Keeping correctional staff safe begins with how we prepare to respond to correctional emergencies. This preparation is usually dealt with under the umbrella of emergency preparedness planning. It is important to note that correctional personnel respond to emergencies as first responders.
Staff members initially respond to these emergencies, determine what type of specialized emergency response is needed, then assist with handling the problem while the appropriate specialized response teams are called to the scene, such as correctional emergency response teams, EMS, fire department or maintenance department.