NCJ Number
208123
Journal
International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology Volume: 48 Issue: 6 Dated: December 2004 Pages: 729-743
Editor(s)
Adrienne Palermo R.N.
Date Published
December 2004
Length
15 pages
Annotation
This study examined the correctional orientation of South Korean correctional officers to shed light on some of the factors that influence their rehabilitation or punitive attitudes.
Abstract
Today, in South Korea, the role of corrections officers has been expanded beyond a traditional custodial role to a human service role where corrections officers help and assist inmates with various problems associated with incarceration (offering advice and guidance). Corrections officers must now maintain a secure and safe environment and create a humane prison environment. However, few studies have been conducted to examine officers’ attitudes toward rehabilitation. This study examined the attitudes of South Korean corrections officers toward rehabilitation programs or their correctional orientations. This study, consisting of a sample size of approximately 430 corrections officers, found that a majority of Korean corrections officers support rehabilitation, consistent with findings in the United States. However, the officers expressed some doubt with regard to the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs. The results clearly showed the importance of establishing and developing recruitment strategies, specifically geared toward attracting and hiring officers interested in service-type work. References