NCJ Number
188606
Journal
Corrections Management Quarterly Volume: 5 Issue: 2 Dated: Spring 2001 Pages: 20-26
Date Published
2001
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This article summarizes the research on correctional officer attitudes and examines the influence of individual and organizational factors, and the implications of these findings for correctional management are discussed.
Abstract
Research on individual variables that impact correctional officer attitudes has focused on how gender, race, education, and the age of officers influences their work-related attitudes. Research on the impact of organizational variables on officers' work attitudes have addressed the influence of seniority; shift and frequency of inmate contact; role conflict, role stress, and job stress; participation in decision making, and job satisfaction. Regarding individual variables, the majority of research shows that age is related to a more positive attitude among officers and a belief in the rehabilitative potential of inmates. This finding challenges the view that an individual must be young in order to cope with the rigors of correctional work. Minority officers had more positive attitudes toward working with inmates. Female officers, depending on their approach, enjoyed the challenge of working in corrections, held positive attitudes toward the inmates, and relied on their interpersonal skills to manage them. Nevertheless, female and minority officers reported some difficulties in working with their coworkers. Most studies concluded that the longer an officer has worked on the job, the greater the interest in rehabilitation and a human service role. Officers who feel stressed or conflicted about their role held more punitive attitudes toward inmates. Overall, the results of many of the studies were confusing, with mixed conclusions. Findings varied with sample size, type of methodology, length of study, and attitudinal definitions and measures. 36 references