Which competency is essential for handling emergencies in TDCJ?

Crisis intervention techniques are essential for handling emergencies in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) because they provide the necessary skills to de-escalate potentially dangerous situations and ensure the safety of both staff and inmates. These techniques often involve communication, assessing the emotional state of individuals in crisis, and implementing strategies to stabilize the situation. This competency equips employees with the knowledge and tools to respond effectively during high-stress situations, which is crucial in a correctional environment where emotions can run high and the risk of violence can escalate rapidly.

While teamwork, resourcefulness, and time management are also valuable competencies in a correctional setting, they primarily support overall operational efficiency and collaboration. Crisis intervention techniques directly address the urgent need to manage immediate threats to safety, making them indispensable in emergencies.