Corrections
Desoto High School Career Tech Academy
Law/Public Safety/Corrections/Security
2013-2014
Instructor:
Richard Lamkin
Phone:
Office 972-230-0726
E-mail:
rlamkin@desotoisd.org
Web site; http://disdcriminaljustice.weebley.com
Conference Period: 5th Period
Room: 1517-1520
Course Syllabus: Corrections
An introduction to the correctional industry, this class will teach the student the history of the Texas
Correctional system and the basics of the duties performed by a correctional officer. At the end of the
course each student will have an understanding of the history, systems operations and employments
opportunities with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and will have completed 77 hours
towards a correctional officer certification. There is a $20.00 fee for the TDJC certification,
and a $5.00 fee for American Heart Association CPR certification. WE are also
looking at student uniforms.
Required Text and Materials:
3” Binder
1 Avery dividers numbered 1 to 30
3 Highlighters (pink, yellow, green)
Pens (blue/black only)
flash drive
pencils
paper
tape, scissors, glue, Kleenex, hand sanitizer, soap, skin softner
normal school supplies like the elementary students.
It is not the teachers responsibility to provide normal school supplies.
Course Objectives:
The objective of this course is to introduce each student to the basic structure of the Texas
Correctional system. This class will focus on basic fundamentals skills needed to perform the
duties of a correctional officer. We will discuss the history of the Texas prison system, it’s
policy and procedures and the daily function of a correctional officer within the system.
Students will complete 77 hours towards the correctional officer certification for the State of
Texas that will allow them to apply for employment with the Texas Department of Criminal
Justice upon graduation. Students will have the skills and knowledge necessary to fill the
position of correctional officer and fulfill a vital role in the Texas justice system.
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Attendance:
 Students must complete the entire 77 hours of course work in order to be eligible for the
certification. It is imperative that students attend all class sessions.
 Each student is responsible for all material presented in class, including announcements about
changes in course procedures. Exams, quizzes, and homework/exercises often include questions on
material presented in class, so performance on these indirectly reflects attendance and class
preparation.
 Each student is expected to attend all lectures, read all assigned material in advance of the
discussion of the topic, participate in class discussions/exercises, and turn in all required work
assignments by the due date.
 Evaluations, Deadlines, Make-ups, Retakes, and Late work
Student grades are based on the total possible attempted points during the term. Each student
must complete each exam/quiz/exercise/presentation to receive the allotted points for
that
assignment. Students who miss a test may take the test by contacting the instructor for a
make-up time. No make up is allowed on classroom quizzes. Unless otherwise noted, all tests
will be on Scranton form 882-E using a #2 pencil provided by the student. Late grades will not
be excepted two days prior to the end of a six weeks.
Students who score less than 80 on any quiz or test will not be given credit for that section
until the test or quiz is redone for at least an 80%. Students are subject to TDCJ
achievement guidelines.
o Per DISD policy, students will receive 50% of their total grade from tests. The remaining
50% will be comprised of all other work, including but not limited to daily work, quizzes,
skills demonstrations and labs.
Course grades will be assigned as follows: All individual grades in the grade book will be
recorded as a percentage of the possible points attempted. (ex: 100 questions with 78 correct
answers will be recorded as a 78.) Grades receiving a .5 in your score will be rounded up to the
next whole number. Students who are under UIL regulations must completely pass and meet
all assignments deadlines during the grading period. UIL students failing during the UIL
grading period will have their grades turned in on the time schedule dictated by school district
policy. Waivers for grade changes must be in writing from the school principle. There are no
exceptions. Students will also be evaluated on professionalism and ethics, which will account
for 10% of the total daily grade.
o Course Grades; Based on total attempted possible points
A – 90% to 100 %
D – 60% to 69.99
B – 80% to 89.99%
F - Below 60%
C – 70% to 79.99
Uniform Inspections: Students are expected to be in FULL uniform for every class period.
Students who do not adhere to the uniform standard will not receive credit for this portion of
the course.
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Physical Conditioning: All students in the program must meet minimum physical agility
standards set forth by TDCJ. Students will be expected to participate in all athletic/physical
activities.
Cell Phone Usage Policy- They may not be used during instructional time, unless otherwise
instructed by the classroom instructor. All cell phones must be set to silent or off during instructional
time and must not be visible. Per DISD policy. No electronics during quizzes or tests unless instructed
to.
 Academic Misconduct - Any act that violates the academic integrity of the institution is
considered academic misconduct. The procedures used to resolve suspected acts of academic
misconduct are available in the student code of conduct. Academic dishonesty will result in a
zero on the assignment. You can not make up this zero. Cheating at TDCJ results in the
termination of that employee.

Cheating: Copying from another student’s test paper, lab report, other report or
computer files and listings; using, during any academic exercise, material and/or
devices not authorized by the instructor such as notes or electronic devices;
collaborating with or seeking aid from another during a test or exercise without
permission from the instructor; knowingly using, buying, selling, stealing,
transporting, or soliciting in it’s entirety or in part, the contents of a test or other
assignment unauthorized for release.

Plagiarism: The appropriation, theft, purchases or obtaining by any means,
another’s work and the unacknowledged submission or incorporation of the work as
one’s own offered for credit. Appropriation includes the quoting or paraphrasing of
another’s work without giving credit.

