NCJ Number
141667
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 54 Issue: 6 Dated: (August 1992) Pages: 88,90,92
Date Published
1992
Length
3 pages
Annotation
Female corrections professionals have much less reason for optimism about their professional careers today than they did in the 1970's, as indicated by the author's personal experiences of a female corrections administrator and her interviews with other female correctional personnel in Michigan.
Abstract
In 1976, the concept of females working in prisons had support from corrections administrators and State and Federal officials. The establishment of a central training academy in Michigan was another positive development. However, the 1987 rape and murder of a female correctional guard adversely affected the recruitment of women, even though a male officer was killed at the same prison later that year. In addition, reduced Federal demands for compliance with affirmative hiring and promotion practices, changes in State political leadership, and the end of Michigan's prison construction program slowed promotional opportunities for both men and women. Female correctional personnel still experience resistance from male co-workers, coupled with the perception that secure prisons are too dangerous for them. However, those that work in prisons usually stay, because they like the interactions with others, the pay and benefits, and the variety of the work. They also believe that being a woman working in corrections has both advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, it is important to create a work environment that will accept females as equals with males in correctional work. Photographs