brighter future, empowering incarcerated individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to reintegrate into society successfully. Educational programming and attainment in corrections serves not only as a foundation for personal transformation but also as a beacon of hope for individuals seeking a second chance.

Every person educated is a step toward reducing recidivism, leading to safer communities. Individuals participating in educational and workforce development programs within our corrections facility experience a significant reduction in institutional violence, creating a safer environment for both staff and the incarcerated. Our feature article in this issue studies the effect of literacy pro gramming in a correctional setting. Adding to our knowledge with this research allows correctional professionals to advance evidence based policy solutions regarding education in corrections. I urge those of you in the field to docu ment your successes and let us know so we can share more evidence about the life-changing possibilities of education in corrections. CT

Adobe Stock/Dakodi

often enter the correctional system with limited education and em ployment skills. However, through education, they can unlock their potential and ignite a sense of pur pose. The ability to learn nurtures self-awareness, fuels ambition, and instills a sense of responsibility, enabling individuals to break free from the cycle of criminal behavior and addiction.

Sincerely,

When educational programs are provided in correctional facilities, they become a catalyst for change. Research supports that individuals

Robert L. Green ACA Executive Director

Fall 2025 | Corrections Today

5

News&Views

IN MEMORIAM

T he American Correctional Association (ACA), together with the Correctional Peace Officers Foundation (CPOF), extends its deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of fallen correctional officers. These brave men and women, whose End of Watch marked a profound loss to our community, served with unwavering dedication and courage, often under difficult and dangerous conditions. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten as we honor their memory and stand united, remembering the ultimate price they paid in the line of duty. CT

Joel A. Legaspi Corrections Officer

Michelle Quintero Major EOW: 9/27/2024 Madison County Sheriff’s Office, NC

Isaiah Bias Detention Officer EOW: 12/16/2024 Ellis County Sheriff’s Office, TX

Andrew Lansing Corrections Officer EOW: 12/25/2024 Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, OH

Marc Fischer Supervisory Correctional Systems Specialist EOW: 8/9/2024 Federal Bureau of Prisons USP Atwater, CA

EOW: January 21, 2018 Indian Creek Correctional Center

Department of Corrections, VA

The list of fallen correctional staff is curated, maintained by, and is the property of the Correctional Peace Officers Foundation. It is printed with the written consent of CPOF. The titles in this list depict the title of the correctional staff member at their time of death. Please send any corrections to mail@cpof.org.

MEMBERS SPOKE AND ACA LISTENED: “Celebrating our ‘Best in the Business’ Correctional Officers”

Hitting the pages of Corrections Today magazine in the Winter 2025-2026 issue!

We’d love your feedback on

When our members voiced the need for special recognition of the outstanding work correctional officers do every day, we took it to heart. We’re proud to re-introduce an honor for those who go above and beyond — ACA’s “Best in the Business” . This recognition shines a spotlight on the professionalism, dedication and resilience of our frontline heroes. Your voice matters, and together, we’re building a culture of appreciation. See the ad on the back cover for more details!

Corrections Today to help us improve and serve you better!

SEND YOUR FEEDBACK TO PUBLICATIONS@ACA.ORG

Corrections Today | Fall 2025

6

Corrections Professionals: What’s Your Story?

Your voice is an essential part of the

Join the journey of Corrections Today , the flagship publication of the American Correctional Association, proudly serving Corrections Professionals worldwide. Explore the many ways to share your insights, experiences and expertise in future issues. We can’t wait to feature your contributions and celebrate the incredible work you do!

• Share your National Correctional Officer and Employee Week celebrations. • Contribute a compelling feature article. • Provide insightful critiques for our Bookshelf section. • Express your perspectives and experiences in “View from the Line.” • “Speak Out” on matters close to your heart. • Extend an update on your ACA Committee. • Seek guidance from Dr. Dean Aufderheide by posing a Behavioral Health inquiry. • Promote your upcoming events through the Corrections Calendar. • Engage in our social media platforms.

