training video

DQ 3: Working as a correctional officer can be very challenging. Frequently new applicants for these positions dont realize the demands of the job and end up quitting while undergoing training or soon after beginning work in an institution. To help avoid this problem, the New Jersey Department of Corrections (DOC) has prepared a questionnaire for potential applicants that asks them to consider the often tough and even dangerous situations they may face as a CO. The DOCs intent is to make sure that applicants understand what the position of CO may entail so that those who are unwilling to to perform certain tasks will not apply. Read the questionnaire below and think about your responses to the questions asked of the applicants for the CO position. Then view the DOC corrections officer training video (in 2 parts). Finally, watch the video that describes the staff shortage problem in Texas prisons and how this can be very risky for the COs working there. After completing these tasks (reading the questionnaire and watching the videos), follow the directions for posting your response to the questions below.

http://www.state.nj.us/corrections/pdf/careers/DEPARTMENT_OF_CORRECTIONS_APP_QUESTIONNAIRE.pdf (correctional officer applicant questionnaire)
http://youtu.be/eJDNlemeZDc (corrections officer training video)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?vwet70I00T2U (CO shortage problems in a Texas Prison)

Create your initial post on the DQ 3 Discussion Board in response to the following questions:

Both the NJ DOC training video and questionnaire attempt to prepare individuals for a career as a correctional officer. But, based on what you know can occur in a jail or prison setting (for example, the situation in the Texas prison), do you think that COs are prepared for the reality of the job? Why or why not? What is one improvement that can be made to the CO training and one question that can be added to the CO applicant questionnaire that would help future COs? You must also discuss something specific that COs could learn by watching the Texas prison video. Your response must be at least 3 paragraphs (of 3-5 sentences per paragraph) in length.

Return to the Discussion Board and read over the posts of your fellow classmates. Choose at least one classmate and create a post responding to his/her initial post on the Discussion Board. Your response must be at least 1 paragraph of 3-5 sentences in length.

Important: 1) Note that there are 2 separate due dates for your initial post and for your reply to a classmates post. 2) Do not cut and paste or copy any text from the book–all answers must be in your own words.