Being in corrections is demanding. Correctional officers and non-sworn staff encounter offenders who are resistant to authority, manipulative, and violent. And, combining these factors with shift work, short staffing, and the many demands of the job, a very stressful work environment is created. This environment inevitably takes its toll on our physical and mental health. The frustrations and anger that may build inside the corrections professional can result in a negative personal life and professional life. Some staff quit, let their health go, and leave their families. To survive a long career in corrections, staff must make time for both their mental and physical health.
This seminar will discuss ways that correctional officers and staff can maintain a healthy lifestyle, both physically and mentally, while managing stress both on and off the job.
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About Our Presenter
Gary Cornelius
Retired Lieutenant & Professor at George Mason University
Lieutenant Gary F. Cornelius retired in 2005 from the Fairfax County (VA) Office of the Sheriff, after serving over 27 years in the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center. He served as an officer in the United States Secret Service Uniform Division and as a police officer early on in his career before transitioning to Deputy Sheriff.
Gary Cornelius has also been a professor in corrections courses for George Mason University since 1986. He has performed training and consulting for the American Correctional Association, the American Jail Association and the National Institute of Justice. And, Gary is a multi-published author of several books about corrections, including The American Jail: Cornerstone of Modern Corrections, The Art of the Con: Avoiding Offender Manipulation and The Correctional Officer: A Practical Guide Third Edition.