Security and Institutional Management

Security Operations

(904) 487-4443
SUNCOM 277-4443

Security Operations is responsible for the oversight of security in all Department of Corrections institutions and facilities. This office schedules and conducts all unannounced comprehensive security audits of institutions and establishes minimum security standards and policies. Additionally, the Office of Security evaluates existing and new security technology and prioritizes budget recommendations to the Secretary, identifying critical security deficiencies at major correctional facilities. Inmate drug testing, inmate work programs, security threat group intelligence and operation of a 24 hour duty officer desk are functions of the Bureau of Security as well.

Accomplishments in 1995-96:

• Improved emergency preparedness in correctional institutions by purchasing approximately one thousand 800 Mhz radios for security staff statewide.
• Improved response time of emergency response teams to institutions by providing pagers to all team members statewide.
• Initiated more frequent and intensive training for emergency response teams.
• Reduced escapes by 55% in major institutions, work camps, and road prisons since the Secretary established the zero tolerance escape policy. Contributing factors in this accomplishment have been unannounced security audits and recent statewide security enhancements.