Correctional Institutions Division

Security Operations and Assessments

The mission of the Security Operations and Assessments department is to provide technical assistance and operational support to Correctional Institutions Division (CID) administration and correctional facilities in the areas of budget, canine operations, field operations, research and technology, security assessments, security equipment, and security staffing.

The Budget Section monitors expenditures for budgeted programs, conducts audits, and prepares financial documents, budget requests, and reports.

The Canine Operations Section provides training and technical advice to kennel staff and gathers and tracks data about the program. There are a total of 53 kennel programs state wide, including 45 unit-based programs, six regional-based programs, and two headquarter kennels. Kennel programs are represented in all regions of the CID. Of the 45 unit-based kennels, there are 22 pack dog programs, 28 scent dog programs, and 32 narcotic/contraband dog programs. Of the six regional-based kennels, all six have narcotic/contraband canines and three have cadaver canines. In addition, the agency has control canines at the two headquarter kennels. Tracking canines are a key resource utilized by security staff during escapes and are also utilized to assist local law enforcement agencies. Narcotic/contraband canines are a key resource utilized by security staff to aid in the prevention of contraband within correctional facilities.

The Field Operations Section provides monitoring, training, and technical support to field force staff, and assists with canine operations as needed.

The Research and Technology Section is responsible for testing and evaluating security equipment and providing technical assistance.

The Security Assessments Section conducts assessments of security processes and structural integrity at all secure correctional facilities operated by and for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ), and also provides assistance to TDCJ leadership as the need arises.

The Security Equipment Section maintains accountability for security related equipment and is responsible for the daily operations of the armory warehouse.

The Staffing Section is responsible for analyzing, developing, and maintaining security staffing documents for all units and conducting unit specific staffing evaluations.