Individual E-Learning Subscription

An annual subscription provides you with access to all available courses in the catalog for one year. Receive over 200 hours of training and a certificate for each course completed. Customer support is provided. ACA member discount available.Click Here For Purchasing Information

Duties of Correctional Officers

Correctional officers are viewed as the backbone of corrections, managing inmates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and maintaining a safe and secure environment for both staff and inmates. Fulfilling their roles successfully is vital to the effective operation of the facility. This course examines the correctional officer’s role in maintaining safety and security, supervising inmates, classifying inmates, and communicating with staff. Click Here For Purchasing Information
ACA Hours: 9

Security Rounds

Being seen by inmates during rounds is important for several reasons.It lets inmates know that officers are watching and attending to duties. It also gives officers an opportunity to obtain information about inmates, assess the tone and climate of the institution, and detect emergencies, such as suicide attempts and fights. Finally, it gives inmates the opportunity to pass on information to officers. On each shift, an officer is assigned to patrol a certain area to prevent criminal activity, maintain security, and protect people and property. This course examines how to conduct effective security rounds both inside and outside the facility. Click Here For Purchasing Information
ACA Hours: 8

Program Involvement and Work Details

As a correctional officer, your most important primary role and responsibility is to maintain safety and security, and it all begins with supervising inmates effectively. Inmates participating in programs and working on crews require careful supervision. All of these activities have inherent risks — such as opportunities for obtaining contraband, escape attempts, and illicit activities. This course examines the role of the correctional officer in supervising inmates in programs and on work assignments, both inside and outside the facility. Click Here For Purchasing Information
ACA Hours: 8

Managing Keys and Tools

Few things in the correctional environment are more important than the control of keys and tools. While tools provide a ready-made source for weapons, keys provide the ability to escape, harm others, and move about the facility undetected and in security-sensitive areas. Following procedures for accounting, issuing, and tracking keys and tools will ensure that they remain under the control of correctional staff. This course identifies the categories of keys and tools used in a correctional environment. It also examines how to control keys and tools and the role of the correctional officer in this effort. Click Here For Purchasing Information
ACA Hours: 7

Reducing The Risk of Escapes

Correctional agencies have a zero tolerance for escapes. Yet, the fact is that escapes do and will happen from facilities. One of the most important functions of a jail or prison is to maintain custody of inmates. They must be under the control of staff at all times. Keeping inmates in custody and out of society helps prevent crimes and protect the community. Preventing escapes is the responsibility of all staff, but maintaining custody of inmates on a daily basis is the primary responsibility of correctional officers. This course examines the role of staff and the facility and the use of technology in preventing inmates from escaping. Click Here For Purchasing Information
ACA Hours: 8

Escorts and Transports

One of the challenges correctional officers face is escorting and transporting inmates. These duties pose security risks for assaults, escapes, and the receipt or transport of contraband. Officers must remain alert at all times and closely follow policies and procedures to prevent breaches of security. This course discusses how to escort and transport inmates both inside and outside the facility. Click Here For Purchasing Information
ACA Hours: 6

Communicating Nonverbally with Inmates

Communicating with inmates is a critical part of a correctional officer’s job. Communicating is divided into two parts: verbal and nonverbal communication. Both are equally important and require a set of skills that must be mastered. This course is designed to enhance the nonverbal communication skills of correctional officers and other staff who interact with inmates. It will examine each of the elements of nonverbal communication and how they affect staff-inmate communication. It will explore the techniques of Positioning, Posturing, Observing, and Listening. Verbal communication skills are examined in our Verbally Communicating with Inmates course. 
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ACA Hours: 7

Verbally Communicating with Inmates

Communicating with inmates effectively is an important part of a correctional officer’s job and involves more than just talking on-on-one. An officer needs to use verbal communication skills with inmates to obtain useful, and perhaps critical, information. Positive verbal communication skills also are critical to an officer in gaining the respect of inmates. This course is designed to enhance the verbal communication skills of correctional officers and other staff who interact with inmates. It will examine the techniques of Responding and Asking Questions, and discuss how to handle requests and make requests. Click Here For Purchasing Information
ACA Hours: 6.5