Questions? Contact Kirk Raymond by calling 703-224-0193 or by email at submissions@aca.org

7

News&Views

CORRECTIONAL CHAPLAIN PERSPECTIVES

Chaplaincy An emerging craft within salutogenesis By Chaplain Xavier Justice C haplaincy has come a long way since its origin in the 4 th century when chaplains (Lat

in cappellani) were so called because they kept St. Martin’s famous half cape (cappella). St. Martin of Tours (316-397) was a Roman soldier and later a bishop who gave half of his cape to a beggar along the road in freezing weather which inspired the word “chaplain.” He is credited as the founder of Christian chaplaincy. Chaplains today serve in a variety of settings including hospitals, clin ics, hospices, jails, prisons, colleges, universities, funeral homes, law enforcement and the military, just to mention a few. Chaplaincy is now a well established discipline and service within the spiritual care practice. Chaplains are legitimately situated among the other health care provid ers along the continuum of care. If the spiritual care discipline were examined according to the Dreyfus model of skills acquisition, several levels would immediately come into focus, such as spiritual care generalists, practitioners, pro fessionals, specialists/experts and masters. 1

Adobe Stock/Angelov

Spiritual care generalists would demonstrate general awareness of spiritual care theories and interven tions. Generalists would include helpers in conciliation and health education. Spiritual care practi tioners express competence in the

fundamentals. Community health workers, peer support specialists, psychiatric rehabilitation specialists and prevention and recovery coaches are some of the helpers that practice competent bio-psycho-social-spiritual care. Spiritual care professionals are

Corrections Today | Fall 2025

8

CORRECTIONAL CHAPLAIN PERSPECTIVES

expected to go beyond competency and exhibit proficiency in spiritual concepts and applications. Spiritual or pastoral care and counselors are the central health care professionals on this level. Spiritual care specialists have an expert level of knowledge and skills. Their expertise is evident in the level of education and experience required to achieve specialization. Chaplains are the spiritual care experts on the interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary health care teams. 2 Mastery of the spiritual care prin ciples and practices can be achieved when the helper uses direct intention and focus for ten to twenty thou sand hours of time to improve his or her abilities. Neurocriminologists, neurotheologians and other clinical ly-trained clergy would qualify as masters of spiritual healthcare. The bio-psycho-social-spiritual care continuum is a well-established holistic model to understand the interprofessional and multi-disci plinary coordination of services. Physicians and psychiatrists serve in the biological or physical domain. Psychologists and counselors serve in the psychological domain. The social domain is the purview of social workers and other human services helpers. Chaplains serve alongside these healthcare helpers as the experts and specialists in the spiritual domain. The care con tinuum has two poles (salutogenesis and pathogenesis) and between the two poles are the five main health care branches: health promotion, education, prevention, protection and cure. Salutogenesis constitutes the study of health and wellness, and pathogenesis encompasses the study of illness and disease. 3

Salutogenesis has its own ori entation and model. Central to the approach is the sense of coherence, or how people perceive and respond to life’s challenges. The sense of co herence involves comprehensibility, meaningfulness and manageability. Practitioners of salutogenesis strive to help people understand that challenges in the environment are structured, predictable, and can be explained. They can foster the real ization that the outcomes of dealing with challenges in a healthy way outweigh the inertia or deleterious effect that can spring from avoid ing or not engaging the challenge. Salutogenic practice also includes inviting people to recognize and em ploy available internal and external resources to meet their challenges. Chaplains help people understand and embrace the challenges of life by assisting them to make sense of (comprehensibility), handle (manageability) and benefit from (meaningfulness) their challenges.

study of illness and disease. 4 Chap laincy contains some of the same active ingredients as salutogenesis. Chaplains help people understand and embrace the challenges of life by assisting them to make sense of (comprehensibility), handle (manageability) and benefit from (meaningfulness) their challenges. Forensic settings, such as jails, prisons and detention facilities, are generally guided by the principles of custody, care and control. 5 All of the healthcare disciplines and branches, including chaplaincy, are contained in the care domain. Chaplaincy is an essential part of evidenced-based care for insti tutionalized people because the role and impact of the practice of spiritual care is meaningfully measured in changes in thinking, emotional regulation, behavior and social connections of the recipients of chaplain spiritual care services. 6 Chaplains practice the fundamen tals of salutogenesis by helping institutionalized persons discover the comprehensibility, manage ability and meaningfulness of the challenges that they experience in the forensic settings. 7 When chap lains incorporate and integrate principles from other salutogenic disciplines, such as conciliation and conflict resolution, peer sup port and prevention, reentry and recovery, psychiatric rehabilitation, community health and the other coaching crafts, they expand the efficacy and effectiveness of their helping interventions. People in forensic settings experience better health outcomes as they address antisocial proclivities as a routine part of self-care. They experience

