CORRECTIONAL SERVICES

AISD Dan Dipert Career + Technical Center

2022-2023

Instructor: Amy Wood                                                                                                Office Phone: (682)-867-9572

E-mail:  awood12@aisd.net                                                                                        Room: B105

Class Periods: A Day 3rd & 4th                                                                                  Conference Period:  3:15-5:00 daily

Course Syllabus:  

 

This course is designed to prepare students for the certification required for employment as a correctional officer.  The student will analyze rehabilitation and alternatives to institutionalization. 

The student will learn the role and responsibilities of a correctional officer; discuss relevant rules, regulations, and laws; and discuss defensive tactics, restraint techniques, and first aid procedures as used in the correctional setting.

 

Required Text and Materials:

• Notebook Paper
• BLACK ink pen

 

Course Objectives:

 

The objective of this course is to introduce each student to the basic structure of the Texas Correctional system. This class will focus on basic fundamentals skills needed to perform the duties of a correctional officer. We will discuss the history of the Texas jail and prison systems, their policies and procedures and the daily function of a correctional officer within the system.  At the end of the course, students will be eligible to apply for employment and complete pre-employment testing with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. If students meet hiring requirements they will graduate with a job and academy start date.  Students will have the skills and knowledge necessary to fill the position of correctional officer and fulfill a vital role in the Texas justice system.

Attendance:

• Students will sign in each class period.  If you do not sign in you are considered absent.
• Each student is responsible for all material presented in class, including announcements about changes in course procedures. 
• Students are expected to attend all classes, read all assigned material in advance of the discussion of the topic, participate in class discussions/exercises, and turn in all required work assignments by the due date.

 

Professionalism and Ethics:

• Students are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times.  
• This includes, but is not limited to, adhering to the CTC (district) dress code, treating ALL persons with respect, and refraining from making any abusive/demeaning comments or use of unnecessary explicit language. 
• Students will receive a Professionalism and Ethics grade at least once a grading period.

Cell Phone Usage Policy:

Texas Penal Code § 38.11 

Prohibited Substances and Items in Correctional Facility 

(Third Degree Felony)

• Cell phones are NOT allowed in correctional facilities, therefore no cell phone use is allowed in class.  All cell phones must be set to silent or off during class and must not be visible.

Scope and Sequence Correctional Services

 

History of Correctional Services

Levels and Types of Facilities

Professionalism/Employability Skills/Employment Requirements

Uniform and Grooming Standards

Rules of Conduct & Disciplinary Actions/Ethical Responsibilities

Professional Responsibilities/ Officer’s Roles & Responsibilities

Team Work

Interpersonal Communications in a Correctional Setting

Basic Life Saver CPR certification

Infection Control/ Hazardous Materials

First Aid/AED/Basic Life Saver CPR Certification

Laws of Arrest/Use of Force

Impact of US Legal System

Crisis Management Techniques

Disorders, Disabilities & Behaviors

Conflict Resolution

Correctional Policies and Procedures

Crisis/Emergency Response

Facility Security

Restraint Techniques/Search Techniques

Prisoner Services/Food Services

Inmate Processing, Release Procedures, Classification, Identification, Health/Mental Illness Screening 

Community Based Corrections

Detention Center models/Inmate Supervision

Inmate Rights and Privileges

Stress Management

Suicide Awareness

Special populations: Juveniles/Female Offenders/Intoxicated Persons/Disruptive Inmates (Gangs)

Inmate Accountability (Count Procedures)

Report Writing

 

Class Participation Agreement

Students in Correctional Services  courses may be required to participate in practical application of skills that require physical contact between students/instructors including, but not limited to restraint techniques, searches, defensive tactics and cell extraction.  The application of these skills is vital to a full understanding of required duties in the field.  Students will be instructed on proper procedure, and will refrain from making any physical contact in an inappropriate manner.  Students agree to participate ONLY as instructed  and will not exhibit any behavior that might cause injury to themselves or others.  If such behavior occurs, the student will be removed from the exercise and appropriate discipline will be initiated.

 

Students in Correction Services courses may also be subjected to verbal, visual or simulated materials that are graphic in nature.  The following materials are only used when necessary to provide a realistic portrayal of situations they may encounter in this field.  Such materials may include, but are not limited to, graphic subject matter including violence, graphic images or explicit language.  Examples of items that may be used for educational purposes are photographs from crime scenes in a correctional setting, gang material, prison riots, video clips from Frontline (PBS), and Behind Bars: Rookie Year. 

By my signature below, I acknowledge that I have read the above agreement.  I give permission for my student to participate in activities/course materials requiring physical contact and exposure to graphic materials for educational purposes.

 

__________________________________________________________________________________

Student’s Printed Name

 

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Parent Name Printed                                   Parent Signature                                                    Date

• Parent’s email address:  ______________________________________________________
• Best phone # to contact you:  ________________________________________________