Correctional Employees Week

Today’s Corrections Employees are a far cry from what might be portrayed on television. The 179 Corrections Staff and 43 Contract Staff at the Corrections Center of Northwest Ohio are receiving special recognition this week for a job well done during National Corrections Employee Week.

Jim Dennis, CCNO Executive Director, said “This special week is an opportunity to recognize Corrections employees for the difficult, challenging and mostly unnoticed jobs they do. The public seldom sees these professionals work, experience the difficulty, stress or complexity of their jobs. The CCNO board and the President of the United States have recognized these unsung professionals.”

CCNO will be celebrating its 17^th anniversary in July and several staff members will be celebrating their longevity with a business that operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Today’s Corrections Employee may complete up to 284 hours of training in the first year employed at CCNO. That training includes 144 hours of basic corrections academy training, 80 hours of pre-service CCNO training, 40 hours of on-the-job mentoring and 20 hours of additional training.

Training includes certification in CPR and First Aid, suicide intervention, dealing with the disabled, ethics, criminal justice system, sexual harassment, dealing with adjudicated juveniles, blood borne pathogens, gangs, emergency plans, fire safety, self defense, sexual misconduct, interpersonal communication skills, cell extractions and much more.

After their first year on the job, Corrections Employees are still required to receive 40 hours of continual training each year.

While some may envision today’s Corrections Employee to be someone who carries a weapon or night stick, they carry no weapons. They are a parent, a Sunday School teacher, a military reserve officer, or a softball coach.

Mr. Dennis said, “Many of our employees take an active part in their community by being volunteers. They are leaders and role models, which makes me even more proud to work with them.”

CCNO employees are concerned about the safety and security of not only the facility but the community and each offender. CCNO staff prides themselves for working in one of the most cost-effective jails in operation in Ohio.

In addition, staff help the regional jail pursue the highest standards in corrections. CCNO received accreditation from the American Correctional Association, Ohio Bureau of Adult Detention and the Public Employees Risk Reduction Council.

“When we pursue and meet the highest standards our industry has,” said Mr. Dennis, “we become a better public servant. The environment is safer for staff and offenders and it reduces our civil liability that, in turn, reduces costs for the taxpayers. These are difficult standards to meet and it takes a total team effort to do this.”

CCNO staff also gives back to their communities. In 2006, they conducted various fund raisers donating $5,623.55 to a variety of charitable organizations to include Make-A-Wish Foundation, American Cancer Society, Visiting Nurses of Williams & Fulton Counties, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Staff held a food drive to benefit the Defiance PATH Center, Fulton County Christmas Cheer, Henry County Christmas Cheer and Williams County Christmas for Kids.

Mr. Dennis said, “CCNO staff are generous and compassionate people. They are tough at work but they care about their community and neighbors. They help deserving agencies in need. I am blessed as they are citizens of Defiance, Fulton, Henry, Lucas and Williams counties as well as professionals serving CCNO.”