The fundamental theories and practices of chaplaincy correspond better with the study of health and wellness (salutogenesis) than the

Fall 2025 | Corrections Today

9

News&Views

END NOTES 1 Dreyfus, S. 2004. The Five-Stage Model of Adult Skill Acquisition. California: Sage Publications. 2 Puchalski, C. 2014. Spirituality and Health: The Development of a Field. New York: Random House. 3 Mittelmark, M. 2022. The Handbook of Salutogenesis, Second edition. Switzerland: Springer Publishing. 4 Nissen, R. 2021. The Process of Spiritual Care. Switzerland: Frontiers Media. 6 Jarrett, M. 2024. The Role and Impact of the Prison Chaplain: A Systematic Review and Narrative Synthesis. California: Sage Publications. 7 Söderström, S. 2025. Salutogenesis as a Mediator in Decreased Criminal Thinking: An Evaluation of Cognitive Programs for Juvenile and Adult Offenders. Pennsylvania: Taylor & Francis. 5 28 CFR §551.100

up-ticks in self-efficacy, advocacy and compassion for others. Both, public health and public safety benefit when forensic populations demonstrate healthy habits and abandon enterprises that attempt to get out of the community what cannot be secured through defer ence, reciprocity, and compromise. Salutogenic practice through chaplain spiritual care services has enormous potential to be of great benefit to the community. The future of chaplaincy is bright as chaplains learn to integrate and co alesce salutogenic principles within the practice of spiritual care across any discipline that can increase health outcomes and decrease criminal risk and recidivism. CT

Chaplain Xavier Justice is the associate director of the Nehemiah Project (TNP) in Washington, D.C. He holds the certified clinical correctional chaplain credential from the American Correctional Chaplains Association. He is an internationally credentialed advanced alcohol and drug counselor and clinical supervisor (ICRC), a national master addiction counselor (NAADAC), and a KY state licensed clinical alcohol and drug counselor and certified clinical supervisor. Additionally, he is a psychiatric rehabilitation educator (PRA), master clinical traumatologist (GCAT), certified group psychotherapist supervisor (AGPA), clinically certified forensic counselor (NAFC), clinical neurocriminologist (AIAFS), and forensic peer support trainer in the states of Maryland and Virginia.

Enjoy a year of Corrections Today for FREE as one of the many benefits of ACA membership!

MEMBERSHIP $35 PER YEAR!

— Quarterly Corrections Today magazine — Discounts on training — Nominate individuals to leadership positions — Digital ACAConnect and Corrections Digest e-newsletters — Voting privileges in ACA elections (excludes Associate Members) — Discounts on ACA publications, videos and e-learning courses — Customized savings on dining, retail shopping, travel and entertainment Membership Services Support Center: 703-224-0115

Visit aca.org under the Membership tab

Corrections Today | Fall 2025

10

Rethinking Suicide Prevention in Corrections “Suicide is a leading cause of death in jails and prisons.”

Suicide is a leading cause of death in jails and prisons. Often blamed on policy failures, system breakdowns, or inadequate assessments, they can result in costly and preventable litigation. To help you meet this complex challenge, our specialized experts in suicide prevention at ACA have developed a new and powerful tool for identifying the root causes of suicides in jails and prisons. ACA’s Correctional Root Cause Analysis (CRCA) for Suicide Prevention Programs in jails and prisons provides a sustainable approach for assessing the underlying and systemic factors impacting suicide risk. Your CRCA will: Creating a Culture of Safety

360° Analysis

Leadership

Treatment

Operations

Frontline

• Identify the causes of suicides in prisons and jails and determine which factors are root cause factors; • Examine the underlying reasons for suicides by using both qualitative and quantitative assessment techniques; • Produce a concise SWOT analysis for sustainable outcomes; • Deliver a succinct executive-level report. Our team of highly qualified mental health and security experts will complete your CRCA quickly and efficiently. No names are recorded. Everything is confidential. Facilities using CRCA have given us very positive feedback. If you are looking for a reliable solution for a sustainable suicide prevention program in your facilities, please contact us for information about how you can have us deliver a Correctional Root Cause Analysis (CRCA) for your jail or prison’s suicide prevention program.

