Avoiding Complacency as a Corrections Officer – Linen Exchange

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Avoiding Complacency as a Corrections Officer – Linen Exchange

 

Gordon Graham
Category: Corrections

Gordon Graham here with Today’s Tip from Lexipol. Today’s Tip is for corrections.

Check all incoming clothing and bedding for weapons and other contraband.

Today’s Tip is for custody officers and it deals with the safety and security issues related to linen and clothing exchanges. 

Conducting linen and clothing exchanges is a common task for many custody officers. Usually it is pretty uneventful and mundane. It might seem routine. But detecting weapons and other contraband is very important to jail security. 

Many facilities use inmate workers to wash, and to fold, clothing and bedding. The laundry room environment can be a great opportunity for an inmate looking to pass contraband.  

You should check all incoming clothing and bedding for weapons and other contraband like food or notes. You should not hand any clothing item or any piece of bedding to an inmate until it has been thoroughly searched. Also, remember that contraband can be moved out of a housing area-not just into it. So make sure you check every article going out to the laundry too.  

You should count the items going out and coming back in. Hoarding of clothing or linens can create safety and security issues. Too much clothing and bedding can clutter a cell. Allowing one inmate to hoard clothing and bedding can give the appearance that the inmate is being favored by staff. This perception can create animosity and lead to trouble. 

Avoid the trap of complacency when handling clothing and linens. Remain vigilant and support the safety and security of our facility.  

And that’s Today’s Tip from Lexipol. Gordon Graham, signing off. 

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