The Shakedown by National Institute for Jail Operations (NIJO)

What is the right minimum hiring age for agencies?  Looking at a recent agency that tried something new and what they discovered, host Aaron Dawson challenges us to consider other ways of thinking about “how we’ve also done it.  We also discuss some recent case law and how that may impact what we all do. Copyright 2024.  National Institute for Jail Operations (NIJO), Aaron Dawson, The Shakedown Po...

Pulling topics fresh from the news, host Aaron Dawson discusses body cameras, proposed legislation, and whether or not pay increases help with retention.  We all have our opinions, but what does the data say? Copyright 2024.  National Institute for Jail Operations (NIJO), Aaron Dawson, The Shakedown Podcast.  All Rights Reserved.   DISCLAIMER: This podcast may not be distributed without written pe...

Sometimes when we look back, some things are clearly obvious.  In this interview, we have a conversation with Captain Tammy Waddell the Jail Administrator of the Limestone County Jail.  She shares with us her path to a position of leadership, some things she’s learned along the way, some things she wished she would have known, and a few things for those in the midst of “working their way up.”  It...

In this episode host Aaron Dawson shares some headlines of current events within the corrections world.  We take a look at these topics, some of which are informative, some of which are strange, some of which are instructive, and others are just plain humorous.  We look at a wild event requiring 12 people to go to the hospital, the importance of maintaining control, and a story of an agency backin...

In this episode host Aaron Dawson shares some headlines of current events within the corrections world.  We take a look at these topics, some of which are informative, some of which are strange, some of which are instructive, and others are just plain humorous.  We look at how quickly things can spin out of control, how weather can cause issues, the importance of training and a wild story about th...

In this episode host Aaron Dawson shares some headlines of current events within the corrections world.  We take a look at these topics, some of which are informative, some of which are strange, some of which are instructive, and others are just plain humorous.  We look at staffing shortages and some ideas to combat that, contraband, use of force, and the need to be careful when searching. Copyrig...

Corrections is a career field in which advancement can come quickly at times.  The result of this is someone being given a responsibility that are not completely prepared for.  Even in those times when we feel prepared, there is always more that we didn’t know, and sometimes we wish we had before we took the position.  In this episode, host Aaron Dawson interviews Major Deann Cash, a Jail Administ...

A challenge faced by every facility is keeping the inmate population occupied in a manner that is productive for them as well as the staff and facility.  This can present a challenge!  In this episode, host Aaron Dawson interviews Major Deann Cash, a Jail Administrator whose facility has found a creative…and if we’re being honest, heartwarming way to accomplish a difficult task. Copyright 2024.  N...

If we base our perception of what we do on what we see in the media we could develop a negative view.  In this episode, we challenge that view. What you do matters! Copyright 2024.  National Institute for Jail Operations (NIJO), Aaron Dawson, The Shakedown Podcast.  All Rights Reserved.   DISCLAIMER: This podcast may not be distributed without written permission from NIJO.  The information contain...

Unfortunately, lawsuits are a part of the arena in which we work.  Some of them are legitimate while others seem mildly ridiculous.  Looking at a current lawsuit as a springboard, host Aaron Dawson discusses some simple steps we can take to make sure we are protected. Copyright 2024.  National Institute for Jail Operations (NIJO), Aaron Dawson, The Shakedown Podcast.  All Rights Reserved.   DISCLA...

In this episode, host Aaron Dawson looks at some current headlines and what we can glean from them.  A major part of the corrections profession is watching, observing, and controlling inmates.  An often-overlooked part is watching out for our other officers.  Our safety depends upon each other, and we need to be aware of what is going on and address any concerns. Copyright 2024.  National Institut...

Continuing the conversation in reference to House Bill 4972/Senate Bill 3409, host Aaron Dawson has a conversation with Jail Commander Rob Yantis.  Rather than focus on the minutia of the bill, they take a very practical approach to this topic.  If this is the situation, how do we need to operate?  How do we do our job professionally and ethically?  We don’t want to wait until the spotlight is on...

