Every day in corrections is demanding, but certain days give us a unique opportunity to pause, honor, and highlight the people and programs that keep our facilities and communities safe. The Corrections Key Recognition Dates…

The first and only toolkit developed specifically for corrections public information officers, agency leaders, and communicators. Includes Crisis Communication Checklist, Media Holding Statement Templates, Internal Staff Briefing Memo, PIO Quick Guide, Facility Media Access Policy…

This quick-reference guide outlines the essential communication steps for corrections leaders and PIOs to take in the first 48 hours of an escape. From the first hour of discovery through daily updates, the checklist covers…

This free one-page Talking Points Template helps communicators organize their message map with three key messages and supporting points, plus space for background notes and anticipated tough questions. Designed to be printed and folded in…

Includes key recognition dates from July 1 to December 31, 2025 that are relevant to corrections, including corrections-specific observances and recognition weeks/days for allied roles (like nurses, administrative professionals, educators, and more).

To proactively and compassionately communicate with the families of staff and incarcerated individuals in both routine and crisis circumstances.

These five message scripts are designed to support PIOs, front desk staff, shift supervisors and executive leaders during high-stakes moments where language matters most.

Use this 10-Point Public Information Program Self-Assessment to evaluate your agency’s readiness to manage media, crisis messaging and strategic communications.

Bridge phrases are short, strategic statements that help you stay on message during media interviews, staff briefings, or difficult conversations. Use them to redirect, clarify, or reinforce your agency’s key message — without sounding evasive…

A validation tool to ensure your emergency and communications plans work together — not in silos.

Our Facility Media Access Policy outlines the process for requesting and conducting media visits while maintaining safety, security, and operational integrity. All media access must be pre-approved and coordinated in accordance with facility rules and…

This flowchart provides a simplified, high-level guide for how information should move during a critical incident in a corrections facility — ensuring clear roles, rapid coordination, and consistent messaging across internal and external channels.

How to get the press to cover the good news behind the walls. A pitch is meant to spark interest. Use this guide to pitch positive news stories to outlets and make it successful.

How to communicate clearly – without compromising legal integrity. Legal and comms have two different jobs – but they must collaborate. As a PIO, you are constantly balancing transparency with legal risk. This guide helps…

A quick reference checklist for before you speak. Includes information about what to do before the interview, message prep, avoiding some traps, appearance & delivery and emergency language reminders. All helpful information for anyone doing…

Get the press to show up – and stay on message. This resource covers what is a media advisory and the standard format for drafting one. Also included are some Quick Tips and a Sample…

A quick-reference guide for safe, effective, and professional correctional social media. Resource includes what’s safe and useful to post, red flags and risky content, tone tips and suggested content disclaimers. All helpful information for the…

Helping new PIOs and communicators speak with clarity, credibility and consistency. This glossary includes common corrections terms, common media & public information terms, legal language vs plain language examples and pro tips for new corrections…

Plan your next news conference with confidence, clarity and control. Use this Corrections News Conference Planning Checklist to ensure you’ve got everything covered before, during and after your next news conference.

Helps leaders communicate key updates to staff quickly and consistently. Use for:

Essential reminders for correctional spokespersons. Includes:

Each template includes an initial statement and a 24-hour update template for the following situations:

Initial messaging steps for critical incidents. Use this checklist immediately upon notification of inmate deaths, escapes, riots or facility disturbances, full or partial facility lockdown, and high-profile legal or criminal cases involving staff or inmates.