NCJ Number
198834
Journal
Criminal Justice and Behavior: An International Journal Volume: 30 Issue: 1 Dated: February 2003 Pages: 62-84
Date Published
February 2003
Length
23 pages
Annotation
This exploratory study examined perceived fear and risk of victimization among juvenile correctional officers at two juvenile detention centers in Virginia.
Abstract
An introductory literature review focuses on the nature and extent of individual and collective victimization, as well as correctional staff victimization and fear of crime. The two Virginia juvenile facilities involved in the current study were similar, in that both were operated by the State, were located in the greater Metro-Richmond area, and had similar structures. They differed, however, in their manner of functioning, with one operating as a therapeutic community that encouraged an environment of open communication among all staff members to address issues related to criminality. The other facility had lower expectations of open communication with the detainees. Only juvenile correctional officers (n=100) were included in the study. The majority of the officers, regardless of the facility, were non-white men who had attended some college. The self-report survey used in the study consisted of 76 questions that included measures of demographic and work history characteristics; attitudinal statements regarding rehabilitation autonomy and job satisfaction; and statements that addressed perceived fear and risk of victimization. A cross-sectional design was used to analyze the relationship between facility type and perceived fear and risk of victimization. The findings showed no difference in fear or risk of victimization levels among the juvenile correctional officers based on the type of correctional facility; however, gender was found to be statistically significant in all models. Female officers were more likely to have a higher level of perceived fear and risk of victimization at the individual and collective levels than were male officers. Race and education were also found to be significant factors in one model, i.e., perceived risk of victimization at the individual level. The officers at both facilities did not indicate high levels of fear of victimization or risk of victimization. This finding was somewhat paradoxical, because the actual rates of institutional victimization, by all accounts, were increasing. 4 tables and 87 references