Standardized Handover Procedures During Shift Changes in Correctional Facilities
🔍 Purpose of this Article:
To ensure reliable communication and safety during shift changes by implementing a standardized handover process across correctional institutions.
📌 Background:
In the daily operations of KKLJV member institutions, shift changes often carry a risk of miscommunication or incomplete information transfer. A clear and standardized handover process helps ensure that all essential updates—especially security-related ones—are documented and communicated effectively.
Flexible content elements
✅ Recommended Shift Handover Process:
- Relevant incidents during the shift (e.g. medical, disciplinary, or security-related)
- Outstanding tasks or reports
- Notes on inmates requiring special attention
- Review of documented points together
- Opportunity for clarifying questions
- Brief discussion of potential challenges for the upcoming shift
- Have patrols/rounds been completed?
- Keys and radios handed over?
- IT systems checked and logged out?
- Shift log signed?
📈 Benefits of Standardization:
- Minimizes the risk of communication gaps
- Ensures traceability in case of incidents
- Reduces the cognitive load on staff
- Encourages professional collaboration across shifts
📌 KKLJV Implementation Recommendations: - Use a shared handover template in Wisdom (template available on request)
- Introduce a mandatory onboarding session for new staff on handover protocol
- Have shift leads perform monthly reviews to ensure compliance