Staff shortages and recruiting difficulties are constant facts of life in correctional facilities. When too few officers are available, the result can put both inmates and staff in potential danger.
To keep their staffing situation under control, correctional leaders must practice effective scheduling and offer long-term retention programs. Workforce management software designed for public safety is an effective means to this end.
For example, software that automatically calculates staffing level requirements against fluctuating inmate populations can ensure optimal coverage. Officers from under-utilized locations can be quickly reassigned to those at over-capacity levels. Officer gender or required skills can be factored into assignment processes. When automation like this is used, qualified officers are better able to work where needed.
Automating processes that drive retention efforts can also have long-term benefits. For example, offering automated schedule bidding or vacation bidding can boost morale while being fairly enforced. Training can be offered that reinforces officer safety and sharpens skills through each officer's career. And evaluations can be tracked to help justify compensation increases.
By focusing on schedules that reinforce officer safety and retention programs that increase morale, the correctional workforce is better supported - and turnover is more likely reduced.
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