NCJ Number
78525
Date Published
Unknown
Length
9 pages
Annotation
Canada's affirmative action program within the Ministry of Correctional Services is described, with attention to staff and inmate attitudes regarding the hiring of female correctional officers.
Abstract
The correctional officer's job, education, and training are briefly described. Positive and negative attitudes toward female correctional officers are noted with regard to the issues of inmate privacy and officer safety. The report indicates that opposition to hiring women in the field has gradually lessened. Female officers are now not allowed to perform searches of male inmates except in emergencies, when an immediate search would be necessary. Although popular opinion holds that female officers are exposed to physical risk more frequently than male officers, actual physical danger may be less because the inmate code prohibits assaults against women. A female correctional officer may lack physical size and strength, but these characteristics are not as useful in the correctional setting as are firmness, maturity, and patience. Although some male officers still remain skeptical about working with females, female officers are slowly beginning to eliminate stereotypical attitudes. Studies citing inmates' positive attitudes to female officers further support the efficacy of hiring women. The presence of women in institutions for adult males causes inmates to use less obscene language, maintain cleaner quarters, and improve their behavior in general. Title VII of the U.S. Civil Rights Act of 1964 is reprinted to illustrate American equal opportunity legislation. No references are cited.