Contraband and Searches

Perhaps one of the greatest threats to the safety and security of a correctional facility is the introduction of contraband. Weapons, ammunition, drugs, cell phones, and other items pose a risk to both staff and inmates. Contraband can be used to commit assaults, aid in an escape, and conduct criminal activities. This course examines how to thwart the trafficking of contraband through proper searches of inmates, staff, cells, common areas, and vehicles. Click Here For Purchasing Information 
ACA Hours: 9

Conducting Counts

Correctional facilities are responsible for maintaining custody of inmates and accountability for their whereabouts at all times. Therefore, conducting counts is vital to institutional security.  Correctional officers are responsible for conducting different types of counts to account for all inmates, both inside and outside the facility. This course stresses the need for absolute accuracy in security counts. It discusses the various types of security counts in a facility and how inmates try to negatively affect the count process. The course also examines how systems are designed to help staff maintain accountability of inmates. Click Here For Purchasing Information
ACA Hours: 5

Responding to Inmate Rule Violations

Most inmates comply with facility rules and regulations because they create a safe environment. However, some inmates rebel against authority and disobey rules, while others are not capable of following rules on a consistent basis. As a correctional officer, you are responsible for responding to rule violations. This course discusses enforcing rules, the officer’s role in disciplining inmates, and the informal disciplinary process. Click Here For Purchasing Information
ACA Hours: 5

Using Force with Inmates

Although most inmates generally follow the rules and comply with the requests of correctional officers, some refuse to cooperate or obey the rules, or they attack another inmate or correctional officer. It is your responsibility to manage the behavior of inmates — whether they are disruptive, out of control, or violent — while upholding their rights and adhering to agency policies. Force is used as a last resort when all other options have failed, unless there is an immediate danger to life. This course will examine the proper use of force in a correctional environment. Click Here For Purchasing Information
ACA Hours: 9

Inmate Lawsuits Challenging Conditions of Confinement

Even though they are incarcerated, inmates still have the right to humane conditions of confinement and to be provided with the basic needs of daily living (e.g., food, shelter, and health care). Violating these rights can lead to inmate lawsuits and, perhaps, liability for corrections officials. This course will examine the liability issues related to conditions of confinement, including protecting inmates from harm. Click Here For Purchasing Information
ACA Hours: 6

Inmate Lawsuits Challenging Access to the Legal System

Inmates have a right to access the courts, not only during their trial, but also during their confinement. Courts have pointed out that inmates must have access to the courts to challenge the legality of their confinement or the conditions of their confinement. This course examines the major U.S. Supreme Court decisions about inmate access to the courts and describes the role of the correctional officer in providing such access. Click Here For Purchasing Information
ACA Hours: 7

Inmate Rights to Medical and Mental Health Care

Even though they are incarcerated, inmates still retain some of their constitutional and other legal rights. Perhaps one of the most important is the right to adequate medical and mental health care. This right is guaranteed under the Eighth Amendment to the United States Constitution, and under similar provisions in various state constitutions. Violating an inmate’s right to health care can lead to liability for corrections staff and facilities/agencies. This course examines the liability issues related to providing medical and mental health care to inmates and how staff can prevent or minimize liability. Click Here For Purchasing Information
ACA Hours: 5

Inmate Lawsuits Challenging Religion, Communication and Searches

Two key areas of rights are found in the First and Fourth Amendments. The First Amendment is the source of rights for freedom of speech and religion, and the Fourth Amendment is the source of the right to be free from unreasonable searches. This course will explain the concept of limited rights and examines the First and Fourth Amendment rights of inmates. Click Here For Purchasing Information
ACA Hours: 8

