The result is a lack of uniformity that defies good sense. A county with a lesser risk environment may designate its corrections officers as protectives, while a neighboring county with a higher risk factor may decline to do so. Corrections officer positions are no longer filled solely on the basis of muscles and physique. Applicants are trained and certified. Many jails now utilize the latest detection sensors, video surveillance, and computer technology.
Jails often depend upon their own tactical teams to deal with disorders.
This is not a picture of Mayberry. It is also not a picture that helps with the recruitment and retention of a high quality workforce. There is no real savings in an employment situation that serves as a revolving door and training ground for other employers. No one can mount a credible rejection of the corrections officers' claims on a public policy basis. I would submit that enforcing the laws of this state is basically one massive unfunded mandate.