Correctional officers working in the male Shock Incarceration Unit at Stevenson Correctional Institution act as role models for the young offenders assigned to the program. The Shock Incarceration Program's mission includes instilling self confidence, discipline, and a work ethic in the inmates involved through a strictly regimented paramilitary system. It provides the young offenders with opportunities to develop positive and responsible behavior. Every aspect of the inmates' daily activities is controlled through discipline. Their activities are structured to instill personal restraint and respect for others.
Education is a mandatory component of the program.
Three hours a day are devoted to structured classroom activities. Inmates not having a high school diploma work toward getting their high school equivalency certificate. Instruction is also given in anger management, self esteem, substance abuse, parenting skills, etc. Approximately 25 officers oversee the security, custody and control of inmates. They also conduct daily drill and ceremony exercises and physical training as a way of developing the inmates' physical fitness and encouraging teamwork and cooperation.