Seminar Title
Critical Tasks in Jail/Correction Operations and Reducing Liability-2.5 Day
Dates of Events
11/30/2026 through 12/02/2026
Last Updated: 09/24/2026
Instructor(s): Jeffrey Carter, Lisa Farmer
Location: Palace Station Hotel & Casino - 2411 West Sahara Avenue, Las Vegas, NV 89102
Course Registration Fee: $425
Instructor Bio
Jeffrey Carter
Jeff Carter, Deputy Director (Retired) Fayette County Detention Center Adult Facility Lexington, Kentucky
Jeff Carter retired December 2018 as the Deputy Director of the Fayette County Detention Center in Lexington, Kentucky. Over his 20-year career, he has worked all levels of custody inside a 1300 bed correctional facility located in the horse racing capitol of he world. Jeff was an instructor for 5 years inside the academy where he trained over 700 recruits, molding them into successful leaders in the Corrections field. He’s trained and commanded the CERT team, as well as, taught Drill and Ceremony to the Division Honor guard. While promoting through the ranks he commanded the Professional Standards Unit where he specialized in Internal Affairs investigations and Gang Intel for 7 years. Jeff completed over 200 administrative investigations, as well as, conducted over 100 PREA (Prison Rape Elimination Act) investigations. He is well versed in PREA and is a PREA Investigator Instructor. Jeff has completed the top Leadership Academies at the National Institute of Corrections in Aurora, Colorado. He brings experience from proudly serving 4 years in the U.S. Marine Corps, followed by obtaining his BS degree in Correction’s and Juvenile Services/Political Science from Eastern Kentucky University, through his career as a Corrections Leader. Jeff was a Certified Deputy Coroner within the Commonwealth of Kentucky for 8 years. He presents jail training throughout the country and serves as an Expert Witness around the United States focusing on jail litigation.
Lisa Farmer
Lisa Farmer, Director (retired)
Fayette County Detention Center Adult Facility. Lexington, Kentucky
Lisa Farmer retired in October 2022 and the Director of Fayette County Detention Center in Lexington, KY. Fayette County Detention Center is a Direct Supervision 1260 facility bed, with a staff of 358. She worked in many areas of the jail including the Classification Department. While promoting up the ranks, she was a Sergeant in Professional Standards for 7 years which included Internal Affairs investigations and starting the Gang Intel Unit. As she continued to promote up thru the ranks, she was a commander over the Custody Bureau. In March 2014, Lisa completed the National Jail Academy Leadership Command Academy in Sam Houston, TX and was the first to receive the CJM certification at Fayette County Detention Center in November 2014. Lisa was an adjunct instructor for training and recruit academy classes covering topics of gangs and Internal Affairs. Lisa completed her BS degree in Corrections and Juvenile Services from Eastern Kentucky University in 2001 and then followed up with her MS degree in Criminal Justice from Eastern Kentucky University in 2004, while working at the detention center.
Jeff Carter, Deputy Director (Retired) Fayette County Detention Center Adult Facility Lexington, Kentucky
Jeff Carter retired December 2018 as the Deputy Director of the Fayette County Detention Center in Lexington, Kentucky. Over his 20-year career, he has worked all levels of custody inside a 1300 bed correctional facility located in the horse racing capitol of he world. Jeff was an instructor for 5 years inside the academy where he trained over 700 recruits, molding them into successful leaders in the Corrections field. He’s trained and commanded the CERT team, as well as, taught Drill and Ceremony to the Division Honor guard. While promoting through the ranks he commanded the Professional Standards Unit where he specialized in Internal Affairs investigations and Gang Intel for 7 years. Jeff completed over 200 administrative investigations, as well as, conducted over 100 PREA (Prison Rape Elimination Act) investigations. He is well versed in PREA and is a PREA Investigator Instructor. Jeff has completed the top Leadership Academies at the National Institute of Corrections in Aurora, Colorado. He brings experience from proudly serving 4 years in the U.S. Marine Corps, followed by obtaining his BS degree in Correction’s and Juvenile Services/Political Science from Eastern Kentucky University, through his career as a Corrections Leader. Jeff was a Certified Deputy Coroner within the Commonwealth of Kentucky for 8 years. He presents jail training throughout the country and serves as an Expert Witness around the United States focusing on jail litigation.
Lisa Farmer
Lisa Farmer, Director (retired)
Fayette County Detention Center Adult Facility. Lexington, Kentucky
Lisa Farmer retired in October 2022 and the Director of Fayette County Detention Center in Lexington, KY. Fayette County Detention Center is a Direct Supervision 1260 facility bed, with a staff of 358. She worked in many areas of the jail including the Classification Department. While promoting up the ranks, she was a Sergeant in Professional Standards for 7 years which included Internal Affairs investigations and starting the Gang Intel Unit. As she continued to promote up thru the ranks, she was a commander over the Custody Bureau. In March 2014, Lisa completed the National Jail Academy Leadership Command Academy in Sam Houston, TX and was the first to receive the CJM certification at Fayette County Detention Center in November 2014. Lisa was an adjunct instructor for training and recruit academy classes covering topics of gangs and Internal Affairs. Lisa completed her BS degree in Corrections and Juvenile Services from Eastern Kentucky University in 2001 and then followed up with her MS degree in Criminal Justice from Eastern Kentucky University in 2004, while working at the detention center.