CONTACT FOR MORE INFORMATION: Director, Correctional Mental Health, Dr. Dean Aufderheide (703) 980-8564 Director, Office of Correctional Health, Terri Catlett (703) 224-0048

Reference: https://www.statista.com/chart/28290/suicide-rates-in-us-jails prisons-and-general-public/

11

News&Views

VIEW FROM THE LINE

We have a new teacher in education By Mary Ellen Nourse

B ringing new employees on board at a correctional facility can be an interesting adventure for all concerned. This can be particularly true when a new Teacher/Instructor is hired for the Education Department. Like the adage “... it takes a village to raise a child,” it takes all areas of the prison — Administration, Security, Treat ment staff and current Education staff — to help the new hire enjoy and serve successfully as an edu cator at your facility. This article, which is based on my 21 years in Corrections Education, focuses on ways in which Prison Administra tors and Security staff in particular can assist the new Teacher/Instruc tor to better ensure the new hire has a successful and rewarding experi ence at your correctional facility. Prison administrators — wardens and deputy/assistant wardens When I was first hired at a cor rectional facility in Idaho, I was looking forward to setting up my Vocational Business classroom

Adobe Stock/Savannah1969

and enrolling offender students. Instead, however, I was assigned to oversee the facility Carpentry Shop. Although initially I found this annoying, later in my career I was thankful for this experience during which I learned tool control poli cies and procedures. What better way for a new Teacher/Instructor to learn the “layout” of a prison than by assigning him/her to spend time in departments and offices such as the Shop, Laundry, Library, Admin,

Chow Hall, Visitation and/or Rec Yard? As a Warden or Deputy/Assis tant Warden, consider working with your Education Principal/Program Manager to use this strategy for in troducing a new Teacher/Instructor to working “behind bars.” Security staff A prison is no place for “silos.” Be careful of the “us vs. them” mindset. Sometimes a CO might

Corrections Today | Fall 2025

12

VIEW FROM THE LINE

think “Those people in Education get in the way of me doing my job.” Likewise, a new Teacher/Instructor in Education might think, “Why are these COs always interrupting my class to pull out a student? Don’t these Security people know I’m try ing to teach?” Keep in mind that many — if not most — of us in Education are passionate about our profession. The new Teacher/Instructor at your facility probably applied for the position because s/he has a genuine goal of helping offenders. (In my case, however, I applied for the Edu cation position at the prison because I needed a job). We teachers also want to provide the best educational experience possible for our students, and we’re enthusiastic about equip ping our classrooms with supplies, books, computers — any materials we can use in the herculean task of educating offenders. As a neophyte correctional Teacher/Instructor, I was constantly asking my principal, “Why can’t I have (insert the name of the item — scissors, fish tank, pens, paper cutter, snacks for offend ers, etc.) in my classroom? How am I supposed to teach?” Men and women in Security are in an excellent position to share with new Teachers/Instructors why items such as the above aren’t allowed in Education. I was surprised when a CO showed me how an offender can use a simple ink pen to make tattoos — who would have thought? On the topic of offender behav ior, remember we in Education may see offenders at their best when they’re in our classrooms. Security staff see offenders at their best AND at their worst.

After six months in Education at the prison, the Warden caught on that I was falling into the “These offenders are really nice guys — they just made a few mistakes” mind set. Warden T. assigned me to help with one of Security’s most tedious activities: cell searching. I was as signed to be part of a team of two seasoned COs and me. Not knowing how exhausting cell searching can be, I entered this new task with rel ish. The two veteran COs patiently walked me through “Cell Search ing 101,” since I didn’t remember much of what we’d been taught in Academy. particularly aware of gang activity, since these state facilities may have more gangs than are found in federal prisons. I recall the first item I searched was an offender’s photo album. “You can’t judge a book by its’ cover” proved true in this case. While the covers and first page of Offender Z’s photo album looked fine, the expe rienced COs suggested I check to see if anything was hidden behind the photos. What I found were pictures of scantily clad women in all sorts of provocative poses: “But Offender Z is such a great student! Teachers in state prisons need to be

