NCJ Number
164805
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 58 Issue: 7 Dated: (December 1996) Pages: 82,84,86,98
Date Published
1996
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article notes the importance of the role of the first- line supervisor in a jail and the personnel characteristics required to fill this role.
Abstract
First-line supervisors work most directly with the jail's line staff and support personnel. First-line supervisors routinely manage the details of a shift. They must face personnel and inmate problems coming from the bottom up and administrative scrutiny coming from the top down. Often caught between the conflicting opinions of management and line staff, the effective first-line supervisor must become a master at balancing organizational goals and interests with the more personal and controversial aspects of managing a shift. The leadership skills of first-line supervisors pave the way for organizational success. First-line supervisors must be selected and trained to maintain the highest standards of honesty and integrity, hold subordinates accountable, develop the abilities of others, set a good example, demonstrate courage, build organizational enthusiasm, remain consistent in policy and practice, and be approachable. 5 references