Perceived Characteristics of Effective Correctional Officers by Officers, Supervisors, and Inmates Across Three Different Types of Institutions

• NCJ Number: 123554
• Journal: Canadian Journal of Criminology Volume: 32 Issue: 2 Dated: (April 1990) Pages: 265-277
• Author(s): C Wahler; P Gengreau
• Date Published: 1990
• Length: 13 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)
• Language: French; English
• Country: Canada
• Note: Author abstract in English and French

Annotation

This study identifies the behavioral skills of an effective correctional officer. The Correctional Personnel Rating scale was administered to supervisors, correctional officers and inmates at three types of institutional settings. A factor analysis was performed by combining the ratings produced by the three subject groups. Three factors emerged: Responsibility/Leadership Skills, Behavior Skills Deficits, and Inmate-Relationship Skills. The behaviors that comprised these skills were identified.

Abstract

Correctional officers and supervisors attached significantly more importance to Responsibility/Leadership Skills than inmates. Inmates attached greater importance to Inmate-Relationship Skills than correctional officers and supervisors. Several supervisor and inmate demographic variables correlated significantly with each factor. The extension and further development of the CPRS was provided. A set of behaviors or skills which defined an effective correctional officers were discussed in the light of findings and with reference to recruitment, selection, and training issues. 2 notes, 17 references. (Author abstract)