In the high-stakes world of corrections, communication is not a support function. It is a mission-critical discipline that can build trust, calm tension, shape public understanding, and at times save lives. Yet in the rush to respond to the latest incident, manage the news cycle, and put out fires, both figuratively and literally, it is…

Corrections is not a profession that begins and ends at the facility gate. Long shifts, mandatory overtime, missed holidays, late-night phone calls, and emotional strain follow staff home. The work does not stay neatly contained inside the walls. It becomes part of family life, routines, and relationships. That reality makes National Spouses Day more than…

Every January, the internet fills up with ambitious resolutions: inbox zero, flawless work-life balance, daily yoga, no carbs. Corrections communicators know better. The new year doesn’t bring fewer incidents, slower news cycles, or magically aligned leadership calendars. It does, however, offer a chance to reset habits, sharpen systems, and recommit to the fundamentals that keep…

There are moments in this profession that test the limits of even the most seasoned communicator. In recent weeks, the corrections community has experienced two devastating losses. In New York, the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision mourned the death of a chaplain who reportedly entered an administrative building with a firearm and took his…

In corrections, strength is often defined by control, security, and command presence. Those are essential. But there is another form of strength that deserves equal attention—especially in communication. Kindness. Not performative. Not soft. But intentional, strategic, and grounded in respect. As World Kindness Day approaches, it is worth remembering that kindness in corrections is not…

In corrections, we communicate with many audiences—elected officials, journalists, community partners, and our own staff.But two of the most overlooked are also the most personally invested: the families of our employees and the families of those incarcerated. For many agencies, contact with these groups happens only when something goes wrong—a staff injury, an escape, a…

Corrections is a profession built on consistency and discipline, yet too often our communications and recognition efforts feel reactive or last-minute. We scramble on the morning of Correctional Officers Week to pull together a quick Facebook post, or realize only after the fact that we missed honoring Nurses Week or Suicide Prevention Month. These missed…

Walk into any statehouse hearing on public safety. Watch a breaking news segment after a violent crime. Listen to debates on justice reform. You’ll hear about police. You’ll hear about courts. You’ll hear about victims and communities. But corrections? You’ll hear about us only when something goes wrong. And that is the problem. Corrections carries…

Imagine being a frontline officer who gets a memo so full of jargon it takes three readings to understand. Or worse — learning about a major department change through social media before hearing it from leadership. Both scenarios damage trust, fuel rumors, and leave staff feeling disconnected from the agency they serve. In corrections, how…

In corrections, we deal with some of the most complex, sensitive, and high-stakes scenarios in public service. From escape attempts to inmate deaths to facility lockdowns — the incidents themselves are complicated. Your news release shouldn’t be. Corrections professionals often make the mistake of thinking that more formal language equals more credibility. But when it…

Each July, Pretrial, Probation, and Parole Supervision (PPPS) Week gives us a chance to pause and appreciate the dedicated professionals who help people safely reintegrate into their communities. But for public information officers (PIOs) and agency communicators, this week is more than a celebration—it’s a strategic opportunity. Supervision professionals are often the most misunderstood segment…

Whether you’re starting from scratch or refining your current public information approach, a strategic communications plan is essential for every corrections agency. It keeps your messaging focused, consistent, and ready for both routine operations and crisis events. Without one, you’re left reactive instead of proactive — and that can lead to confusion, distrust, or worse.…

In corrections, communication is often seen as a task — something to be managed during incidents, briefings, or media interviews. But if we stop there, we miss a critical opportunity. Because communication isn’t just a task — it’s a culture. And like any culture, it needs to be built intentionally. Whether you’re a commissioner, director,…