Capable Conflict-Resolver: James Seagrove

Correctional Officer James Seagrove

Can just one correctional officer make a difference when dealing with uncooperative inmates? James Seagrove, correctional officer at Silverdale Correctional Facility, made all the difference when he leveraged the good rapport he'd established with an inmate to quell a possible disturbance.

The inmate refused to comply with instructions from staff, causing considerable facility disruption. Seagrove volunteered to enter the inmate’s cell alone and talk with him in an effort to gain cooperation.

Considering the options for a safe resolution, Corey Moon, shift supervisor at SCF, was confident that Seagrove could successfully assist. “Knowing that Officer Seagrove was an experienced officer and had been trained for the Special Operations Response Team (SORT), I allowed him to talk with the inmate,” he says.

Even though he had established a positive relationship with the inmate, Seagrove knew he would have to approach the situation with great care and sensitivity. “It took me about an hour to help him calm down,” he says. “I told him to stop doing what he was doing because that path wasn't getting him anywhere. I brought up the history of our relationship, reminding him how we had developed mutual respect for one another.”

Gradually, the inmate agreed to cooperate. “He said he trusted me and would stop his negative behavior for me,” says Seagrove. “Respect goes a long way.”

Linda L. Graham, mental health coordinator at SCF, who was on-hand to assist with the situation, commends Seagrove for his empathetic approach to resolving the conflict. “What impressed me the most was that James knew this young man and was able to recall personal things about him,” says Graham. “That completely changed the situation. It went from being adversarial to really being more of a partnership.”

“Officer Seagrove was the right person in the right place at the right time doing the right thing,” says Moon. “He could have just followed instructions and entered the inmate’s cell with the emergency response team, putting himself at risk, along with the inmate and other staff members. Instead, he selflessly used his combined knowledge, experience and training to do the right thing.”

But that wasn’t the first time Seagrove used his conflict-resolution skills to calm an inmate disruption. A five-year CCA veteran, he’s learned to stop negative behavior before it can do any real harm - and he’s not alone in his proactive approach to keeping the peace.

“I've seen this happen with a lot of officers,” says Graham. “They have such good instincts and they know the inmates. James was just able to use his rapport with this particular young man to negotiate with him and get him to focus on solving the problem instead of focusing on his anger.”

According to Moon, Seagrove’s willingness to step up to a challenge showed true courage. “His actions are a direct reflection of how one staff member can make a difference,” he says.

Seagrove’s actions are an outgrowth of hard-won corrections wisdom: “You're not just responsible for yourself,” he says. “You’re responsible for other people when you're in this kind of business."

By DeAndra Mack

Sound Out

Louise Grant at FSC:

Outstanding work, James, in following our CCA Way Guiding Principle - Communication. Thanks for all you do.

C/O Kilpatrick at Diamondback:

Good work to Mr. Seagrove. Sitiuations like this could happen at any given time and its good to know that there are those who have the ability to deal with the situation in a non-force way. I agree with Mrs. Graham when she said it took true courage. Being a fellow member of the S.O.R.T all I can say is OOORAH! and keep up the good work.

Rob Van Pelt at Red Rock:

Good job man! This is an outstanding display of skill and professionalism! Hopefully you serve as an FTO or are promoting soon.