Corrections, Compliance, and Constitutional Risk: Lessons from Recent Policy Discussions
Image source: WOSU Public Media (Northeast Ohio Correctional Facility)
In January of 2026, I had the privilege of attending a highly informative webinar today hosted by the American Jail Association and presented by LexisNexis.
The session, “Ensuring Constitutional Rights for the Incarcerated and Reducing Your Liability in Corrections 2025-2026,” featured Gerard Horgan, a 31-year corrections veteran and attorney. His insights into the intersection of facility operations and constitutional law were incredibly timely.
💡 Key Takeaways:
• Medical & Mental Health Care: We took a deep dive into the Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) and Fentanyl crisis. Cases like Spurlock v. Wexford highlight the critical need for proper MAT (Medication-Assisted Treatment) access and the legal risks of denying care to those in detox.
• Suicide Prevention: The statistics are sobering—26% of jail suicides occur within the first 72 hours. Identifying risk factors like "first incarceration" and "restrictive housing" is vital for early intervention.
• The Power of Documentation: Whether it's a Use-of-Force incident (Graham v. Connor) or medical screening, if it isn't documented, it didn't happen.
• Access to Courts & Technology: I was impressed by how LexisNexis is bridging the gap for incarcerated individuals who lack internet access, ensuring they can still exercise their rights.
• Reframing Grievances: A great perspective shift—grievances aren’t just "complaints"; they are opportunities to investigate issues and improve the facility before they escalate to litigation.
As regulations around the ADA and RLUIPA continue to evolve, staying proactive on compliance isn't just about reducing liability—it's about running a safer, more humane environment for everyone.
A big thank you to the AJA and LexisNexis for such a high-value session!
The Female Advantage in Law Enforcement: Strength, Strategy, and the Power of De-Escalation
Image Source: Story County Sheriff’s Office
In February of 2026, I spent some time today diving deep into the evolution of policing during a powerful webinar led by Dr. Pytal and Dr. Jean Kanokogi, PhD. The conversation wasn't just about "fitting in" to a male-dominated field; it was about the biological and tactical strengths that women bring to the front lines.
One quote from the session stood out and perfectly captured the essence of our role: “Women in law enforcement can talk a criminal into handcuffs.”
While we acknowledge the physical differences—such as the higher lung capacity and raw stamina often found in our male counterparts—the "Female Advantage" is a tactical reality that is often overlooked. We explored how women navigate law enforcement culture by leaning into our natural physiological and psychological strengths:
The Neurobiology of Stress: Research shows that women have more nerve cells in specific regions of the brain and produce higher levels of oxytocin under pressure. While adrenaline fuels the "fight," oxytocin helps us remain relational, allowing for clearer communication when things get heated.
Tactical Intuition: Our advantages in perception, agility, and maneuverability allow us to read a room and "defeat" stressors through de-escalation rather than just force.
Safety Through Strategy: Statistics show that female officers are named in fewer lawsuits and often experience fewer harmful events on the job. Why? Because we ask more questions and utilize a relational tone. Even the "criminal element" often lets their guard down, providing a window for safer, more controlled resolutions.
Perhaps the most striking statistic shared was that 70% of women in law enforcement struggle with Imposter Syndrome. Despite our high performance, many of us carry a persistent fear of failure or a sense of self-doubt.
Today was a vital reminder that these feelings don't stem from a lack of ability, but from navigating a culture that wasn't originally built for us. We learned that our differences aren't "weaknesses" to be hidden; they are our greatest tactical advantages.
When we lean into our intuition and our ability to build rapport, we aren't just doing the job—we are making the profession safer and more effective for everyone.