The Foundation of the Criminal Justice System

As we reflect on another year of amazing work done by thousands of dedicated corrections’ professionals across the country, I’m reminded that this is the 40th anniversary of the very first national recognition from any U.S. President in our over 150-year-old profession in America. In 1984, then President Ronald Reagan went on record through proclamation, highlighting the amazing accomplishments of each of you by declaring the first week of May to be National Correctional Officers Week, and just two years later, adding Corrections’ Employees as well through our legislative action. Day in and day out, through good times and bad, you protect our communities as the unsung and often unseen heroes of the entire criminal justice system.

President Reagan stated, “The professionalism, dedication, and courage exhibited by these officers throughout the performance of these demanding and often conflicting roles deserve our utmost respect.” These profound words highlight our valuable role as the only component of the entire criminal justice system that literally impacts every other part of the system. You are de facto first responders, medical/mental health providers, and guardians of our communities to over 700k inmates 24/7. You accomplish this amazing responsibility with little fanfare and likewise, with zero expectation of recognition. You collectively process over 7 million arrestees each year in over 3000 facilities of all shapes and sizes, across our great country. This includes interacting with individuals who are struggling with substance use disorders, are in mental health crises, have serious medical concerns, and are oftentimes verbally and physically aggressive. Despite these daily challenges, you remain compassionate, professional, and dedicated to elevating our profession.

Contained in the pages of this magazine are the people and organizations, not unlike my own, who rise to the challenge every day! We recognize that if not us, then who? Who else can play such a critical role in the entire criminal justice system, that unequivocally protects thousands of communities across our country? It warms my heart to see the amazing smiles of those who are being recognized for their sacrifices that come with being a local correctional officer and employee.

I’m also reminded that as leaders in our profession, we have an obligation to make it much more than just a single week of recognition. We are called upon to support our staff 24/7 as they are the gears that keep the system running. This includes wellness programming, leadership development, and robust coaching and mentoring of the next generation of local correctional staff and employees. To that point, I want to remind you to join us this fall at the 2024 AJA Leadership Summit in beautiful Palm Springs, California, from October 2-4, where we will continue to tackle these pressing issues with tangible solutions for each of your agencies.

In conclusion, I want to express my gratitude and appreciation for everything you have done to elevate our profession. Much like President Reagan’s thoughts, the entire AJA Board of Directors, and our amazing HQ staff truly feel that your contributions to our profession as well as to our communities must be recognized and celebrated every day. As I noted above, if not you, then who? Local correctional officers and employees are the most dedicated, professional, benevolent, and caring people that I’ve ever had the privilege to interact with. To that point, it brings me pride to serve as your AJA President as we continue our journey together. Be kind to each other, be supportive of each other, and continue to invest in each other. Together we will thrive! Shawn C. Laughlin, MCJ, CJM President American Jail Association