Why would he have this porn stuff in his photo album?” The COs informed me that “Dr. Nourse, we see this stuff a lot — that includes from your guys in Education.” A brief scan of Offender Z’s personal correspondence revealed references to “f---ers” “a**holes,” “dikes,” and other undesirable expletives. As Se curity staff, consider working with your facility’s Principal/Education Program Manager and your facility’s Trainer to provide this cell searching opportunity for all neophyte Educa tion staff. Another aspect of offender life with which Teachers/Instructors may not be familiar is the possibil ity of membership in a Security Threat Groups (STG). Teachers in state prisons need to be particu larly aware of gang activity, since these state facilities may have more gangs than are found in federal prisons. My introduction to STGs oc curred when I solicited offender artwork to feature in a facility newsletter. One offender artist sub mitted a penciled drawing of a kitten playing with a ball of yarn. I thought to myself, “This picture is so cute! Offender X is certainly talented.” The seasoned principal noticed im mediately the drawing wasn’t cute. She directed me to hold the draw ing up to the ceiling light and look closely at the ball of yarn. Upon close inspection, I saw that two strings of yarn were twisted to form the number 13. This was my first experience with the “13” symbol, which I found out was a symbol of the Surenos. After this revelation, the artwork submissions idea was scrapped. →

Fall 2025 | Corrections Today

13

News&Views

RESOURCES City of Everet, Washington Police Department. (undated). Gang Awareness Guide . https: www. everettwa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/910/ Gang-Recognition Corrections1. (2024, April 30). 15 Prison Tattoos and Their Meaning. https: www.crrections1.com/ prison-gangs/articles/15-prison-tattoos-and their-meaning U.S. Department of Justice, Criminal Division. (2021, April 29). Prison Gangs . https: www. justice.gov/criminal/crominal-vcrs/gallery/ prison-gangs

In the ensuing years, security staff were extremely helpful to me in detecting and working with STG students. During my final year in corrections, I taught a friday evening Pre-Release class that had attracted three Aryan Brothers (or whatever this White Supremacist group was called at the time). After several classroom conversations with the “Brothers,” I thought to myself, “With their twisted minds, these guys’ brains must look like pretzels.” I recalled, though, an insight that a seasoned Captain had shared with me earlier in my career. “Think of it this way, Dr. Nourse. If this gang stuff is all you’ve heard from your dad, your grandfather, your uncles and your

older brothers, you’re going to believe it.”

Conclusion

Despite my initial gaffes, I found my 21 years in correc

tions among the most enjoyable and memorable of my 40 years in Education. (Prior to entering Corrections Education, I taught at the high school, university and graduate levels). I attribute these successful and rewarding years to the help, advice and encouragement — peppered with jokes and memo rable moments — from colleagues in the Education Department, Prison Administrators, and Secu rity Staff. CT

Mary Ellen Nourse is retired from the Idaho Department of Corrections.

Send Us Your Photos!

Photos are the first thing readers see when they look at a page of Corrections Today . ACA is looking for dynamic photo submissions to use in both print and online. Send us photos of your facility, program or co-workers, and you could be featured in the next issue! To view our photography submission guidelines: 1) Visit www.aca.org 2) Scroll over the “Publications” tab 3) Select “Corrections Today Magazine,” and 4) Select “Submission Guidelines.”

For more information, or to submit a photo, email inquiries to submissions@aca.org.

Corrections Today | Fall 2025

14

VIEW FROM THE LINE

VIEW FROM THE LINE

Solving coded messages in inmate mail A woman’s success in a correctional setting — a personal narrative By Sherry Frasier

– Bletchley House. – Enigma. – World War II. What do these three have in common? Coded messages. D uring WWII, outside sion. Their mission was to decode the Nazis’ encoded communications. Communications about strategies, logistics and plans were encrypted by a machine the Germans made, which they aptly titled Enigma. The definition of enigma is mysterious or difficult, which is exactly what this machine was. It looked like a typewriter, but the keys did not correspond to what appeared on the keyboard like a traditional typewriter or computer keyboard. Wheels and devices inside the machine replaced the correct letters with wrong letters. The result produced a deliberate jumbled, inco herent mess meant only for Hitler’s commanders and decision-makers. 1 The folks at Bletchley House, later London, a group of people performed a clandestine mis