Course Objectives
Course Overview:
Critical Tasks in Jail/Correction Operations and Reducing Liability
Why are we getting sued?
Course Overview:
Jail Intake Screening: Where Jail Liability Starts
Jails face increasing challenges with arrestees smuggling deadly drugs, concealing substances, or entering with severe mental illness (or both). Intake officers, being the first point of contact, play a crucial role in accurate screening and documentation. A detailed intake screening and assessment tool, combined with officer observations, reduces liability, improves inmate safety, and can save lives. This block covers taking legal custody, intake screening, assessment, and classification for housing assignments.
Jail Classification
An objective classification system is essential to maintain jail safety and security. This section explores the history and evolution of classification, the components of a valid objective system, and why subjective systems are inadequate. It also addresses changing requirements for Restrictive Housing and emphasizes its use only as a last resort.
Intoxication and Withdrawal in the Jail Environment
The number of inmates coming into our facilities today with substance abuse issues is alarming. Unfortunately, in many instances, we are the first line of defense in determining whether these individuals are assessed, and proper care is provided. It’s critical that our staff are trained in recognizing the signs and symptoms of both intoxication and withdrawal so prompt intervention can be requested. This class will provide basic correctional level training in identifying behaviors prompting staff to make medical and/or mental health referrals if needed.
Medical Best Practices
Another major area of litigation for corrections is “Medical Negligence”. This class will cover “Best Practices” in addressing inmate medical issues beginning at intake and ending as the inmate is walking out the door. We will discuss proper medical screening at intake, adequately addressing medical request during incarceration, sound methods for dispensing medication, as well as, protocols for a successful sick-call mechanism.
Cell Searches, Shakedowns and Body Scanners
Jail Safety and Security is the top priority for every agency in order to provide a safe working environment for staff, and safe living environment for Offenders. Keeping contraband out of our facilities is just one of the tactics we use to accomplish that task.
Contraband enters a correctional facility in various ways. This training will cover areas such as; Cell Searches & Shakedowns, Pat frisk & Strip Searches, Mail Procedures, Perimeter Checks, Vehicle Searches, and ends with Documenting and sound Policy recommendations to further prepare staff to combat the never-ending mission of limiting contraband within our facilities.
Use of Force- Response to Inmate Aggression
As Corrections Officers we face many challenges in dealing with the inmate population. Use of Force is utilized in our nations prisons and jails each day. It is our responsibility from the top down to insure the force we use is consistent with not only our own policies but current case law as well. This class will cover why Use of Force is one of the top two reasons Jails and Prisons face lawsuits around the nation and "Best Practices" we can train and implement to be successful defending these legal challenges.
Restraints for The Front-Line Officer
The use of restraints in corrections is a frequent job-related task performed by officers since such tasks are used for prisoner transports, medical intervention, controlling combative prisoners, protecting prisoner and correctional personnel, and preventing escapes. We will discuss the different type of restraints common to most facilities and review “Best Practices”, based on manufacturer recommendations and proven techniques to insure they are applied properly.
Mental Health & Suicide Awareness
Reality is, the mental health care safety net has become one of incarceration. From coast to coast our jails/prisons have become the mental health hospitals in most of our communities. In this training we will review the common mental health issues diagnosed in our inmate population, as well as, those that come through our doors facing self harm ideation's, including suicide. This class will cover recommended approaches in dealing with these special populations
Investigating In-Custody Deaths for Staff
An Inmate death can result in civil and criminal liabilities for both the agency as well as the Jail officer(s). In many instances fault does not lie with the agency, but an inept administrative investigation that does little in proving that. This class will cover “best practices” in conducting these investigations, which will not only assist in pointing out where the concerning issues lie, in preventing future in-custody deaths, but prepare you to defend the current one.
Legal Updates & Best Practices for Corrections Officers
Jail Officers have different concerns for personal liability than an officer who’s working patrol. The subjects are already in custody, so the potential legal issues of probable cause and search warrants, aren’t at the forefront of your concerns with daily interactions with inmates. We will discuss the current parameters established by the courts when dealing with: Use of Force, Medical Care, Strip Searches, Suicides and the dreaded Grievance Mechanism. This class will offer recommendations on defending litigation “when” not “if” they knock on our door.
