Improving Health to Improve Culture: Correctional Officer Functional Fitness

Tuesday, May 21, 2024

4:00 PM – 5:30 PM East Coast USA Time

Location: Palm A

Presenter(s)

Michael W. Farrier, II, PsyD

Michael W. Farrier II, PsyD
Major Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office (Retired)
Valley Center, California

Additional Presenter(s)

Victor L. Powell, n/a

Victor L. Powell
Georgia Correctional Training Instructor (Retired)
Albany, Georgia
Mary McCaffity, n/a

Mary McCaffity
Deputy Director, Texas Department of Corrections
Austin, Texas

Moderator(s)

AB

Andre Bethea, n/a

Sr. Policy Advisor
U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA)

Description: Correctional officers are at higher risk of developing chronic illnesses, including stress, depression, suicide, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases. Work conditions in the correctional setting contribute to these risks, but so do individual choices. Unhealthy officers can lead to unhealthy agency culture.
This presentation will provide ways for correctional officers to reduce their risks in some of these areas. We will provide real-life examples of ways to improve in the area of functional fitness, which will include physical fitness, nutrition, sleep, and mental health. Supporting a healthy lifestyle will improve not only employees’ safety and wellness but also the work culture, improving employee retention and recruitment.

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion, participants will be able to identify both the inherent and hidden risks associated with working in a correctional environment.
Upon completion, participants will have the resources and knowledge to improve their functional fitness.
Upon completion, participants will be able to develop and implement healthy coping strategies aimed at managing prolonged chronic stress.
Upon completion, participants will be able to identify ways to start new programs within their agency to improve their officers’ health and wellness.
Upon completion, participants will have the resources and knowledge to improve the culture within an organization.