Enhancing Communication Skills for Correctional Supervisors

Course Code: REL-PS-0-EICCS-V2

Hours: 2

Type: Online Course

Content Expiration Date: 10/31/2026

Learning Objectives:
Recall 3 adverse outcomes related to poor interpersonal skills between supervisors and staff.
Describe 2 key interpersonal communication skills.
Discuss 4 types of interpersonal communications.
Explain strategies for putting interpersonal skills into practice in a correctional environment.
Recall 4 interpersonal communication styles supervisors should avoid.

Outline:
Section 1: Introduction

About This Course

Learning Objectives

Section 2: Outcomes of Poor Interpersonal Communication Skills

Supervisor Lamb

The Adverse Outcomes

Interpersonal Communication

Three Important Facts About Interpersonal Communication

Types of Interpersonal Communication

Interpersonal Communication Recommendations

Verbal

Non-verbal

Written

Special Notes About Email and Texts

Review

Summary

Section 3: Putting Interpersonal Skills into Practice

Importance of Interpersonal Communication Skills

Interpersonal Communication Skills

Interpersonal Skills in Practice

Make Requests

Give Directives

Respond to Requests

Give constructive criticism

Manage or resolve conflict

Encourage and Motivate Staff

Interpersonal Communication Styles to Avoid Using

Review

Summary

Section 4: Conclusion

Summary

Course Contributors

References

Writer: Kimberly Cobb, MS

Mrs. Cobb is a Lead SME Writer/Trainer at Relias. Her primary writing responsibilities are in the content areas of public safety and behavioral health. Mrs. Cobb is also the onboarding trainer for new staff joining the Relias Content Department. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Correctional and Juvenile Justice Studies and a Master of Science degree in Criminal Justice. She has over 25 years of experience working in criminal and juvenile justice. Her work includes direct service, research, publication development, and training and technical assistance development and delivery.

Disclosure: Kimberly Cobb, MS has no Relevant Financial or Non-Financial Relationship with ineligible companies to disclose.

Instructor: Robert Hood

Lt. Robert L. Hood began his career with the Sheriff's Office in 2004 as a corrections officer. He was duly promoted to Corrections Sergeant in 2009 and then to Corrections Lieutenant in 2012. He worked his way through college where he received his AAS degree from Jefferson State Community College in 2009 and his BS degree from Troy University in 2011. Most recently he completed the National Jail Leadership Command Academy Class #17 at Sam Houston State University and passed the Certified Jail Manager (CJM) examination given by the American Jail Association (AJA). Lt. Hood was recognized nationally by the AJA in January of 2016 as one of The Top 35 under 35. Lt. Hood is an FBI trained instructor in several disciplines related to corrections. Lt. Hood has instructed classes for a 2-week Jail Management School through the Northeast Alabama Law Enforcement Academy for the last 9 years. Lt. Hood was elected to be on the American Jail Association Board of Directors in 2018. Lt. Hood currently holds the position of 2nd Vice-President of the Alabama Jail Association. Disclosure: Robert Hood has no Relevant Financial or Non-Financial Relationship with ineligible companies to disclose.

Target Audience:
The target audience for this course is: Correctional Officers; in the following settings: Adult Corrections.

Relias Learning will be transparent in disclosing if any commercial support, sponsorship or co-providership is present prior to the learner completing the course.

Relias Learning has a grievance policy in place to facilitate reports of dissatisfaction. Relias Learning will make every effort to resolve each grievance in a mutually satisfactory manner. In order to report a complaint or grievance please contact Relias Learning at support@reliaslearning.com.

Course Delivery Method and Format
Asynchronous Distance Learning with interactivity which includes quizzes with questions/answers, and posttests.