Protecting the Mind Behind the Badge: The Role of Psychological Safety in Correction Officer Retention and Wellness

Correction officer personnel are the number one asset of any agency. Officers must be protected from the hazards of the job. Unfortunately, effective psychological safety is often relegated to the back burner, causing officers to struggle with mental and emotional health.
The focus of this presentation is that employee mental health and wellness are key features of the overall success of any agency. Psychological safety is the most important factor in building strong cultures and high-performing teams. Correctional agencies that focus on this concept increase officer morale, safety, and wellness, while enhancing employee retention. The first step toward building this psychological safety is the implementation of a psychological safety plan.