NCJ Number
126005
Journal
Journal of Crime and Justice Volume: 11 Issue: 2 Dated: (1988) Pages: 47-59
Date Published
1988
Length
13 pages
Annotation
Correctional officers are commonly assumed to be powerful agents within the correctional facility. This paper attempts to measure how correctional officers perceive their position and its attendant power.
Abstract
One hundred twenty-six correctional officers at an Intermountain State prison responded to a questionnaire concerned with their role within the prison environment. Perceived powerlessness among these officers was measured by utilizing the powerlessness subscale in Dean's Alienation Scale. Additionally, pertinent demographic information, information concerning structural variables within the prison, and the correctional officers' custody orientation were measured. The data were then analyzed to establish a profile of those officers who were most likely to feel powerless within the correctional environment. The implications for corrections are discussed. 2 tables and 14 references. (Author abstract)