Responsiveness

Introduction

Responsiveness is the basic willingness to “get out there” and interact with prisoners in a positive, involved and purposeful manner.  When you are responsive, you show motivation and energy to deal with prisoners in an on-going way in relation to plan activities.

Each of the other elements of active management are involved, in that it requires communication, knowledge, and skills to intervene.

Example – after an altercation

One example of responsiveness is that you monitor a prisoner’s whereabouts and behaviour after an altercation with another prisoner, and take steps to avoid a violent confrontation. As well as the custodial aspect of your role, where you may have to charge the prisoner, you might:

• talk to the prisoner and give advice about managing his anger
• propose an appropriate “time out” period depending on the situation, or
• offer to mediate a discussion with the other prisoner.

Example – maintain motivation

Another example of responsiveness is that you overhear a prisoner, who is scheduled to attend a special treatment unit programme, speaking negatively about the value of the programme. You speak to the prisoner, and:

• review the reasons for the referral to the programme
• invite a discussion on their current reservations
• provide accurate information about the programme, and
• encourage the prisoner to continue with the plan.

Note: You would also report details of this interaction to the case officer.