Competencies for Jail Leaders
What knowledge, skills, and abilities must jail leaders have in order to be successful? The 22 core competencies of successful jail leaders identified in a 2011 study by the Center for Innovative Public Policies, Inc., in conjuction with the American Jail Association and the Correctional Management Institute of Texas, are listed below. You can click on links to the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA) charts and the articles that have appeared in American Jails magazine for each competency.
1. Anticipate, analyze and resolve organizational challenges and conflicts.
KSA chart
American Jails article
2. Assure organizational accountability.
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American Jails article
3. Build and maintain positive relationships with external stakeholders.
KSA chart
American Jails article
4. Build and maintain teamwork; mentor and coach others.
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American Jails article
5. Communicate effectively, internally and externally.
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American Jails article
6. Comprehend, obtain and manage fiscal resources.
KSA chart
American Jails article
7. Develop and maintain a positive organizational culture that promotes respect for diverse staff.
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American Jails article
8. Develop and sustain organizational vision/mission.
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American Jails article
9. Engage in strategic planning.
KSA chart
American Jails article
10. Enhance self-awareness; maintain proactive professional commitment.
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American Jails article
11. Establish organizational authority, roles, and responsibilities.
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American Jails article
12. Leverage the role of the jail in the criminal justice system.
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American Jails article
13. Make sound decisions.
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American Jails article
14. Manage change.
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American Jails article
15. Manage labor relations.
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American Jails article
16. Manage power and influence.
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American Jails article
17. Manage time.
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American Jails article
18. Obtain and manage human resources.
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American Jails article
19. Oversee inmate and facility management.
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American Jails article
20. Oversee physical plant management.
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American Jails article
21. Reduce jail-related liability risks.
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American Jails article
22. Understand and manage emerging technology.
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American Jails article