NCJ Number
172474
Journal
American Jails Volume: 11 Issue: 6 Dated: (January/February 1998) Pages: 45-46,48,50-52
Date Published
1998
Length
6 pages
Annotation
Jail managers' use of proper motivational techniques can be effective in maintaining the integrity of jail personnel and enhancing their job satisfaction.
Abstract
Jail personnel have little visibility, although they have a wide variety of skills and do work that can be described as an emotional roller coaster. Jail officers rarely receive the praise they deserve for dealing with the worst people in society. However, three approaches to motivation can be effective. The first approach is the concept of supervising by small wins. This concept is used in the private sector and involves supervisors' stopping and taking the time to acknowledge when a positive event has happened in the workplace. A second approach is to extend recognition and appreciation to jail personnel in front of their peers. This is important due to low pay and odd hours that characterize jail work. The third approach is to provide both traditional and modern awards and rewards for work performance. Such awards include certificates, plaques, and notifying upper management about positive employee performance. Supervisors need to know that bringing attention to success within the jail is both acceptable and appropriate, because jail officers need to feel and realize that the services they provide in the jail are valuable.