Gordon Graham
Category: Corrections

Gordon Graham here with Today’s Tip from Lexipol. And today I’m going to talk about ethics and integrity among correctional officers.

Correctional officers are expected to operate with wide discretion and minimal supervision. Exercising sound judgment and maintaining high ethical standards is essential.

Now more than ever, police and correctional officers face the harsh spotlight of negative media attention. The good things that take place in your facility likely don’t make headlines, but the bad things sure do. Here’s the reality. You cannot control the media. But what you can do is show up to work every day and act with integrity and ethics.

Correctional officers are expected to operate with wide discretion and minimal supervision. Exercising sound judgment and maintaining high ethical standards is essential. Acts as simple as choosing to follow policy even when it appears time consuming or inconvenient; correcting colleagues who are not doing the right thing; and striving to do your job well all provide a strong foundation for smart, professional behavior and professional pride.

As I’ve said before, every contact we make with another person leaves an impression. You had better believe inmates remember every interaction with correctional officers. Each contact can shape the way inmates will react in the future. Doing the right thing today while interacting with an inmate may make things safer for the next officer down the line.

You’re only human, and humans make mistakes. The important thing is to own up to those mistakes and to be honest about them.

Lying is the road to ruin for your career. Integrity on the other hand allows you to hold your head high and wear your uniform with pride. Learn from your mistakes, act with integrity, and uphold high moral standards and you will be on your way to a job well done every single day.

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