Northern Ireland's Prison Officers (From International Corrections - An Overview, P 73-77, 1987 - See NCJ-106200)

• NCJ Number: 106210
• Author(s): J M Moynahan
• Date Published: 1987
• Length: 5 pages
• Sale Source: American Correctional Association
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Both factions engaged in the conflict in Northern Ireland have created additional pressure and difficult working conditions for correctional staff.

Abstract

Although paramilitary factions have targeted prison officers both inside and outside the prison, officers must handle inmates in a professional, objective, and even-handed way. In addition, inmates must be closely supervised to prevent opposing factions from harming each other. Guards are now armed, and as of 1984 there were about 2,700 prison staff and about 2,600 inmates. The ever-present risk of attack both inside and outside the prison has created a group of correctional officers with more job stress than any other group in the world. This stress has created a strong esprit de corps among staff, but also has contributed to increasing alcohol and marital problems. 5 references.