CSO Training

Preparing your team for the next level

Over last year many teams have started to upgrade from their current CSO Program. Whither less lethal or Lethal operational capabilities one thing for certain many team have are now realizing that they current training is not keeping up with the new generation of inmates that are coming into the US Corrections system.

Recently I had the privilege of witnessing and viewing a very sensitive document that was confiscated by a corrections search team. What they found was hair raising. A inmate combat hand book with techniques and tactics that would rival almost any DT systems is being taught. If this was not bad enough it had items in there that spoke of ways to defeat less lethal munitions systems as well as making inmate gas mask. How to play possum only to reach for a shank in the inmate slipper.

Due to the sensitive nature of the materials that I had the opportunity to review and comment on tactical steps have been implemented in a fast track by the administration. Apparently this inmate combat handbook copy was purchased from another state system that came with the inmate while he was being transferred.

In this inmate combat book were techniques that were taught to former private correctional officer, Military special operations personnel, now serving time in the US prison system.

We are currently averaging every 40 days in the US corrections system a Inmate Hostage Situation as well as major disturbances on a weekly basis.

What can you and your team Do!

Take a hard look at your CSO program and see what it really is capable of doing operationally. Look at your training time and your equipment. Look at the teams policies and procedures. Where do you really want to be as a team and as an agency?

Being honest about your teams operational capabilities is the first step in taking your team to the next level.

Equipment

Like many correctional agencies faced with the budget cut backs and with a few resources your administrators must ask the bold question. How much is your agency willing to pay in a deployment failure that affect the safety of a team, team members and operations.

There are a number of teams that are using technology and equipment that is out dated or equipment that is not suited for your team operational capability. Example if you are a detention facility and you are carrying a single 37/38 or 40mm you should seriously consider handing this tool up or trading it in for an alternate technology. Why you ask for the following reason:

This weapon does not allow for multiple target Acquisitions

Limited by range close or distant proximity

Reloading is time consuming

Rounds are very expensive

Rounds are require a lot of room on the operator vest

Spent casing can get in the way of the operator

This is just a small example of what team are getting ride of in order to be more streamed lined.

Training Time

This issue is still a hot button for many correctional SOG teams and their administrators. Most Administrators want to know how much time is really needed to have their team proficent? The national statistics for teams is between 12 – 24 hours a month for Level 2 operational teams.

Anything less is playing Russian rullet with your agency staff, SOG Team and facility security.

Time to Up Grade!

It is only a matter of time before your team is tested by these new inmates. Failure is not an option. There are great programs out there that are available for teams to upgrade there training. With a grant program getting ready to be released by the US CTOA this fall.

No Matter where your team is operationally, there is always room for improvement. A real inmate crisis is not were you as a commander, operator or administrator want to ask the million dollar question? Are we ready or can we handle this?

Now is the time to upgrade!

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