An Ethical Dilemma in Corrections

• NCJ Number: 212621
• Author(s): Albert De Amicis
• Date Published: August 2005
• Length: 20 pages
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/NCJRS
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

After examining two studies on the prevalence of sexual misconduct by male correctional officers with female inmates and a relevant case that involved the jail where the author worked before he retired, this paper offers recommendations for countering such criminal acts.

Abstract

A study by the U.S. General Accounting Office over the calendar years 1995 to 1998 focused on Federal correctional facilities and correctional institutions in Texas, California, and the District of Columbia. Over this period, there were 506 allegations of sexual misconduct by correctional officers with inmates; 92 of these allegations were sustained. Another report was issued in December 2003 by the human rights organization Stop Prison Rape. This study investigated an Ohio Reformatory for Women, where a number of former employees alleged that correctional officers and other employees had sexually abused female inmates. The subsequent investigation resulted in 33 staff members in the State prison system being terminated for engaging in inappropriate sexual activity with prisoners. The jail facility from which the author of this paper retired (Allegheny County, PA) is under a grand jury investigation empanelled by the county district attorney. To date (2005), the grand jury has indicted 12 correctional officers and 1 sergeant for the sexual abuse of inmates. Some pleaded guilty and were sentenced to county and State correctional facilities, and one officer was given probation. The investigation is ongoing. The author recommends that women inmates be attended and supervised only by women officers in female facilities. In cross-gendered facilities, no male member of a correctional staff should enter part of an institution set aside for women unless accompanied by a women officer. Security cameras with video recording capabilities should be placed in the female housing area to protect the officer from any untrue allegations and to deter unethical conduct by the male officer. An 8-item bibliography