823.3 Role of MoDOT Supervisors

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The role of the MoDOT supervisor in this program is crucial to its success. A good supervisor should be firm, but fair, consistent and objective. The following are lists of things every supervisor should and should not do. Please read this information carefully.

Supervisors Shall

  • Treat all inmates equally, fairly and with respect; show no favoritism or prejudice.
  • Respect inmates' civil rights.
  • Regularly review the inmate handbook and other rules.
  • Ensure all MoDOT employees working around the inmates are informed of the inmate guidelines.
  • Do everything possible to ensure the safety of all members of the work team.
  • Seek help, if needed.
  • Cooperate with Missouri Department of Corrections (MDOC) officials who stop by the work site for inspections, ask for proper identification from the MDOC officials.
  • Have had MDOC training, and be re-certified at least every year.
  • Keep inmates separated from the public.
  • Keep your personal items separate from inmate items. If you are not using the items, remove them from the work vehicle before the day begins.
  • Keep up-to-date law enforcement, emergency, MoDOT and MDOC phone numbers handy.
  • Ensure the inmates follow the rules in the inmate handbook and in this guide. Any infraction of these rules shall be reported on an inter-office communication and turned in to the institution. A copy should be retained for documentation purposes.
  • Monitor any inmate using equipment to ensure the equipment is operated safely.
  • Ensure you are not separated from the group with an inmate.
  • Expect inmates to follow all your orders.
  • Report any inmates who do not follow orders.
  • Keep detailed daily documentation on the following:
1. Accidents
2. Anything unusual
3. Disciplinary actions
4. Head counts
5. Time in and out
6. Training given to inmates
7. Van checks
8. Work locations/times


Supervisors Should

  • Expect inmates to try to take advantage of MoDOT employees. Remember, these people are convicted felons.
  • The supervisor of the inmate release program should make occasional unannounced visits to the work site.
  • Rotate crews whenever possible, or change crew supervisors; change work locations frequently, if possible.
  • Be trained in CPR and First Aid, if possible.
  • Keep the group in close proximity; the supervisor should always be able to verbally address all inmates.
  • Make sure your orders are within reason, and do not compromise the safety of the inmate crew.
  • Periodically check personal vehicles while working on MoDOT lots to be certain they are secured.

Supervisors Shall Not

  • Have any intentional physical contact with the inmates and ensure there is none between inmates.
  • Stretch out work detail too far.
  • Get personally involved with an inmate that is currently working, or has worked, on an incarcerated crew. This is a conflict of interest.
  • Discuss family, personal/ private matters, wages, other MoDOT employees, or MDOC employees and their families with inmates.
  • Get involved with the inmates' personal stories.
  • Accept phone calls from inmates. If an inmate contacts you, contact your supervisor and the institution.
  • Accept anything from the inmates.
  • Purchase anything for inmates.
  • Give inmates anything, even as minor as a piece of gum or a cigarette.
  • Allow inmates to not perform their assigned work tasks. If they don’t want to work, they should go back to the institution.
  • Allow inmates to stay in the transport vehicle, for any reason.
  • Allow inmates to give orders to other inmates.
  • Permit horseplay. Remind inmates that horseplay is a safety hazard and that violators will be reported to the institution immediately and picked up by MDOC personnel.

Supervisors Should Not

  • Tell inmates where they will be working on following days.
  • Work across traffic lanes from the transport vehicle.
  • Become so involved with the project that you are distracted from your primary task of supervising the crew.
  • Let a situation get out of control. Deal with any problems when they occur.

Using Inter-Office Communications (IOC)

Supervisors should use IOCs to report anything to the institution. IOCs can be used to document both positive and negative information about an inmate. They may be on a standard form or letterhead or may simply be written on a piece of paper. A copy of the IOC should be kept for MoDOT supervisor’s records. IOCs should be addressed to the functional unit manager at the institution. Let the investigator determine if the incident reported is a concern or not. Refer any requests for recommendations or other documentation pertaining to individual offenders to the institution. State briefly and clearly the incident being reported. Sign the IOC at bottom of statement.

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