Prison Security Officer Course

Lesson 1 • The Correctional System Overview

Covers the structure of correctional facilities and the officer's place within it. Grounds all subsequent training in institutional context.

Lesson 2 • Professional Ethics and Conduct

Defines ethical standards expected of correctional officers. Builds a foundation for professional decision-making throughout the course.

Lesson 3 • Inmate Rights and Officer Duties

Examines the balance between security needs and inmate rights. Prepares officers to uphold standards without compromising safety.

Lesson 1 • Inmate Count Procedures

Covers formal count methods used to verify inmate presence at all times. Accurate counts are the primary tool for detecting escapes.

Lesson 2 • Control Room Operations

Introduces the control room as the nerve center of facility security. Officers learn to operate doors, intercoms, and monitoring systems.

Lesson 3 • Post Assignment and Responsibilities

Defines fixed and roving post duties and their security functions. Connects individual post performance to overall facility safety.

Lesson 4 • Shift Briefings and Handoffs

Trains officers to transfer critical information between shifts accurately. Continuity of information prevents security gaps.

Lesson 1 • Principles of Inmate Supervision

Establishes core supervision principles including visibility, consistency, and fairness. These principles reduce manipulation and promote order.

Lesson 2 • Special Population Supervision

Addresses supervision needs of inmates with mental illness, medical conditions, or protective custody status. Tailored approaches reduce harm and liability.

Lesson 3 • Managing Inmate Groups and Housing Units

Covers techniques for supervising multiple inmates in shared spaces. Effective group management reduces tension and collective disturbances.

Lesson 4 • Disciplinary Procedures and Sanctions

Explains the formal disciplinary process for inmate rule violations. Consistent discipline reinforces institutional order and officer authority.

Lesson 1 • Pat-Down and Strip Search Procedures

Covers lawful and systematic body search techniques for both genders. Proper technique ensures thoroughness while respecting legal standards.

Lesson 2 • Vehicle and Perimeter Searches

Extends search skills to vehicles entering the facility and perimeter areas. Perimeter integrity is essential to preventing contraband introduction.

Lesson 3 • Types and Risks of Contraband

Identifies categories of contraband and the threats each poses. Understanding contraband types guides search priorities and detection strategies.

Lesson 4 • Contraband Evidence Handling

Establishes chain-of-custody procedures for seized contraband. Proper handling preserves evidence for disciplinary and criminal proceedings.

Lesson 1 • Restraint Equipment and Application

Covers the correct use of handcuffs, leg irons, and other restraint devices. Improper application creates injury risk and legal liability.

Lesson 2 • Defensive Tactics and Control Holds

Teaches physical control techniques to restrain non-compliant inmates safely. Proper technique protects both officer and inmate from injury.

Lesson 3 • Chemical Agents and Less-Lethal Tools

Introduces authorized less-lethal options including chemical agents and impact tools. Officers learn deployment conditions and post-use care.

Lesson 4 • Use-of-Force Policy and Continuum

Defines the force continuum and the legal standard of reasonableness. Officers learn to select force options proportional to the threat level.

Lesson 1 • Hostage and Barricade Situations

Addresses officer actions when a hostage or barricade incident occurs. Proper initial response preserves life and supports negotiation efforts.

Lesson 2 • Disturbance and Riot Response

Trains officers in tactical response to inmate disturbances and full riots. Coordinated team response prevents escalation and injury.

Lesson 3 • Emergency Plans and Notification Systems

Covers facility emergency plans, alarm systems, and notification protocols. Officers must know their role before an emergency occurs.

Lesson 4 • Medical Emergencies and First Response

Prepares officers to respond to medical crises until medical staff arrive. Rapid officer response can prevent death or serious injury.

Lesson 1 • Preventing and Disrupting Violence

Applies intelligence skills to prevent planned assaults and disturbances. Proactive intervention is more effective than reactive response.

Lesson 2 • Prison Gang Identification

Covers methods for identifying gang membership through symbols, tattoos, and behavior. Accurate identification supports classification and housing decisions.

Lesson 3 • Threat Assessment and Classification

Teaches structured threat assessment to prioritize security responses. Proper classification reduces housing conflicts and targeted violence.

Lesson 4 • Security Intelligence Fundamentals

Defines security intelligence and its role in proactive threat prevention. Officers learn to collect and evaluate information systematically.

Lesson 1 • Incident Report Completion

Walks through the components of a complete incident report. Officers practice documenting use-of-force, assaults, and contraband seizures.

Lesson 2 • Testifying and Legal Proceedings

Prepares officers to present documented evidence in hearings and court. Credible testimony depends on accurate prior documentation.

Lesson 3 • Logbooks, Counts, and Daily Records

Covers routine documentation including post logs, count sheets, and activity records. Consistent daily records create an auditable security trail.

Lesson 4 • Digital Records and Confidentiality

Addresses electronic documentation systems and data security requirements. Officers must protect sensitive records from unauthorized access.