Adobe Stock/rickdeacon

renamed Bletchley Park, decoded this impossible machine and helped secure an Allied victory over The Third Reich. 2 What does Bletchley House and Enigma have to do with working in a prison? The business of encrypting mes sages has filtered into the prison population. 3 It’s a covert strategy

inmates employ in their nefarious attempts to either discuss gang activity or to try to convince oth ers to smuggle substances into the prison population. Although the content of the messages is nowhere on the same evil level as those from Nazi Germany almost a hundred years ago, the motive is the same: to disguise their real message. As a female employed by the Utah Department of Corrections, one of the most satisfying facets of

Fall 2025 | Corrections Today

15

News&Views

my job as a warehouse specialist working in the Central Utah Cor rectional Facility (CUCF) mailroom is intercepting and solving coded messages in offender mail. 4 I’ve worked for CUCF in Gunni son, Utah, for over six years. Almost five of those years have been in the mailroom. Inmate mail is important to the offender population. In my experience, 90% to 95% of incoming inmate mail is healthy, supportive and loving communications. Fam ily and friends keep in contact with their loved ones via uplifting and encouraging letters. The other 5% to 10% is the reason the mail process at both Utah prisons will have been modified by the time this edition of Corrections Today is printed. 5 Unfortunately, mail is only one of several ways contraband is introduced into the facility. We’ve caught letters that tested positive for methamphetamine, fentanyl, mor phine and other opioids. Heroin was discovered in between the layers of a photograph. Meth and Suboxone packages were confiscated in an audio-book on a USB device from a compromised employee of the State Library. Illicit substances have been discovered in the spines of physical books, newspapers and magazines. While incoming items present vital concerns, sometimes outgoing com munications are just as important. When offenders send out mail, not all of it is healthy, positive and loving in nature. Attempting to disguise their secret plans, inmates write letters and messages in codes. Utilizing letters of the alphabet, numbers, symbols, or a combination of these elements, the inmate substi tutes different characters for letters,

thus creating his own alphabet. An alphabet that makes no sense to the untrained eye. Just like the messages produced by the Enigma machine, these coded communications are deliberate at tempts to get a message out of the prison, and they are meant to be understood only by the sender and receiver. At first glance, these ciphers may intimidate and overwhelm the reader and seem impossible to solve. Utilizing letters of the alphabet, numbers, symbols, or a combination of these elements, the inmate substitutes different characters for letters, thus creating his own alphabet. An alphabet that makes no sense to the untrained eye. Solving the mystery When I saw my first coded mes sage in the mailroom, I knew it was something I wanted to solve. I knew I could do it. I refused to let the in mate author of the message outsmart me. I wanted to know what the letter said and was determined to solve it. By encoding the message, he knew the content of what he was sending was deceitful. Yet, he deliberately made a key, wrote a coded letter and attempted to mail it. So, this behavior

is not by accident; it’s deliberate. In the discovery of the jumbled mess, I wanted to know what he was trying to tell his cohort/family/friend. Like the workers at Bletchley House, I wanted to solve the mystery. Along with two male correctional officers who screened the inmate outgoing mail, I wanted to give this a try. The two officers talked to each other like they were seasoned veterans at solving these crazy coded messages. I listened as their conversation revolved around how inmates attempt these actions and how important it was to figure out their criminal intentions. I knew if the officers could solve these mes sages, so could I. For days, I worked on this first puzzle. I chipped away at differ ent combinations of letters. I made errors. I got frustrated and started over again and again and again . Af ter a few days, the right combination of letters produced a domino effect, and words began to appear. I found the solution and couldn’t wait to share my findings with the two cor rectional officers who would be in the mailroom the following morning. “Did you get it?” I asked the first officer when he came in. He smiled and nodded. When the next officer came in, I asked, “Did you get it?” He nodded as well. We compared notes, and all three of us came up with the same solution. At that moment, I knew solving coded messages interested me, and it was something I could do. We don’t get these cryptic messages often. They appear oc casionally but when they do, they always create excitement, followed

