NCJ Number
108627
Journal
Journal of Offender Counseling Services and Rehabilitation Volume: 12 Issue: 1 Dated: (Fall/Winter 1987) Pages: 91-112
Date Published
1987
Length
23 pages
Annotation
This study examined how jail reform policies have affected how corrections officers view their role, with special attention to guard-management relations as they pertain to work with inmates.
Abstract
Interviews were conducted with 60 correctional officers in 4 jails -- 2 in California, 1 in Oregon, and 1 in Kentucky. In all four jails, officers perceived a loss of authoritative control over the inmate population, largely due to a lack of support from superiors. They believed that inmate litigation has caused a shift of power that has resulted in too much inmate control and that inmates are treated better by management than the officers themselves. Officers, even in the most custodial jail studied, felt grievance procedures undermined discipline. They also felt that the new facilities with increased amenities catered to offenders. Further, old management styles appear to have been retained even at newer facilities, and officers felt they had little input in policies and poor communication with management. Overall, results suggest that reforms associated with the prisoners' rights movement have resulted in a perceived loss of social control, decreased discretion, frustration, and demoralization among staff. 10 references.