24 June 2025
New York (EDT): 13:00/ London (BST): 18:00/ Brussels (CET): 19:00
In today’s world, managing a prison workforce is more challenging than ever. It’s not just about filling positions; it’s about discovering, training, and keeping the right people who can make a real difference.
First off, it is about recruitment. Finding the right people for these roles is crucial. It’s not just about skills and experience; it’s about finding individuals who are passionate about making a positive impact. Think about it: working in a prison is demanding, so we need staff who are not only qualified but also dedicated to helping others.
Once we've found these potential recruits, the next step is training. Proper training helps them understand the unique environment they’ll be working in. It’s not just about following rules; it's about learning how to handle difficult situations and communicate effectively with both inmates and colleagues. Great training programs equip staff with the skills they need to succeed and feel confident in their roles.
Last but not least, we need to focus on retention. Keeping good staff is just as important as finding them. This means creating a supportive workplace where employees feel valued and have opportunities to grow. When staff members know their contributions matter and see a pathway for advancement, they’re more likely to stay long-term.
In summary, navigating today’s prison workforce involves a thoughtful approach to recruiting, training, and retaining staff. By doing so, we can build a more effective and compassionate prison environment for everyone involved.
Programme
Moderated by Torben Adams, the Head of Division at the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs in Bremen, Germany. Among his responsibilities, he oversees CPVE (Countering Violent Extremism) programs and initiatives, international corrections cooperation, and advanced training for correctional and probation officers in the Federal State of Bremen.
Torben Adams
Exploring Prison Staff Recruitment, Retention, and Training: A Multi-Faceted Analysis
This presentation examines the challenges in prison staff recruitment, retention, and training in North America, with broader international implications. The researcher analyzes data from a longitudinal study of Canadian correctional officers, evaluating current screening processes and their impact on workforce development. The investigation extends to training effectiveness, particularly focusing on how limited exposure to prison environments affects learning outcomes for new recruits. Drawing from exit surveys in a youth correctional service system, the research reveals that staff departures are primarily attributed to limited career advancement opportunities, inadequate training affecting safety, accountability issues, staffing shortages, relationship dynamics, scheduling challenges, and compensation concerns, rather than mental health or trauma exposure. The presentation concludes with recommendations for improving recruitment strategies, retention rates, and training methodologies in correctional services.
Dr. Rosemary Ricciardelli
Kostanay Academy as a Regional Hub for Criminal Justice Capacity Building
Kostanay Academy stands as Central Asia's premier specialized institution for criminal justice and penitentiary system training, serving as a Regional Hub for comprehensive law enforcement education. With three dedicated centers focusing on probation services, counter-extremism, and penitentiary management, the Academy has successfully trained over 800 probation officers and 1000 penitentiary staff through programs supported by UNODC and the European Union. The Academy's Nelson Mandela Rules Training Center has facilitated specialized online training for 6,000 penitentiary staff, ensuring alignment with international standards. Looking ahead, the Academy is expanding its capabilities through the establishment of a Dynamic Security Center and a Digital Security Department, addressing emerging challenges in cybercrime and radicalization prevention. With active membership in INTERPA and strategic partnerships across 31 institutions in CIS countries, along with growing collaborations in Turkey, Korea, and Azerbaijan, Kostanay Academy continues to strengthen its role as a pivotal institution for criminal justice capacity building in the region.
Annette Warman
Professor Samuel Haipinge Hamukoshi
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