Corrections Today | Fall 2025

16

VIEW FROM THE LINE

by the challenge, and sense of ac complishment as soon as we solve the mystery. Years ago, what took me days or even weeks now only takes me a matter of minutes. In wanting to share this interest and skill with other officers and sup port staff, I put together a proposal for our warden and deputy wardens. I wanted to explain and teach this to others. I thought, with hundreds of employees at our facility, there had to be more than three of us who could do this. Turns out, I was right. The Training Division, warden, and deputy wardens approved my training proposal, and to date, I’ve presented a “Coded Messages” training to over 200 staff members, including here at CUCF, at the Utah State Correctional Facility in Salt Lake City, and also to a local sher iff’s office. Combining handouts, images, and slides, the class has grown from one ninety-minute pre sentation to two presentations: Part 1 and Part 2. I’m very proud of being able to decode these attempts and share them with those who are interested in them. Here are some strategies to help you solve these puzzles if you come across one: – Don’t be intimidated. Try it. – Look for anything that may indicate breaks between the words. – Try to find small one-letter words (I, a, maybe “u”). – Seek out patterns. – Search for objects or characters that repeat. – Think along the lines of an inmate. He or she is giving instructions in these messages.

Words like “go,” “get,” “do,” “take,” “bring,” “send,” “buy.” – Spelling will be bad. – Grammar will be off. – Particular letters of the al phabet will be omitted to demonstrate gang loyalty. For example, members of the Crip gang stay loyal to the “c” and will not use the letter “k” in their messages. Find what you are good at In closing, I encourage anyone, civilian or certified correctional staff, male or female, seasoned veteran or novice, to at least try to solve a coded message if you see one. If one can help prevent the introduction of contraband into their facility, it affects the safety of both staff and offenders. Of the six coded letters intercepted in the five years of work ing in the mailroom, each was an attempt to get drugs into the facility. Being a veteran of the U.S. Army, I never think of myself as weaker or different, or that I need special ac commodations, simply because I’m a woman. For seven years, I served. I wasn’t viewed or categorized as anything different. I participated in the same physical training as the male soldiers. I wore the same uniform. I fired the same weapon. I stood before the same promotion boards. I received the same med als. I wore the same boots. I was a soldier. I was a sergeant. I was a teammate. I was an equal. Here at CUCF, I don’t worry about not being a certified cor rectional officer. I’m not viewed or categorized as weaker or differ ent simply because I’m a civilian

support staff. I have the same chain of command as if I were a correc tional officer. I work in the same prison. I answer to the same Utah Department of Corrections mission statement, vision and values as the certified officers. I stand alongside officers who are my teammates, and we support each other and learn from each other. I contribute. We’re all equal here — certified, civilian, male, female … and even canine. For this 2025 Women’s History Month, I challenge everyone, both male and female, to contribute. Find what you’re good at and find your unique talent or ability. To help commemorate and remember the vital contributions at Bletchley House, which helped end the hor rors of World War II, share your skills where they are needed. Don’t be afraid to step up and participate. Don’t be afraid to try something new. We’re all good at something. What are you good at? CT END NOTES 1 https://jgandrews.com/posts/the-enigma machine 3 https://www.corrections1.com/prison-gangs/ articles/gang-codes-cracking-an-inmates-secret diary-HS9ZP3koSSm0l5Td 4 https://corrections.utah.gov/central-utah correctional-facility 5 https://corrections.utah.gov/2024/12/02/new incarcerated-persons-mail-delivery-system-at utah-department-of-corrections-facilities Sherry Frasier has been employed at Central Utah Correctional Facility in Gunnison, Utah, since 2018, she holds a Bachelor of Science in Management, and she recently published a book which is available on Amazon. 2 https://bletchleypark.org.uk/our-story/enigma

Fall 2025 | Corrections Today

17

News&Views

WASHINGTON WATCH

Security and public safety take center stage on Capitol Hill By BBM Staff

Drones: Confronting Threats & Supporting Public Safety D rones are reshaping both criminal activity and public safety response – prompt ing attention from lawmakers. As unmanned aerial systems (UAS) become tools for smuggling, surveil lance, and disruption, lawmakers are seeking ways to strengthen security while enabling law enforcement and first responders to harness drones for good. A Growing Security Priority Over two days in May 2025, Congress examined escalating security challenges posed by mali cious drone activity. The Senate Judiciary Committee on May 20 heard how cartels and criminal networks use drones to smuggle drugs, weapons, and cell phones into correctional facilities and across borders. Ricky Dixon, President of the American Correc tional Association, highlighted that jails and prisons witness frequent drone drops over perimeter fences but lack legal authority to counter these threats.

