Good Morning,

 

As most of you are aware, I hope that we will be able to implement a character development program across our agency. Most problems in our correctional and personal lives are merely manifestations of weaknesses in particular character trait(s).

 

Correcting the problem is often necessary, but brings only short-term relief. If the underlying character issue is identified and addressed, head-on, then the manifestations (our problems) will be less like to reappear.

 

The positive converse of this is that a focus on identifying traits that build good character and encouraging the development of good character will bring positive outcomes. Developing good character is best accomplished by recognizing and encouraging actions and attitudes consistent with specific good character traits.

 

Here are a couple of recent, real life examples.  I will start with myself.

 

Several months ago, I had to buy a new ID card. After entering BRCI, I placed my ID card in my shirt pocket, instead of wearing it on my clip or placing it in a more secure pocket. While checking ‘under and behind,’ my card fell out. I only discovered this upon trying to leave the prison. Most likely, my card had quickly become the worthless prize of some happy inmate. However, my mistake forced the staff to search (briefly) for the lost card. It also cost me the lost time of getting a new ID and the replacement fee. I purposed to use my clip on future visits. But, the underlying issue was my level of alertness. First, I failed to recognize the potential danger of carrying my ID in a shirt pocket and second, I failed to notice when it fell out of that pocket.

 

My second example is more costly.

 

We have recently had key control problems in several institutions: actually, we have had too many cases of lost/misplaced keys. These instances are costly and most of our staff do not know or appreciate the real cost of their mistake. Even if the keys are found, in any instance when the keys may have been in the hands of inmates, locks must be re-keyed or replaced. This costs the agency thousands of dollars that could be put to better use.

 

Mandating the use of chains that physically connect our keys to our belts or other equipment may help address the problem. Likewise, corrective action may be in order, and instituting a financial penalty for the loss of keys may hold people accountable and develop responsibility.  But, the problem is a reflection of weakness in that same character trait that caused me to lose my ID card: alertness. Alertness is awareness of our surroundings so that we can recognize and respond to dangers, including dangers to the resources entrusted to us. Carelessness is the opposite of alertness. Keys and locks are resources entrusted to us. Especially in this business, carelessness in handling those resources can have awful consequences.

 

Our successes and our failures are most often the result of our own conduct and our conduct is a reflection of our character. Look around your institutions and areas of responsibility. What are your weakest areas? What are your recurring problems? Are you addressing only the symptoms? Are you just trying to get through another day? Are you failing to hold people accountable? What is the underlying character trait that needs to be identified and developed?

 

As leaders we must constantly ask these questions and take steps to bring real improvement. Soon, we hope to develop and implement a program that will eventually have a positive impact on the entire agency.

 

Thank you for your hard work.