Introducing SIMCo’s Preventative Oversight and Monitoring Program for Correctional Healthcare and Jail Operations
Introducing SIMCo’s Preventative Oversight and Monitoring Program for Correctional Healthcare and Jail Operations
These relationships carry significant responsibility, yet most counties lack ongoing oversight to ensure contractors are adhering to contract
requirements, providing timely care, and maintaining essential documentation. In addition, custody operations face their own challenges,
from supervision lapses to classification issues and special housing concerns.
SIMCo’s Preventative Oversight and Monitoring Program bridges this gap by providing consistent, third-party review of healthcare and custody
operations to detect issues before they escalate into high-risk incidents or litigation.
Why Early Oversight Is Necessary
Many operational failures inside correctional settings stem from preventable issues. Healthcare delays, incomplete charts, improper screening,
and breakdowns between medical and custody staff often go unnoticed until a major event forces review. Likewise, inconsistencies in housing,
classification, or supervision can lead to avoidable incidents.
SIMCo’s preventative monitoring model identifies these concerns early, helping facilities address weaknesses long before a crisis develops.
Leadership Backed by Real-World Experience
This program is led by Joseph Gunja, who brings more than 48 years of correctional experience, including service as a warden of three federal
facilities and regional director for the Federal Bureau of Prisons. His background includes oversight of facility operations, inmate management,
staffing, medical services coordination, and emergency response at the highest levels.
Having consulted on hundreds of correctional cases nationwide, he has seen firsthand where systemic issues begin and how early oversight can
prevent costly failures.
What the Program Evaluates
SIMCo’s Preventative Oversight and Monitoring Program reviews both healthcare and custody operations. Areas evaluated include the following.
Healthcare Oversight
- Contract compliance alignment
- Staffing adequacy and scheduling
- Timeliness of access to care
- Intake and receiving screening procedures
- Chronic care and follow-up practices
- Documentation accuracy and chart reviews
- Medication administration and continuity
- Emergency response coordination with custody
- Mental health procedures and suicide risk protocols
- Quality assurance reporting practices
Custody Operations Monitoring
- Housing assignments and classification processes
- Use-of-force procedures and documentation
- Inmate movement and supervision routines
- Special housing and segregation operations
- Daily staffing practices and shift operations
- Policy adherence at the operational level
- Suicide prevention procedures
- Observation and cell-check consistency
Virtual and Onsite Review Options
Facilities may choose the level of oversight they need. SIMCo offers ongoing virtual monitoring as well as periodic onsite assessments.
- Monthly virtual oversight reviews
- Quarterly onsite evaluations
- Bi-annual operational audits
- Annual comprehensive risk assessments
This ongoing structure provides continuous support rather than the limited value of a one-time inspection.
Who Benefits From This Program
SIMCo’s preventative oversight program supports multiple groups within the correctional system.
- Counties seeking to reduce liability exposure
- Sheriffs and jail administrators responsible for daily operations
- General counsel and county attorneys who require defensible practices
- Healthcare companies needing documentation accuracy and compliance
- Custody and medical staff who benefit from improved systems and reduced crises
Proactive oversight builds safer, more compliant facilities and reduces the risk of litigation or emergency intervention.
Building Stronger, Safer Correctional Operations
SIMCo’s Preventative Oversight and Monitoring Program brings experienced evaluation to facilities that have historically lacked ongoing support.
By focusing on early detection and consistent monitoring, this approach helps jails and detention centers operate more safely, efficiently, and
defensibly.
To learn more or schedule an assessment, contact SIMCo.