Inmate Use Of Force Lawsuits & Due Process Rights

Given the nature of correctional environments, officers are allowed to use reasonable force in particular situations. Knowing when to use this force, as well as what type and how much to use, is essential to defending yourself against allegations of improper use of force. Another area somewhat unique to corrections is the decision-making process for classification, transfers, and discipline. These types of decisions affect the daily lives of inmates and may become the focus of claims of a “lack of due process.” This course discusses what force can be used, how much can be used, and when it can be used. The course also discusses when and to what extent due process applies in a correctional environment. Click Here For Purchasing Information
ACA Hours: 10

Our Legal System

The U.S. legal system influences how you perform your duties as a correctional officer. The U.S. Constitution, federal and state laws, and common law all play a part in shaping your facility’s policies and procedures. This course will examine the structure of federal and state governments and explore the Amendments of the U.S. Constitution and laws that form the basis for inmate lawsuits. It also will discuss agency policies and procedures that guide day-to-day operations and ensure compliance with state, federal, and local laws. Click Here For Purchasing Information
ACA Hours: 6

Understanding Inmate Lawsuits

One of the rights of all Americans, including those incarcerated in jails and prisons, is the right to file lawsuits against other individuals and organizations. Whether these cases have legal merit is a matter of the courts. Inmates file lawsuits about a number of issues, including conditions of confinement, programs, medical and mental health care, and use force. Whether these cases have legal merit is a matter decided by the courts. This course will examine the ways inmates file lawsuits and the common types of lawsuits they file. Click Here For Purchasing Information
ACA Hours: 7

Our Criminal Justice System

All the offenders you supervise are involved in some aspect of the U.S. criminal justice system. As a corrections professional, you play an important role within this system. You and your co-workers may be involved after an offender is arrested, during criminal proceedings, and after an offender is sentenced. This course will examine the three major parts of the criminal justice system, and then take you through the key steps of the criminal justice process, from arrest and charging, to conviction and sentencing. Click Here For Purchasing Information
ACA Hours: 7

Our Civil Justice Process

The civil justice system provides a way for individuals to settle their disputes with other individuals. In corrections, inmates may file lawsuits when they believe that their constitutional rights (e.g., freedom of religion, freedom from cruel and unusual punishment, and freedom from unreasonable searches) have been violated. These lawsuits may be filed against correctional administrators and correctional officers or other staff. In this course, a case study will guide you through the steps of a typical civil lawsuit involving an inmate. You will learn techniques to prevent civil lawsuits and minimize liability. You also will learn about your constitutional and employment rights. Click Here For Purchasing Information
ACA Hours: 11

Managing Inmates with Mental Illness

Correctional staff have many challenges working with inmates who have mental health issues. These inmates have special needs, and their behavior can disrupt normal operations and require intervention from both correctional officers and treatment staff. This course reviews the factors in the correctional environment that influence inmates with mental illness and identifies the common signs of mental illness. It also examines how to manage these inmates effectively. communicating with staff.
ACA Hours : 5

Understanding Mental Illness and Treatment in the Correctional Setting

While mental illness exists in every segment of our society, its prevalence is higher in jails and prisons. A survey of the states revealed there now are over three times more people with serious mental illness in jails and prisons than in hospitals. Dealing with inmates who have a mental disorder is challenging for all correctional staff, especially for officers, who provide direct supervision. Inmates with mental illness are at higher risk of victimization, misbehavior, and suicide. In this course, you will learn about mental illness and its definition, causes, and myths. You also will examine the common mental disorders that inmates may have and the treatment that is provided for inmates to help them deal with their mental illness.
ACA Hours : 11

Understanding and Preventing Suicides in Corrections

Suicide deaths are traumatic for the staff of any correctional facility - even when "everything was done right." As a correctional officer, you are on the front line of suicide prevention and intervention. Identifying inmates at risk of suicide is a continuous process, which begins at intake and ends only after their release from incarceration. This course gives you a basic understanding of suicidal behavior by discussing the common myths surrounding suicide and by examining how to identify at-risk inmates. You will learn about stressors, critical times, risk factors, and warning signs. This course also gives you an in-depth understanding of a comprehensive suicide prevention program by exploring its key components.
ACA Hours : 14

