Gordon Graham
Category: Corrections

Gordon Graham here with Today’s Tip from Lexipol. Today’s Tip is for my friends in corrections. Today’s Tip deals with your security key control awareness.

Your security keys should be considered your lifeline to safety in the event of a major incident. They are the single most important piece of equipment in your possession.  

So, let me ask you this question. Are your security keys tucked in your waistband, hanging from your pants pocket, or tucked in between your duty belt and the small of your back? Or are they properly secured on your duty belt to prevent an inmate from simply grabbing them? Are they safe from the risk of loss during an inmate altercation? 

Your security keys should be considered your lifeline to safety in the event of a major incident. They are the single most important piece of equipment in your possession.  

There are other issues to keep in mind about security key use, too. We all know that correctional officer who is constantly keying their way through security doors. They are not patient enough to wait for the control officer to open the security door electronically.  

Trust me folks, the inmate population is watching every move that you make. If you are keying your way through security doors, odds are that the control officer is not watching you. This increases your risk of assault, serious injury or even death.  

Also, does your facility have a system in place to ensure that officers going off duty turn in security keys, and  oncoming shift officers verify receipt?  

We have all heard those tragic stories about the officer who starts the shift rounds and realizes he or she does not have the security keys with them. Ultimately, everyone on duty has to search for the keys, only to find out that one of the officers from the previous shift forgot to turn the keys in when they went off duty. 

Are your key rings set up with keys that access all of the security doors in your facility? Do those keys also open exterior exit doors? If they do, this is a problem lying in wait. Security key rings should be set up to only access interior doors and food hatches in your area of responsibility.  

Do you know what your facility policy is regarding security keys for perimeter access and egress doors? 

Please remember this: “Predictable is preventable.” The same keys that allow you access can allow an inmate to escape. If you aren’t paying attention to your security keys, you are putting your safety – and the safety of others – at risk. 

That’s Today’s Tip from Lexipol. Gordon Graham signing off.