Corrections_Today_Winter_2024-2025_Vol.86_No.4

VIEW FROM THE LINE

is how we become heroes to each other, incarcerated persons and the profession of corrections. We want to ensure every employee feels ob ligated, is able to see these dangers before they occur and intervene to stop the harm effectively. Studies show the rate of suicide is higher among correctional officers than among the general public, and we believe active bystandership is one crucial way to reduce those numbers. The folks who witness mistakes, misconduct or the failing health of their peers are bystanders, and a bystander can be either passive or active. Passive bystanders stand by when a fellow officer is about to make a mistake or commit an act of misconduct, such as excessive force. After the event, they face the excru ciating decision to report or remain silent. Reporting a fellow officer can lead to bad feelings or retribution, but failing to report or lie about the incident is a policy violation and possibly a crime. At AACDDF, we decided to create a third option. What if it never happened? What if one of the bystanders chose to inter vene, thereby preventing the harm? We are confident our staff will gladly place themselves in danger when a

fellow officer is in harm’s way. We want to have the same level of confi dence that each of us will be willing and able to overcome the known social inhibitors to step in and prevent harm. However, intervening in another person’s conduct is much more complicated than one would think, especially in corrections. Employee wellness critical Similarly, when an officer’s stress level begins to have serious conse quences, it may be noticed by their friends and colleagues. Working in an environment filled with trauma exposure brings inherent risks to the health of those brave individu als who have made corrections their career, and for some, their calling. Like many public safety organiza tions, Anne Arundel County has an employee assistance program that supports people who want to improve their physical, mental and spiritual well-being. We have a peer support team. We even have a Critical Incident Stress Manage ment (CISM) Team. Our insurance includes mental health benefits. However, these programs only work when people use them, and that is where active bystandership can make a difference. When one of our people is using unhealthy means to deal with their stress or sliding into depression, co-workers are often in a position to see the need for an intervention. By teaching employees when and how to intervene skill fully, we believe we can increase the chances that their colleagues will reach out for the available help. Most agencies have had cases where someone’s depression or anxiety

continued to worsen, occasionally resulting in suicide. Studies show the rate of suicide is higher among correctional officers than among the general public, and we believe active bystandership is one crucial way to reduce those numbers. Passive vs active bystanding So, what stops people from intervening? We already know one inhibitor is rank. We learned how to name and tame that rank-based inhibitor and the tactful skills to intervene. The reasons people do not intervene go deeper than rank. Will old friends be willing to risk temporary discomfort in a relation ship and confront each other about alcohol use, mistakes on the job and other unhealthy ways of dealing with stress? When someone is depressed and says, “I don’t want to talk about it,” do we have the willingness and the tools to overcome their denial and encourage them to get help? These inhibitors are very real and complex to overcome. Interestingly, these inhibitors are not unique to people who work in jails. Research shows they apply to everyone. Although they could have intervened, passive bystanders sit back and do nothing. Maybe they’re waiting for someone else to step in, or maybe it’s someone of higher rank. Or maybe it’s simply because these conversations are difficult and uncomfortable. In contrast, active bystanders pay close attention to the situation, decide to intervene and then intervene to prevent harm. To get people to intervene, we must maintain a culture that supports, accepts, respects and welcomes

Winter 2024-2025 | Corrections Today

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