REACT - Adult Corrections Case Study
Corrections departments find it difficult to attract and assess candidates who have the necessary skills to work hand in hand with offenders. The environment is prone to manipulation, aggressive behavior and work conditions that can be unfamiliar and uncomfortable.
The below case study highlights Ergometrics' ability to successfully support the hiring requirements in a corrections setting by offering a consultative approach to customized applicant testing products and solutions aimed at solving challenges within a departments' hiring process.
Challenge:
A correction facility located in Wyoming realized they were encountering a revolving door when it came to the stability of their newly hired corrections officers. The Human Resources department realized they had no formal process in place for hiring qualified candidates. They had relied on traditional methods of an application, basic exam, interview and offer to meet the growing, multiple facility demands within the state. Nearly anyone who applied was almost guaranteed a position. Over time, candidate turnover had grown in excess of 25% annually, creating costly recruiting efforts including national outreach to fill vacant positions. The lieutenants were losing confidence in the hiring process and a tremendous amount of time, money and effort was put in place for re-training newly hired personnel to pass the academy.
Solution:
Following a detailed analysis of the current situation, Ergometrics' consultants recommended the agency use REACT applicant testing products for adult corrections officers. This specifically designed researched-based video simulation test would quickly identify outstanding correction officer candidates who were well suited for these demanding jobs and weed out any candidates who could not meet minimum requirements. Additionally, the REACT Video Test was accompanied by a Reading Test, Count Test, and Report Writing Test. This ensured that any candidate prior to hire would have the necessary skills needed to successfully pass the strict academy requirements set forth by the lieutenants.
Result:
The Human Resources department and academy lieutenants quickly realized that time and cost savings were abundant by implementing Ergometrics REACT products. Since implementing the test they have successfully hired 240 new corrections officers while reducing their annual turnover from 25%-11%. Feedback from the Warden's staff changed from negative to positive - stating that the newly hired population was "more professional and adaptive to the job at hand." Additionally, academy pass rates grew annually and a cohesive relationship between Human Resources and facility staff strengthened.