Managing Depressed and Suicidal Inmates

After inmates are identified as being at risk for suicide or are suspected of being at risk for suicide, staff must follow suicide prevention policies and procedures. Correctional officers play a significant role in managing at-risk inmates during this critical time by providing direct supervision and support. This course examines the five steps officers should take and illustrates how to communicate effectively with these inmates. It also discusses the impact of a suicide on staff and inmates, the support services available to deal with a completed suicide, and the types of reviews conducted after a suicide.
ACA Hours :10

Duties of Juvenile Careworkers

The primary mission of juvenile correctional facilities is to prepare juveniles for a successful return to their communities. The focus is on programming and treatment, with security acting as crucial support. Direct care staff play a vital role in the mission of juvenile corrections supervising juveniles in a controlled setting. They may be called youth specialist, juvenile correctional officer, youth worker, and juvenile detention officer. We will use the term “juvenile careworker."

This course examines the juvenile careworker’s role as a role model, supervisor, and leader, as well as his/her duties or responsibilities in programming and treatment, supervision and leadership, and safety and security.
ACA Hours : 12

Understanding Mental Illness
and Treatment in Juvenile Corrections

The National Center for Mental Health and Juvenile Justice says close to 70% of juvenile offenders have a diagnosable mental health disorder, and youths in juvenile placements have nearly three times the risk for suicide as youths in the general population. Supervising youths who have a mental disorder is challenging for juvenile careworkers. These youths are at a higher risk for misbehavior, suicide, and victimization.

In this course, you will learn about what mental illness is, what causes it, and how it affects adolescents, particularly juvenile offenders. You also will examine the common mental disorders that juveniles may have and the treatment that is provided to help them learn new ways of thinking and behaving. This course addresses the role of the juvenile careworker.
ACA Hours : 10

Managing Juvenile Offenders with Mental Illness

Managing Juvenile Offenders with Mental IllnessManaging juveniles with mental illness is challenging for juvenile careworkers. Mental illness can cause youths to act or react based upon what is going on inside them more so than what is going on around them, which can lead to improper and, sometimes, disruptive behaviors. Careworkers need to understand the mentally ill youths on their unit and what works best for managing their behavior in a particular situation.

In this course, you will learn how to identify juvenile offenders with mental illness, both during and after the intake process. You also will learn how to supervise juvenile offenders with mental illness and the techniques for de-escalating a crisis involving these offenders.
ACA Hours : 11

Preventing Suicides in Juvenile Corrections

Suicide deaths of incarcerated juveniles affect their family, friends and everyone in the facility. The deaths are traumatic for the staff — even when “everything was done right.” Fortunately, many suicide attempts and completed suicides can be prevented.

This course gives you a basic understanding of suicidal behavior by dispelling the common myths surrounding suicide and identifying the risk factors and protective factors associated with suicide. This course reviews the common mental disorders linked to suicidal behavior and differentiates between self-injurious and suicidal behaviors. Additionally, it identifies the components of a suicide prevention program, critical times for high risk of suicide, and warning signs for suicide. Finally, this course examines the role of the careworker in suicide prevention.
ACA Hours : 6

Managing Depressed and Suicidal Juvenile Offenders

Juvenile careworkers play a critical role in identifying suicidal juveniles and managing them during this time by providing direct supervision and support. In most cases, following the suicide prevention plan and paying attention to details can be the difference between life and death for juveniles.

This course discusses how to identify juveniles at risk for suicide during intake and throughout their stay. It examines how to build a relationship with juveniles, write proper documentation about suicidal behavior, talk with suicidal and depressed youth, de-escalate crises, and respond to self-injurious or suicidal behavior. Finally, the course explores the stages of grief, how to help juveniles throughout the process, and the facility’s response to a suicide.
ACA Hours : 12