In this episode, host Aaron Dawson looks at events taken from current news focused on “Situational Awareness”.  By looking at recent real-life examples, we are reminded that we work in an environment in which we must expect the unexpected.  Let’s stay aware and stay safe! Copyright 2024.  National Institute for Jail Operations (NIJO), Aaron Dawson, The Shakedown Podcast.  All Rights Reserved.   DI...

In this episode, host Aaron Dawson looks at a recent case law decision and events taken from current news focused on our 8th Amendment articulated “Duty to Protect”.  By looking at recent real-life examples, we can gain a sense of what to do and what not to do. Copyright 2024.  National Institute for Jail Operations (NIJO), Aaron Dawson, The Shakedown Podcast.  All Rights Reserved.   DISCLAIMER: T...

Season 3 starts off with a bang!  Host Aaron Dawson interviews the Executive Director of NIJO, Tate McCotter.  They discuss some recent controversial legislation regarding the elimination of solitary confinement that has been put forth in the US House of Representatives and the US Senate.  As is often the case in everyday life, as well as here, the REAL problem isn’t what we see…it’s deeper than t...

It has been said that the holiday season is “either super up or super down.”  Whichever it is for us depends on our mindset.  If we are looking for reasons to be frustrated, discouraged, or cynical…there will always be plenty of material available.  This path ALWAYS leads to heightened stress, anxiety, and can result in depression.  The data is clear that the best remedy to this mindset isn’t a ne...

We work in a dangerous and stressful environment…no kidding!  Some of that we have no control over, but as supervisors, the cultural environment is our responsibility.  Our officers need an environment in which their personality and strengths can be recognized and utilized.  They need an environment that is not conducive to toxic and negative influence from other employees.  They need an environme...

Speaking to supervisors…what cultural environment do we create, facilitate, or allow on our shifts?  In this episode, host Aaron Dawson discussed fostering a cultural environment in which our officers are free to grow.  That means that they will make mistakes, but as long as they are minor mistakes as a result of the learning process…that’s growth.  Secondly, does the environment allow them the fr...

In this episode, host Aaron Dawson continues the conversation dealing with the responsibility of supervisors.  The officers are our responsibility!  What do they need?  In this episode the discussion centers around the “routine” of corrections.  Do our officers know WHAT is expected and do they know HOW to do it?  As supervisors, it’s our responsibility to know the answer to those questions. Copyr...

In this episode, host Aaron Dawson continues the conversation began in the last episode discussing crucial skills that supervisors must have in dealing with staff.  What do our staff need from us?  In this episode, we continue by discussing the third and fourth things supervisors must provide.  The third item is a consistent and realistic level of intensity.  If we “flip out” every time that anyth...

Jails across the country are experiencing “staffing issues.”  Why?  There could be a host of contributing factors, but one very likely factor is the lack of training being provided to those in supervisory positions specific to supervising people.  In this episode, host Aaron Dawson discusses two things that supervisors must provide their officers.  The first is expectations.  What do we expect of...

In this episode, host Aaron Dawson continues the conversation with attorney Alisa Brodkowitz dealing with legal mail.  In this episode, they discuss a recent case that came before the 11th Circuit Court as well as a bill that is currently being considered in Congress.  The discussion moves to the benefits of using technology in jails as well as the risks that technology can pose.  The conversation...

The Shakedown is excited to interview Alisa Brodkowitz, and attorney and the CEO of Lightning Law to the podcast.  While at JAILCON, host Aaron Dawson and Ms. Brodkowitz struck up a conversation about legal mail and decided the discussion needed to be had on the podcast.  In this episode, Ms. Brodkowitz shares some basics about legal mail as well as some common misconceptions and mistakes that jai...

Where do suicidal ideations come from, and is there anything that we can do to help protect and fortify ourselves against them?  In this episode, host Aaron Dawson continues the conversation from the previous episode, sharing some simple and practical actions we can take to provide ourselves with some layers of psychological safety.  Life can be difficult, and corrections is a field in which we co...

Hopelessness and despair are potent emotions that can profoundly influence us.  Often, it isn’t difficult to find events in our lives to promulgate those emotions.  However, we do not have to surrender ourselves to them, we can take some practical actions to provide ourselves with some layers of psychological safety.  In this episode, host Aaron Dawson wraps up this conversation considering these...