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,…

In corrections, silence isn’t neutral. It’s often interpreted as indifference, incompetence, or worse — concealment. For too long, silence has been the default response to uncomfortable questions, tough headlines, or high-profile incidents. But here’s the truth: Silence is a strategy… just not a good one. When corrections professionals don’t communicate — especially during critical incidents…

The corrections profession is often misunderstood, undervalued, or misrepresented in the media. Your staff are frontline professionals — problem solvers, mentors, protectors. Their stories deserve to be told. But it has to be done the right way: strategically, respectfully, and with awareness of security, privacy, and perception. How to Tell Staff Stories Safely and Effectively…

If your corrections agency doesn’t yet have a formal public information program, you’re not alone — but you are vulnerable. Whether you’re managing a facility, leading a state DOC, or overseeing multiple units, the absence of a structured communications function means missed opportunities, increased risk during crisis, and strained public trust. The good news? You…

Father’s Day can be a complicated day, especially inside a correctional facility. Some incarcerated fathers are working to rebuild connections with their children. Some correctional staff are fathers who spend the day on shift, away from their families. Some programs offer a moment of reflection, reconnection, or growth. Others go by quietly, without acknowledgment at…

Let’s face it — most of the time the media calls, it’s not for something good. A disturbance.A death.An escape.A lawsuit. That’s the nature of the news cycle, especially in corrections. But that doesn’t mean your agency should only speak during a crisis. In fact, if you want to shape public understanding of the work…