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Expert panelists discussed the challenges faced by administrators and identified high-priority needs for developing a high-quality correctional workforce

• A shift in orientation from punishment and surveillance to a human-services approach could enhance the corrections sector's ability to recruit new talent.
• Competency standards are required to improve the level of staff professionalism and should be the basis of performance evaluation.
• There is a need to assess the impact that inadequate funding for training can have on workforce issues and sector outcomes.
• Minimum standards are required to ensure that training curricula are adequate, consistent, relevant, realistic, and delivered in an effective manner.
• There is a need for standards to control excessive workloads, which can lead to both staff turnover and inadequate mission performance.
• There is a need to promote best practices proven to influence the factors related to turnover intention.
• The sector should develop best practices for line staff to assume more decisionmaking authority and to participate more in policy discussions.
• The sector should place greater emphasis on developing future leaders.
• Supervisors require better training; they are key to line-staff development.

The U.S. corrections sector is a critical component of the criminal justice system, charged with managing offenders and defendants confined in prison or jails, as well as those released into the community on probation and parole. Correctional staff, both within institutions and in the community, must protect the public from individuals accused or convicted of crimes, some of whom are dangerous. However, staff must also prepare those under correctional control for successful, law-abiding lives in the community and support these individuals through the reentry process. The larger public safety mission, therefore, is accomplished not only by separating and monitoring these individuals but also through interpersonal contact, positive relationships, and support of the behavioral change process toward a crime-free life. It is thus critically important for the corrections sector to develop a high-quality workforce.

This report presents the results of an expert panel discussion focused on identifying and prioritizing ways to address workforce concerns in the corrections sector. Panelists identified needs related to recruitment, selection, onboarding, retention, leadership development, and misconduct that, if addressed, would help to build a high-quality workforce.

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Objective Analysis. Effective Solutions.