REPORT: CERTOPS.COM

Interesting site focused purely on prison tactical units and security. Lots of information and news related to both domestic and international prison security.

Prisons are a unique and bizarre category of operational space. They mirror aspects of the "real" world---prisons have their own economy (outside contraband and commissary provisions), complicated set of dueling ethnic/religious/criminal factions (see Bill Valentine's Gang Intelligence Manual for more information), and offer both legal and illegal means of social advancement (working hard for early release or selling drugs). Yet no one loses sight of the fact that prisons are claustrophobic, completely regimented, and authoritarian societies constructed for the sole purpose of isolating criminals from the outside world and punishing them for their misdeeds.

It is within this kind of environment that CERT tactical units operate, sweeping cells for weapons and contraband and disrupting prison gang operations. CERT units derive their advantage from "shock and awe" in the purest sense, suddenly appearing out of the blue to surprise and disrupt prisoners. Yet, given the confined operational space of the prison and the universal prisoner hostility to law enforcement officers, CERT is extremely dangerous despite tactical units' body armor and superior firepower. Additionally, law enforcement lack the resources to fully extinguish prison gangs and their illegal enterprises.   

Although prisons are artificial and completely unique environments, CERT has relevance beyond the correctional community.

CERT is the "worst case scenario" for counterinsurgency. It is an environment where total authoritarian control is needed to maintain occupation over a disputed region but the governing authority lacks the popular support and resources to completely cement that control. The occupation soldier is viewed as an enemy by all factions and actors, and his only friends are seedy characters (like jailhouse "snitches') who cooperate for material gain. Although many underground factions exist, the governing authority completely dominates every segment of community life--there is no civil society or legal commerce. The slightest slackening of occupying authority may be enough to trigger a revolt or the failed-state cycle.

If the United States seeks to pursue a global counterinsurgency strategy, decisionmakers must understand the risks of falling into the prison-COIN conundrum. A light footprint is more than just a good idea, it is mandatory. While autocracies may be able to play the role of jailhouse master, democracies most certainly  cannot--and should not--do so.

Comments

[dan tdaxp]

Excellent tie-in between prison and COIN. I like it. It makes me thinker deeper about both issues, and reveals future avenues of questioning.

[A.E.]

Thank you. How is the book project coming?