Adobe Stock/Balint Radu

The hearings revealed a criti cal gap in current law enforcement capabilities. Federal restrictions pre vent most state and local agencies from taking direct action against drone threats, even as these un manned aircraft disrupt emergency operations, conduct unauthorized surveillance of officers, and interfere with law enforcement responses. Public safety leaders are calling for Congress to expand counter UAS authorities to state and local

law enforcement, invest in drone detection technology, and update existing laws to better protect communities and high-profile events from these evolving security threats. As lawmakers continue to ad dress these challenges, the goal remains clear: harness the benefits of drone technology for public safety while building effective de fenses against those who would use it for harm.

Corrections Today | Fall 2025

18

WASHINGTON WATCH

New Executive Order: “RESTORING AMERICAN AIRSPACE SOVEREIGNTY” In June, President Trump is sued an Executive Order Restoring American Airspace Sovereignty. This order establishes a federal task force to counter threats posed by unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), particularly those used by criminals, drug cartels, and foreign adversaries. It directs the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to final ize rules restricting drone flights over critical infrastructure, make drone-related flight restrictions publicly accessible for geofencing, and coordinate national security assessments. It authorizes federal enforcement of laws against unlawful drone use and requires recurring recom- mendations on strengthening criminal penalties for airspace violations. The order also ensures that federal grant programs can be used by state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) agencies to pur chase drone detection and tracking equipment. Additionally, it man dates updates to federal guidance on drone mitigation technologies, provides real-time access to UAS remote ID data to appropriate authorities, and directs the devel opment of guidance for private infrastructure operators. Finally, it calls for integrating counter-UAS efforts into Joint Terrorism Task Forces and advancing the establishment of a National Training Center for Counter-UAS operations.

Major Public Safety Associations Participate in Congressional Briefing on Law Enforcement Training Priorities

Second Chance Reauthorization Act of 2025. The legislation would reautho rize critical reentry grant programs from the Second Chance Act of 2008, which was most recently reauthorized during the first Trump administration as part of the First Step Act in 2018, including services and supports for housing, career training, and treatment for sub stance use disorders and/or mental illness. The legislation would also reauthorize critical programs to reduce recidivism, invest in commu nities, and promote public safety. The Second Chance Reauthoriza tion Act of 2025 would: – Reauthorize key grant programs that provide vital ser vices, supports, and resources for people reentering their com munities after incarceration; – Expand allowable uses for supportive and transitional housing services for individu als reentering the community from prison and jail; and – Enhance addiction treatment services for individuals with substance use disorders, in cluding peer recovery services, case management, and over dose prevention. Since its passage 16 years ago, Second Chance has supported states, local governments, tribal governments, and nonprofit orga nizations in their efforts to reduce recidivism. To date, Second Chance grants have reached more than 442,000 justice-involved indi viduals who participated in reentry services or parole and probation programs. CT

In their opening remarks, Sena tors Chris Coons (D-DE) and John Cornyn (R-TX), co-chairs of the Senate Law Enforcement Caucus, emphasized the importance of equipping law enforcement with the tools, resources, and training necessary to foster public trust and ensure community safety. The discussion addressed a range of evolving challenges and priorities in law enforcement training, including the implemen tation of the Law Enforcement De-Escalation Training Act (LEDTA), the need for modern de-escalation strategies, and ongo ing challenges in hiring, staffing, and retention. Participants also explored ways to strengthen col laboration with mental health organizations, enhance cybercrime prevention efforts, expand train ing for intelligence analysts, and develop leadership skills among mid-level supervisors. VirTra con tributed to the event by providing virtual reality headsets for an inter active demonstration of immersive training technologies. Second Chance Reauthorization Act Reintroduced U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Cory Booker (D-N.J.), along with Representatives Carol Miller (R-W.Va.-1) and Danny K. Davis (D-Ill.-7) introduced the

Fall 2025 | Corrections Today

19