Introduction
Modelling is the most potent source of influence. It is a background factor rather than a direct method of response. A prisoner is more likely to be influenced by your words and behaviour if it appears that you have “got your act together”.
You will demonstrate PSM when you show:
- respect for rules and legitimate authority
- self-control
- rejection of violence
- honesty and reliability
- respect for others.
Respect for rules
The following are some examples of showing respect for rules and legitimate authority:
- Always follow correct (prison) procedures, including completing incident reports and misconducts as appropriate.
- Always be fair and impartial, ensuring that personal biases do not influence on-the-job behaviour or decision-making.
- Carry out the technical, though often mundane, aspects of the job thoroughly and conscientiously.
- Be punctual, well-presented and well-groomed.
- Avoid any collusion with prisoners’ claims to innocence, having been “set-up”, persecuted by police, etc.
Self-control
The following are some examples of showing self-control:
- Manage your own emotions effectively – avoid any display of foul temper, bad language, etc.
- Maintain composure in the face of hostility and provocation.
- Deal with conflict firmly but patiently.
Rejection of violence
The following are some examples of showing rejection of violence:
- Consistently use verbal skills to defuse situations where violence threatens.
- Do not respond in kind to prisoners’ intimidation / threatening behaviour.
- Avoid any comments, remarks, jokes, etc, which imply validation of violence.
- If physical force is necessary (e.g. C&R), carrying this out humanely and using minimum necessary levels of force.
Honesty and reliability
The following are some examples of showing honesty and reliability:
- Always speak the truth.
- Always carry out what you have promised.
- Admit when you are wrong. Do not attempt to falsify information to cover mistakes.
Respect for others
The following are some examples of showing respect for others:
- Have a respectful attitude to colleagues, prisoners and visitors.
- Avoid any racist or sexist remarks or jokes.
- Demonstrate helpfulness and interest in the individual.
