When you report to work for GEO, you can expect to receive industry leading training. At GEO, we want you to be comfortable and secure in your new position. To accomplish this, we have placed the highest priority on seeing that each employee is carefully trained in all aspects of his or her position. Employee development is essential to ensure proper leadership and professionalism. Thorough training promotes employee confidence which in turn creates a proactive and positive work environment.
The GEO Group works in partnership with all our clients to employ best practices in information delivery. As a result of our world-wide client base, GEO personnel are able to implement training program best practices gained from around the world.
GEO utilizes a Corporate Director of Training Development to evaluate the quality of training content and delivery and to update training topics and curricula annually to ensure they reflect both the best practices in the field as well as the salient industry issues. Additionally, GEO employs Training Directors within each of our Regional offices who are constantly interacting with facility personnel as well as researching and communicating best practices from around the United States. GEO training programs are designed to exceed the minimum training requirements set forth by the American Correctional Association (ACA), our clients and GEO policies.
Training throughout our facilities is conducted by qualified instructors with direct industry experience. It is not uncommon for Facility Administrators to conduct training on various topics because he or she understands that a well trained force is the key to GEO's success.
Under the laws applicable to most of GEO’s operations, and under internal company policies, GEO’s correctional officers are required to complete a minimum amount of training which exceeds national standards. Generally, industry standards require at least 120 hours of pre-service training before an employee is allowed to assume their duties which is consistent with ACA standards. In addition to the usual 120 hours of pre-service training, most states require 40 hours of on-the-job training. Florida law requires that correctional officers receive 520 hours of training. GEO’s training programs meet or exceed all of these applicable requirements.
GEO’s training program typically begins with approximately 40 hours of instruction regarding GEO policies, operational procedures and management philosophy. Training continues for Correctional Officers with an additional 120 hours of instruction covering legal issues, rights of inmates, techniques of communication and supervision, interpersonal skills and job training relating to the particular position to be held. Each of GEO’s employees who has contact with inmates receives a minimum of 40 hours of additional training each year, and each manager receives at least 24 hours of training each year.
At least 160 hours of training are required for GEO’s employees in Australia and South Africa before such employees are allowed to work in positions that will bring them into contact with inmates. GEO’s employees in Australia and South Africa receive a minimum of 40 hours of refresher training each year. In the United Kingdom, GEO’s employees also receive a minimum of 240 hours prior to coming in contact with inmates and receive additional training of approximately 25 hours annually.
With respect to the BI Incorporated Intensive Supervision Appearance Program (ISAP) contract, new employees are required to complete training requirements as outlined in the contract within 14 days of hire and prior to being assigned autonomous ISAP related duties. The ISAP training department exceeds contract requirements by providing an additional week of training on top of the 2 weeks required. These employees also receive 32 hours of refresher training annually thereafter.
BI’s Monitoring Services maintains its own comprehensive certificat ion and training program for all Monitoring Service Specialists. BI requires all new personnel hired for a position in Monitoring Operations to complete a seven-week training program. Successful completion of the training program and a final certification is required of all personnel prior to being permitted to work independently in the call center. Additionally, the BI Training Department provides updates and review training to Monitoring Services Specialists and Supervisory staff members for topics such as new and existing hardware products, the BI TotalAccess® software system and any large scale contracts that require specialized training focus. Each year all Monitoring Services Specialists and Supervisory staff members are required to complete a recertification test with a passing score of at least 85%.