In the fire service we constantly take classes and practice preplanning for situations. Much like the fire service corrections requires officers to preplan for any situation. Surveying the scene means looking for hazards in our line of work look for unusual circumstances in the block, dorm, tiers. If something doesn’t look right, its probably an inmate up to something in his cell or another inmates cell. When you see something suspicious check it out from a safe distance and monitor what you are looking at. Sometimes what might appear to be innocent horseplay is actually an assault. You can almost always hear a fight. The scuffling of feet on the floor is a clear sign something is happening. If you are waiting for a backup of officers do a quick preplan of what should be done when they arrive. Who watches the doors? Are the inmates locked in their cells or are they in the catwalk ready to fight COs coming into the block or tier? How many inmates are involved? Can you see any weapon like a shank or pencil, pen, etc.? All these preplanning steps can help you run your unit safely and securely.