PREA Law and Transgender Inmates
In a country that incarcerates more of its people than any other in the world, transgender people are more likely to be stopped and questioned by police, engage in survival crimes such as sex work, end up behind bars, and more likely to face abuse behind bars. This training will begin with an overview of the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA), then proceed into providing corrections practitioners an insight on properly dealing with the issues we face in providing a safe and secure environment for transgender inmates, while satisfying the requirements brought forth with PREA.
Why are we getting sued?
Course Overview:
Jail Intake Screening: Where Jail Liability Starts
Jails face increasing challenges with arrestees smuggling deadly drugs, concealing substances, or entering with severe mental illness (or both). Intake officers, being the first point of contact, play a crucial role in accurate screening and documentation. A detailed intake screening and assessment tool, combined with officer observations, reduces liability, improves inmate safety, and can save lives. This block covers taking legal custody, intake screening, assessment, and classification for housing assignments.
Jail Classification
An objective classification system is essential to maintain jail safety and security. This section explores the history and evolution of classification, the components of a valid objective system, and why subjective systems are inadequate. It also addresses changing requirements for Restrictive Housing and emphasizes its use only as a last resort.
Intoxication and Withdrawal in the Jail Environment
The number of inmates coming into our facilities today with substance abuse issues is alarming. Unfortunately, in many instances, we are the first line of defense in determining whether these individuals are assessed, and proper care is provided. It’s critical that our staff are trained in recognizing the signs and symptoms of both intoxication and withdrawal so prompt intervention can be requested. This class will provide basic correctional level training in identifying behaviors prompting staff to make medical and/or mental health referrals if needed.
Medical Best Practices
Another major area of litigation for corrections is “Medical Negligence”. This class will cover “Best Practices” in addressing inmate medical issues beginning at intake and ending as the inmate is walking out the door. We will discuss proper medical screening at intake, adequately addressing medical request during incarceration, sound methods for dispensing medication, as well as, protocols for a successful sick-call mechanism.
Cell Searches, Shakedowns and Body Scanners
Jail Safety and Security is the top priority for every agency in order to provide a safe working environment for staff, and safe living environment for Offenders. Keeping contraband out of our facilities is just one of the tactics we use to accomplish that task.
Contraband enters a correctional facility in various ways. This training will cover areas such as; Cell Searches & Shakedowns, Pat frisk & Strip Searches, Mail Procedures, Perimeter Checks, Vehicle Searches, and ends with Documenting and sound Policy recommendations to further prepare staff to combat the never-ending mission of limiting contraband within our facilities.
Use of Force- Response to Inmate Aggression
As Corrections Officers we face many challenges in dealing with the inmate population. Use of Force is utilized in our nations prisons and jails each day. It is our responsibility from the top down to insure the force we use is consistent with not only our own policies but current case law as well. This class will cover why Use of Force is one of the top two reasons Jails and Prisons face lawsuits around the nation and "Best Practices" we can train and implement to be successful defending these legal challenges.
Restraints for The Front-Line Officer
The use of restraints in corrections is a frequent job-related task performed by officers since such tasks are used for prisoner transports, medical intervention, controlling combative prisoners, protecting prisoner and correctional personnel, and preventing escapes. We will discuss the different type of restraints common to most facilities and review “Best Practices”, based on manufacturer recommendations and proven techniques to insure they are applied properly.
Mental Health & Suicide Awareness
Reality is, the mental health care safety net has become one of incarceration. From coast to coast our jails/prisons have become the mental health hospitals in most of our communities. In this training we will review the common mental health issues diagnosed in our inmate population, as well as, those that come through our doors facing self harm ideation's, including suicide. This class will cover recommended approaches in dealing with these special populations
Investigating In-Custody Deaths for Staff
An Inmate death can result in civil and criminal liabilities for both the agency as well as the Jail officer(s). In many instances fault does not lie with the agency, but an inept administrative investigation that does little in proving that. This class will cover “best practices” in conducting these investigations, which will not only assist in pointing out where the concerning issues lie, in preventing future in-custody deaths, but prepare you to defend the current one.
Legal Updates & Best Practices for Corrections Officers
Jail Officers have different concerns for personal liability than an officer who’s working patrol. The subjects are already in custody, so the potential legal issues of probable cause and search warrants, aren’t at the forefront of your concerns with daily interactions with inmates. We will discuss the current parameters established by the courts when dealing with: Use of Force, Medical Care, Strip Searches, Suicides and the dreaded Grievance Mechanism. This class will offer recommendations on defending litigation “when” not “if” they knock on our door.
PREA Law and Transgender Inmates
In a country that incarcerates more of its people than any other in the world, transgender people are more likely to be stopped and questioned by police, engage in survival crimes such as sex work, end up behind bars, and more likely to face abuse behind bars. This training will begin with an overview of the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA), then proceed into providing corrections practitioners an insight on properly dealing with the issues we face in providing a safe and secure environment for transgender inmates, while satisfying the requirements brought forth with PREA.