What does prioritizing safety and security in TDCJ aim to protect?

Prioritizing safety and security within the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) aims to protect a broad range of stakeholders, which includes staff, inmates, and the community. This comprehensive approach is crucial because the well-being of employees working in correctional environments, the safety of individuals incarcerated, and the security of the surrounding community are all interrelated.

When safety measures are effectively implemented for staff, it ensures that they can perform their duties without undue risk. For inmates, a secure environment is essential for both their rehabilitation and protection from harm. Furthermore, the surrounding community benefits from a secure correctional environment, which helps to prevent potential negative impacts from the facility, such as crime or unrest. Ensuring the safety of all these groups underscores the holistic responsibility that correctional facilities have in fostering a secure environment, reflecting a commitment to public safety and justice as a whole.