Introduction This fall semester, I was honored with the privilege of interning with the Bibb County Sherriff Department under the supervision of Cindy Gresham, the executive assistant. Historically, this agency was two separate entities, the Macon Police Department and the Bibb County Sheriff Department. In the year of 2003, the two separate agencies became consolidated into one unified formalized government formally known today as “the Bibb County Sheriff Department.” Ultimately, this consolidation prompted many changes with the policy and procedures of the newly formed agency. There are a few areas that needs improvement as it could potential hinder the overall effectiveness of the agency operations. This two areas is communication and
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Communication Issues One of the biggest areas that the Bibb County Sheriff Office (BCSO) is severely struggling with is communication. Communication skills are critically important. It is viewed as a fundamental skill that is the foundation of any agency. As we have learned in our criminal justice class, “effective communication is the number one skill and quality of law enforcement ("Qualities of a Good Law Enforcement Professional", n.d.).” As an intern for this agency, the different departments I was assigned to were unaware that they were assigned an intern for specific dates. There was an email sent in July to me and the individuals supervising my intern in specific department I was assigned to with dates. However, these individuals still were aware. This means that they were not checking their emails or that the sergeant in the division failed to communicate information with the different squads. There were very little preparations made for me. Therefore, …show more content…
The correctional officers and other personnel use their cell phones freely in the correctional facility. Most jails and prisons prevents cell phones from entering in the facility, because it make it easy for correctional officers to give inmates cellphones. As we have learned in correctional classes, cells phones obtained by inmates are considered contraband. Cell phones in correctional facilities are a serious problem that threaten the security of the prison. According to Mann (2015), the use of cell phone by inmates poses a serve safety and security threat that can interrupt the monitoring of prisons. In addition, these cell phones can be used to commit additions crimes, such as assisting civilians smuggle in drugs or other contraband. Cell phone usage by inmates poses both a safety and security risk by interrupting the monitoring processes of the facility. There needs to a policy implemented that prevents correctional officer from bringing their cell phones in to the prison, because it can very easily be given to the inmates. On the second day, I was able to bring my cellphone in but I left it in the control room when I was interacting with the inmates. It was very easy to bring in. There was no metal detectors to check for cell phones. If they are not checking for cell phones, cigarettes and marijuana can be very easily smuggled in. I was never checked for contraband.
Communication Issues One of the biggest areas that the Bibb County Sheriff Office (BCSO) is severely struggling with is communication. Communication skills are critically important. It is viewed as a fundamental skill that is the foundation of any agency. As we have learned in our criminal justice class, “effective communication is the number one skill and quality of law enforcement ("Qualities of a Good Law Enforcement Professional", n.d.).” As an intern for this agency, the different departments I was assigned to were unaware that they were assigned an intern for specific dates. There was an email sent in July to me and the individuals supervising my intern in specific department I was assigned to with dates. However, these individuals still were aware. This means that they were not checking their emails or that the sergeant in the division failed to communicate information with the different squads. There were very little preparations made for me. Therefore, …show more content…
The correctional officers and other personnel use their cell phones freely in the correctional facility. Most jails and prisons prevents cell phones from entering in the facility, because it make it easy for correctional officers to give inmates cellphones. As we have learned in correctional classes, cells phones obtained by inmates are considered contraband. Cell phones in correctional facilities are a serious problem that threaten the security of the prison. According to Mann (2015), the use of cell phone by inmates poses a serve safety and security threat that can interrupt the monitoring of prisons. In addition, these cell phones can be used to commit additions crimes, such as assisting civilians smuggle in drugs or other contraband. Cell phone usage by inmates poses both a safety and security risk by interrupting the monitoring processes of the facility. There needs to a policy implemented that prevents correctional officer from bringing their cell phones in to the prison, because it can very easily be given to the inmates. On the second day, I was able to bring my cellphone in but I left it in the control room when I was interacting with the inmates. It was very easy to bring in. There was no metal detectors to check for cell phones. If they are not checking for cell phones, cigarettes and marijuana can be very easily smuggled in. I was never checked for contraband.