Federal prisons face numerous challenges that make it difficult to demonstrate thought leadership. Employee recruitment and training, budget cuts, general civil unrest, employee retention rates, and changes in agency protocols and operation procedures are just a few of federal prison leaders' struggles. Additionally, issues in law enforcement like increasing attrition, expanding responsibilities, and consistent decreases in resources make creating a workforce that’s more representative of their communities an increasingly arduous task.

The National Employee Survey for Law Enforcement reveals that officers consider technology and training to be one of the top concerns in their departments. Nationwide, 95% of officers responded that their main concern was law enforcement training in areas such as de-escalation techniques, crisis resolution, and mental health management, and 89% said that technology, such as drones and less-lethal weaponry, was their second priority. Officers believe that technology will not only improve their policing ability but also mitigate their taxing workload. Technology is transforming our world, and the field of law enforcement is no exception. As innovations arise, agencies must introduce new technologies as well as train officers how to use them properly and effectively.

The move to virtual hearings at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic not only helped protect public health; it also increased participation in court proceedings. Technological advancements affect every industry and organization. As new digital technologies arise, they present new, more effective ways to get things done, and the court system is no exception.

In 2021, 57% of firefighter fatalities caused by illness or injury were the result of stress, overexertion, or medical issues. This is an alarming number, especially considering the dangerous nature of a firefighter’s work. That's why behavioral health, physical fitness, and peer support should be a priority for firefighter leaders. Making health of your firefighters your first priority will help them more effectively serve others as well as improve their own lives. 

A recent study found that prison and jail staff are at significantly increased risk of contracting COVID-19 compared to the general public. With all the time prison staff spend around prisoners and members of the public who come in for visitation, this number is not surprising. However, it’s had a major impact on the availability of staff for prisons and the recruitment of new team members. Because of this, correctional officers are overworked, which poses a threat to public safety. In this blog, we explore ways correctional leaders can increase staffing and relieve the burden on their officers.

Every day, state and local government officials make difficult decisions that impact the lives of citizens across the country. From balancing budgets to ensuring public safety throughout their localities, these leaders are constantly tasked with meeting the needs of their communities.

Public safety agencies nationwide are constantly looking for ways to improve the efficiency, fairness, and safety of their scheduling policies. Adding off-duty programs not only increases scheduling complexities, but also adds risks and potential liability. It’s imperative to have well defined, enforceable polices in place to help mitigate these risks.

Although professional standards require at least 30 firefighters to battle the blaze that erupted in a 100-unit apartment building in Illinois, only five firefighters were available to respond. This is just one example of the impact of firefighter shortages that affect communities across the US. The fire service is a demanding and challenging profession that requires a high level of commitment and dedication. Fire departments must be proactive in their efforts to recruit and retain firefighters.  We've gathered a few tips below from fire chiefs and IAFC for managing recruitment, retention, and volunteer firefighters.

As a police, fire, or other public safety agency your mission is to protect the life and property of the public citizens within your jurisdiction. Thanks to technological advances over the last few decades, your department has become increasingly dependent on its information technology systems in order to deliver on this mission. 

The inevitable truth of working in public safety is that many employees will deal with fatigue, stress, sleep deprivation, and more at one time or another. As departments and agencies across the country face staff shortages, fatigue management has reached a tipping point.

Public safety managers are no stranger to the impact these jobs can have on the human body. Over time, these underlying and often hidden problems turn into chronic stress which can lead to burnout, and worse, detrimental health issues.