NCJ Number
193101
Date Published
2001
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This chapter discusses what is involved in the ethical performance of the duties of the correctional officer.
Abstract
The American Correctional Association Code of Ethics requires respect for all individuals, concern for the welfare of all persons, cooperation among all agencies of criminal justice, no misuse of positions for personal gain, no conflict of interest, no discrimination, and a maintenance of integrity of private information. Professional ethics or a conflict with professional ethics becomes an issue when the relationship between a correctional officer and an inmate becomes personal. The close proximity of officer and inmate over a period of time, as well as shared feelings about the facility's administrators, can at times bring the officer and inmate too close. When officers feel they have more in common with the inmates than with their administrators, unethical conduct becomes noticeable. On the other hand, when officers contribute to inhumane and destructive environments for inmates, they are also being unethical. Ethical behavior by correctional officers requires that they do not violate an inmate's constitutional rights, that inmates and other staff not be treated only as means to a selfish end, that actions not violate a law, that actions not produce more harmful than beneficial effects for those involved, and that actions not violate departmental procedure or a professional ethical canon. 5 references