Correctional Officers Participating in Multinational Training Programme

Twenty six Department of Correctional Services (DCS) officers will participate in a multinational training programme, beginning this week, in Cannon City, Colorado, USA.
They join officers from the Colorado Department of Corrections, Haiti and Nigeria who have been selected for the two-week training exercise, being hosted by the Correctional Management Institute (CMI).

The engagement will cover several topics including: case management duties and responsibilities; offender programmes for success and reintegration preparation; alternatives to corrections; parole operations and early release supervision; and searches and shakedowns.

Additionally, participants will be exposed to international standards and best practices designed to strengthen the rehabilitation process for inmates and wards in state institutions.

The exercise includes activities focusing on key and tool control management/incident command, as well as a post programme assessment at the end of the two weeks.

Participants are also scheduled to visit the Colorado Territorial Correctional Facility, Denver Women’s Correctional Facility, and Denver Reception Diagnostic Unit.
The DCS officers’ participation is being sponsored by the United States Embassy in Jamaica.

The announcement was made by State Minister for National Security, Senator the Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., during a media briefing at the Department of Correctional Service’s training office on East Street, Kingston, on Friday, September 23.

Senator Charles welcomed the opportunity afforded Jamaica’s participants, noting that the United States continues to contribute significantly to developments within the island’s correctional facilities.

“This generous and timely support will aid us a great deal in treating with the heavy demands and challenges in these institutions,” he stated.

Training Officer with the DCS, Donnette Forrest-Nelson, said the programme will help to develop and broaden the officers’ perspective of their roles as prison managers.

“As such, it will go a far way in enhancing our delivery of services to rehabilitate inmates and wards for reintegration into communities. The ultimate goal is to reduce the rate of re-offending as we strive to create safer communities and a safe Jamaica,” she said.