NCJ Number
211714
Journal
Corrections Today Magazine Volume: 67 Issue: 6 Dated: October 2005 Pages: 82-85,91
Date Published
October 2005
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article discusses diversity within the corrections workforce, with a focus on gender as well as race.
Abstract
Today’s correctional environment should include the strengths of a diverse work force. Attracting minorities and women into the corrections field serves to create an atmosphere of inclusion and brings to the table many different perspectives that can inform correctional policies and procedures. The author presents statistics on the numbers of women and minorities working in the corrections industry and notes how quickly these numbers are increasing. Increasing numbers of women and minorities has led, unfortunately, to some “culture clashes” between and among staff, yet these clashes can be overcome in order to provide a diverse work force with a wide range of strengths. In closing, the author offers a number of recommendations to guide younger staff members as they enter the profession; the recommendations focus on understanding and accepting diversity. Endnotes