NCJ Number
121766
Date Published
1989
Length
10 pages
Annotation
Staff management in the New Zealand prison system should encompass recruitment, training, performance appraisal, promotion opportunities, career development, and a human resource data base.
Abstract
An equal employment opportunity policy is essential in prison staff management, and the integration of women prison officers should be a priority. More women should be promoted to senior positions, and more emphasis should be placed on cultural issues in prison staff training programs. Employment conditions should be maximized with respect to job security, flexible working hours, child care centers, and sexual harassment. Five minimum requirements are proposed for prison staff recruitment: being physically fit; no criminal convictions; functional vision without glasses; nonsexist and bicultural attitudes; and written and oral skills appropriate to duties. In providing for training and career development, an effective human resource strategy should clearly indicate the skills needed for each position. Salary and grade recommendations focus on a three-tiered staff system (senior management, middle management to include divisional officers, and other staff). Additional components of human resource strategy development concern prison staff uniforms, staff housing, and codes of conduct.