Collusion: The unauthorized collaboration with another in preparing work offered
for credit
I understand that I will be held to the same academic standard as those recruits attending the
TDCJ Pre-service academy for correctional officers. I also understand that if I do not meet the
required academic standards set forth by TDCJ, I will not receive credit for the unit(s) that I
have not successfully completed; therefore, I will not receive the certification issued by TDCJ.
_________________________________________________________________________
Student Signature
Date
Class Participation Agreement
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Students in Law/Public Safety/Corrections/Security courses may be required to participate in practical
application of skills that require physical contact between students/instructors such as handcuffing
procedures, DWI testing and arrest, search and seizure. The application of these skills is vital to a full
understanding of material in each of these fields. Students will be instructed on proper procedure, and
will refrain from making any physical contact in an inappropriate manner. Students agree to
participate at their own risk and will not exhibit any behavior that might cause injury to themselves or
others. If such behavior occurs, the student will be removed from the exercise and appropriate
discipline will be initiated.
Students in Law/Public Safety/Corrections/Security courses may also be subjected to verbal, visual or
simulated materials that are graphic in nature. The following materials are only used when
necessary to support or enhance student’s understanding of a topic or activity. Such materials may
include, but are not limited to graphic subject matter including violence, graphic images or language.
Examples of items that may be used for educational purposes are photographs from DWI/traffic
accidents, video clips from Frontline (PBS), TruTV, Forensic Files and song lyrics.
***********Please initial the appropriate boxes and
sign at bottom.*****************
If you do not wish for your student to participate in these activities, they may complete an alternative
assignment in lieu of the practical exercise.
[ ] My student may participate in physical activities and be subjected to the occasional use of
graphic materials
[
]
My student may not be subjected to graphic materials or participate in physical activities
I have initialed the appropriate boxes above giving or declining my student’s participation in physical
activities and the use of graphic materials. By my signature below, I agree that I have read the above
agreement and have documented accordingly my student’s ability to participate. I further understand
that I have the right to make changes to my decision at any time.
______________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature
__________________
Date
Fees Agreement & Acknowledgement:
1. I understand there is a $20.00 fee for the 77 Hour TDCJ certification by TSPA and that
this is due as soon as possible. I understand this is non-refundable and I must meet the
criteria set forth by TSPA and TDCJ for passing this material. All test grades are sent to
them.
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2. I understand there is a $5.00 fee for the American Heart Association CPR two year
certification. This is due as soon as possible to order the material.
3. I understand if my child wishes to participate in Skills USA there is a fee for this.
4. I understand that the class may be going to class uniforms.
Student signature
Date:
__________________________________________________________________________________
Parent Signature
Date:
Law/Public Safety Parent and Student Acknowledgement Form
By my signature below, I am acknowledging that I have read and understand the policies and
procedures for the Law/Public Safety/Corrections/Security course that my student is currently enrolled
in.
If my student is having difficulty meeting the expectations outlined, I will be contacted by the
instructor.
I will also monitor my Childs progress though the district web site.
 Desoto ISD provides a web page for teachers to communicate to parents.
 Desoto ISD provides parent portal so that I can view my childs progress
 Mr. Lamkin has an additional web page disdcriminaljustice.weebly.com
I further understand that I may contact the instructor at anytime if I have questions or concerns
regarding my student’s grades, work, participation or any other concern. The instructors may be
contacted by leaving a message with the front office at 972-230-0726 or by email (preferred method).
Instructors will respond in a timely manner.
Please complete the following information so that instructors may contact you if needed regarding your
student’s progress.
Thank you for entrusting us with your child. We are looking forward to a great year!
Student Signature
Date
Parent Signature
Date
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Scope and Sequence Corrections
Block 1
Block 1 Test
General rules of Conduct and Disciplinary
Action Guidelines for Employees
History of TDCJ
Employee Benefits
Human Resource Topics
Block 2_____
Block 2 Test
First Aid & Infection Control
CPR-heart Savers
Suicide prevention
Mental health Issues
Wellness
Block 3
Block 3 Test
Legal Aspects of corrections
Access to Courts
Offender Grievances
OJT/Mentoring Program
Security post procedures
Perimeter Security System
Block 4
Block 4 Test
Professionalism and Ethics
Rehabilitation and Re-Entry Programs
Offender Work & training programs
Block 5
Block 5 Test
Safe Prisons program-offender Sexual Assault
Safe prisons program-Offender Life Endangerment
Safe prisons program-extortion
Instructional Spanish and Prison Terms
MID-TERM EXAM
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Block 6
Block 6 Test
Incident Command Systems for Corrections
Understanding offenders
Con games
Block 7
Block 7 Test
Riots
Understanding Riots & Disturbances
Hostages
Escapes
Risk management-Emergency procedures
Employee Survival
Security Concerns
Block 8
Block 8 Test
Classification
Administrative Segregation
Security threat groups
Block 9
Block 9 Test
Count procedures
Mail procedures
Offender property
Offender Disciplinary
Block 10
Block 10 Test
Report Writing
Communication 1-introduction
Communication 2- Active Listening
Communication 3- Giving Directions & Saying no
Communication 4- Defusing techniques
Final Exam for the Certification not the Course.
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