Critical Incident Response and Assistance

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As the National Institute of Corrections (NIC) approaches its 50th anniversary, it is important to reflect on the events and conditions of the nation’s correctional agencies that influenced the establishment of the National Institute of Corrections. In September 1971, a major riot at New York’s Attica prison focused national attention on corrections and the practice of imprisonment in the United States. In response to public concern and recognizing the problems in correctional facilities and programs at the state and local levels, Attorney General John N. Mitchell convened a National Conference on Corrections in December 1971. From the recommendations of the National Conference on Corrections and a meeting of the Citizens Advisory Committee, NIC was created by an act of Congress in 1974 to primarily assist federal, state, tribal, and community corrections departments and agencies in their efforts to develop and implement improved corrections programs and to assist them in the development, maintenance, and coordination of programs, facilities, services, treatment, and rehabilitation. NIC employs a multifaceted approach to accomplish its mission by offering a wide range of high-quality training programs, tailored technical assistance, information services, conference workshops, webinars, and other events. In so doing, NIC has built a legacy of being the foremost resource for correctional agencies in the nation. Part of NIC’s legacy has been its ability to rapidly respond to an agency’s urgent request for assistance, often following a critical incident involving the life, health, or safety of staff, residents, clients, visitors, or the public. Corrections agencies in the United States are facing several challenges related to numerous issues, including staffing, funding, leadership, supervision, facility design and maintenance, policies and procedures, mental health, substance use and withdrawal, homelessness, healthcare, use-of-force, and contraband. As a result, critical incidents, including escapes, assaults, deaths, and threats to public safety occur. NIC’s ability to provide for a rapid and effective response to a correctional agency’s critical need is as important today as it was more than 50 years ago.

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