Can an understanding of your inmate’s traumatic past help with current management issues? You bet! According to Stephanie S. Covington, Ph.D., L.C.S.W, you can keep things under control by looking behind erratic behavior and violent outbursts to see what is going on inside an inmate’s thought world. Dr. Covington is the author of several books on the subject of trauma-informed practices, including gender-specific and addition treatments. Her work is currently being featured on the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) in a 7 week series filmed in the Rockville Correctional Facility, Rockville, IL. “Breaking Down the Bars” chronicles the journey of several female inmates as they deal with their abusive past and gain skills to move on to a more productive life.
Dr. Covington is convinced that anyone who works with people needs to be trauma-informed. In particular, inmate behaviors can be related to past history. Vivid memories of prior trauma can be triggered by a sight, sound or smell. The flood of returning memory can overwhelm the person and impact responses to a situation. Self-protecting defenses such as screaming, violent outbursts or withdrawal can be produced at unlikely times. By understanding these responses for what they are, officers can intervene appropriately to gain control instead of escalating the situation further.
In fact, many of the common methods for controlling an unsafe inmate situation can actually produce the opposite effect in a traumatized inmate situation triggered by the past. In addition, an inmate flooded with vivid memories of a rape or abuse may over-react to the yelling, loud door slamming and name calling that can be present in a typical cell block. Dr. Covington suggests there are tools and skills that have been proven to de-escalate reactive situations.
Measures to regain control in a traumatized inmate situation
- Use a steady, slow, and modulated voice tone when giving instruction.
- Refocus the inmate on the present. Make statements about where they are.
- Confirm that the inmate is safe right now and should not fear harm.
- Ask simple questions about the present to refocus thoughts on the here and now
The next time you have an inappropriate inmate outburst or response, consider a trauma-informed approach. It may make all the difference!
Have you used any trauma-informed procedures at your facility? Share your thoughts in the comments section. 
Photo Credit: Oprah Winfrey Network
This article originally appeared in CorrectionsOne.com
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TurtleT says
This is so true. These tips make a huge difference in the patient’s response to a situation and it reduces the frequency of future outbursts from the inmate. Another huge benefit is that security doesn’t have to exercise control and all parties are kept safe. The key to success however, is staff education and a good measure of patience.
JailAid says
This article is fascinating. Understanding and respecting one another is essential since we all have stories we sometimes try to conceal.
GlobalTel says
I like this article! Everyone must realize that nobody is born evil. It was only the circumstances that caused them to fall into making a mistake.