NCJ Number
234948
Journal
International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology Volume: 55 Issue: 2 Dated: April 2011 Pages: 287-304
Date Published
April 2011
Length
18 pages
Annotation
This study investigated the effect of the relationship between community corrections officers and offenders on offenders' ability for successful reentry.
Abstract
Within the institutional correctional literature, much has been written about the differences in authority between correctional officers and inmates. Recently, researchers have begun exploring the differences in authority between ex-offenders and community corrections officers (CCOs). Emerging literature in the correctional field suggests that ex-offenders perceive CCOs as being socially distant from them and have doubt as to whether CCOs are genuine in their attempts to assist the ex-offenders in reintegrating back into the community. Using qualitative data from a sample of 132 Federal and State corrections officers in Seattle, WA, this investigation advances previous research by examining officers' perceptions of social distance with their clients. Results from the survey responses and policy implications are presented. (Published Abstract)