Investing in Our Greatest Asset: Why Training in Corrections Must be a Priority

Few professions in the United States carry the weight, complexity, and intensity of corrections. Every corrections professional knows what it means to walk into an environment where tension is constantly brewing, where danger can escalate in a matter of seconds, and where the public rarely understands the burden carried by those behind the walls.

In this high-stakes environment, one truth stands above all: the most valuable resource in any correctional facility is its people. New buildings, cutting-edge technology, and the latest equipment matter, but it is the men and women in uniform who maintain order, safeguard lives, and ensure that facilities operate smoothly. If we expect our staff to succeed—and to return home safely to their families—we must invest in them. That investment begins with proper training and preparation, regardless of cost.

Training Is Not a Cost—It Is a Lifeline

Too often, training is viewed as an expense that competes with other budgetary commitments. When funds get tight, training is one of the first areas to be reduced or delayed. But cutting corners on development and preparation is not saving; it’s a gamble, and the stakes are dangerously high.

Without adequate training, staff are more likely to make mistakes that compromise safety. A poorly trained officer may miss critical warning signs, mishandle a confrontation, or struggle with burnout. The ripple effect of those mistakes is devastating. Injuries, lawsuits, increased turnover, and a workplace culture defined by fear and hesitancy rather than confidence.

On the other hand, proper training is an investment that pays huge dividends. It creates safer facilities, lowers staff attrition, reduces liability, and builds a professional culture where officers take pride in their roles. Every dollar spent on training is a dollar spent on stability, safety, and success. Dollars spent on investing in our people.

Engaging Staff: From Recruits to Veterans

Correctional staff come from diverse backgrounds and generations. Today’s workforce includes fresh recruits just beginning their careers alongside seasoned officers with decades of experience. Each group requires investment, but in different ways.

For younger staff, training provides the foundation they need to navigate one of the nation’s most challenging occupations. It instills confidence, shows them that leadership is committed to their growth, willing to invest in them, and reassures them that they are not being “thrown to the wolves.” Comprehensive, scenario-based training helps them develop competence that can be relied upon when the pressure is high.

For experienced staff, continued training prevents complacency and keeps skills sharp. It communicates respect by showing that their careers are still worth developing, even after years of service. Training that engages veteran officers also acknowledges the unique stresses they face.

When both groups are engaged, a powerful balance emerges: veterans pass on wisdom, recruits bring fresh energy, and training becomes the common ground where experience and enthusiasm meet.

Building Confidence Through Competence

One of the greatest gifts proper training can provide is confidence. In corrections, hesitation or uncertainty can put both staff and inmates at risk. Officers must rely on their instincts in critical moments, but those instincts must be built on sound practices reinforced through well-constructed and consistent training.

Competence builds confidence. When officers know they have been thoroughly trained, they carry themselves differently. They communicate more clearly, de-escalate more effectively, and make better decisions under pressure. That confidence not only ensures safety within the facility but also reduces stress levels, helping officers leave work at work and enjoy quality time with their families.

In corrections, confidence is not arrogance—it is assurance rooted in preparation. It is the quiet strength that comes from knowing, “I have been trained for this. I can handle this situation. My agency believes in me.”

Reaffirming Sound Practices

Training is not just about learning new skills; it is about reinforcing what is already known to be effective. Policies, procedures, and sound practices must be drilled until they become second nature.

In stressful situations, officers do not rise to the occasion—they fall back on their training. That is why consistent refreshers, scenario-based exercises, and practical drills are essential. Training ensures that when a crisis strikes, every staff member responds with clarity and cohesion, rather than confusion and improvisation.

Reaffirming sound practices also strengthens professionalism. It reminds officers that they are part of a larger mission—one that requires discipline, consistency, and a commitment to doing the job the right way, every time.

Creating a Culture of Growth and Development

Investing in staff through training does more than build skills—it creates a culture of growth. When officers see that their agency is committed to their development, it transforms the workplace environment. Morale improves, turnover decreases, and camaraderie grows.

A culture of growth also paves the way for leadership development. Today’s recruits are tomorrow’s sergeants, lieutenants, and jail administrators. When agencies invest in training early and consistently, they are not just preparing officers for today’s challenges—they are creating and developing the leaders who will guide the profession into the future.

This culture of growth builds pride. Correctional officers begin to see their work not just as a job but as a career, one worth investing in and one where they are valued. That pride translates into professionalism, stability, and strength encompassing every facet of the workplace.

The Human Side: Caring for the Whole Officer

Training must also address the human side of corrections. This profession is uniquely stressful, with high rates of burnout, PTSD, and even suicide. Proper investment means going beyond tactical skills to include wellness training and mental health resources.

When officers are trained not just to protect others but also to care for themselves, the benefits are far-reaching. They are more resilient, better able to manage stress, and less likely to carry the burdens of the job home. A complete and holistic approach to training communicates that leadership values not only the officer’s safety on the job but also their well-being as a person.

Conclusion: The Promise of a Safe Return

At its core, investing in staff through proper training is about keeping a simple but sacred promise: the promise of a safe return. Every correctional officer deserves to go home safely to their family at the end of a shift. Training is the bridge that makes that possible.

When agencies make training a priority—regardless of cost—they are sending a powerful message: You matter. Your safety matters. Your growth matters. Your future matters. Your family matters.

Corrections is one of the most difficult occupations in the nation, but it is also one of the most essential. By embracing and engaging staff, by building confidence through competence, and by reaffirming sound practices, we create not just safer facilities but stronger careers and healthier lives.

The investment is clear. The cost is worth it. The return is invaluable.

Captain Jeffrey Begue has over 27 years of corrections experience and currently serves as the Assistant Jail Administrator of the Stark County Jail in Canton, Ohio. He is a US Navy and Ohio Army National Guard veteran and a graduate of National Jail Command Leadership Academy Class #29. Jeff is a Certified Jail Manager, Citizens Academy Coordinator, Accreditation Manager, and an instructor in more than 20 topics in both Peace Officer and Corrections Academies in Ohio. Jeff is also a Subject Matter Expert for the Peace Officer Training Academy, assisting with curriculum development, was awarded his agency’s Agency Vision Award in back-to-back years, and was named NAMI Professional of the Year. Jeff is currently a member of AJA’s Board of Directors to serve as a voice for those in the Corrections Profession across the Nation. For more information, he can be contacted at 290@starksheriff.org