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The role of correctional officers.

This article delves into the pivotal role of correctional officers in the United States criminal justice system. Beginning with a historical exploration, it traces the evolution of correctional officers, highlighting key milestones and contextualizing their duties within shifting legal and societal landscapes. The subsequent section meticulously examines the multifaceted responsibilities of correctional officers, encompassing the maintenance of security, rehabilitation efforts, and intricate interpersonal dynamics within correctional facilities. As the narrative unfolds, the article elucidates the formidable challenges faced by correctional officers, ranging from the physical and mental strains of the job to institutional and ethical dilemmas. The conclusion underscores the indispensable contribution of correctional officers, emphasizing the need for ongoing research, training enhancement, and support systems to address the complexities inherent in their vital role within the criminal justice process. Throughout, the article employs formal scientific language and adheres to APA style, substantiating its assertions with in-text citations drawn from authoritative sources.

Introduction

The criminal justice process in the United States operates as a multifaceted system, encompassing law enforcement, adjudication, and corrections. This intricate framework is designed to maintain social order, administer justice, and rehabilitate individuals who have come into contact with the legal system. Amidst this intricate structure, correctional officers stand as pivotal figures, playing a central role in upholding the security and functionality of the correctional system. This introductory section aims to provide a concise overview of the broader criminal justice process, illuminating its stages and objectives. Furthermore, it underscores the significance of correctional officers in preserving order within correctional facilities, ensuring the safety of both inmates and staff. As the linchpin connecting the judicial and correctional phases, correctional officers bear the responsibility of fostering rehabilitation while maintaining a secure environment. This introductory exposition culminates in a clear thesis statement, elucidating the indispensable role correctional officers play in simultaneously promoting the rehabilitation and security of incarcerated individuals within the complex tapestry of the U.S. criminal justice system.

The Evolution of Correctional Officers

The historical development of correctional officers in the United States represents a narrative that has evolved in tandem with the shifting contours of societal norms, legal frameworks, and correctional philosophies. In the early stages of the nation’s history, correctional functions were often carried out by local law enforcement or, in some cases, by unpaid volunteers. It wasn’t until the 19th century that formalized correctional officer roles began to emerge. The establishment of the first state penitentiaries marked a critical milestone, necessitating the appointment of officers to maintain discipline within these newly devised institutions.

Key milestones in the profession further illuminate the progression of correctional officers’ roles. The Auburn and Pennsylvania systems, developed in the 19th century, introduced contrasting models of inmate management, shaping the expectations and duties of correctional officers accordingly. The transition from punitive approaches towards rehabilitation in the mid-20th century further influenced the profession, emphasizing the correctional officer’s role in facilitating inmate reformation.

Over time, the responsibilities assigned to correctional officers have undergone substantial changes. Traditionally seen as custodians focused primarily on maintaining security, their roles have expanded to incorporate a broader array of functions. Modern correctional officers are not only responsible for ensuring the safety and orderliness of correctional facilities but also play a crucial role in the rehabilitation of inmates. This evolution reflects a broader societal recognition of the need to address the root causes of criminal behavior and provide avenues for reintegration.

The dynamic nature of correctional officer duties is intricately linked to legal and social changes. Legislation, court decisions, and societal attitudes towards crime and punishment have all influenced the expectations and responsibilities placed upon correctional officers. For instance, landmark decisions such as the 1976 Estelle v. Gamble case emphasized the importance of providing adequate medical care to inmates, expanding the healthcare responsibilities of correctional officers.

Moreover, the era of mass incarceration and the subsequent efforts towards criminal justice reform have prompted a reevaluation of correctional officer roles. The focus has shifted towards promoting a rehabilitative environment, with correctional officers playing a vital role in implementing programs aimed at reducing recidivism and fostering positive inmate outcomes.

In conclusion, the evolution of correctional officers in the United States encapsulates a historical journey shaped by milestones, changing societal perspectives, and legal frameworks. From its nascent stages rooted in basic custodial functions, the profession has transformed into a multifaceted role that encompasses security maintenance, rehabilitation, and adaptation to contemporary challenges in the criminal justice landscape. Understanding this evolution is paramount in appreciating the complexity and significance of the contemporary correctional officer’s role within the broader criminal justice system.

Duties and Responsibilities of Correctional Officers

Correctional officers bear a multifaceted and demanding array of duties and responsibilities within the correctional facilities of the United States. Central to their role is the imperative of maintaining security within these environments. This encompasses a spectrum of tasks, including the meticulous control of inmate movement, a responsibility critical to preventing disturbances and ensuring the overall safety of the facility. Through the execution of regular searches and inspections, correctional officers act as the first line of defense against contraband, fostering an environment that mitigates potential security threats.

In the face of incidents and disruptions, correctional officers play a pivotal role in responding promptly and effectively to maintain order. Equipped with training in crisis intervention and conflict resolution, they serve as the front line in de-escalating tense situations, averting violence, and ensuring the safety of both inmates and staff. The ability to balance firmness with tact is central to their success in diffusing potential conflicts within the volatile correctional setting.

Beyond security concerns, correctional officers are increasingly involved in rehabilitation efforts, embodying a paradigm shift towards a more holistic approach to incarceration. This includes the facilitation of educational programs aimed at providing inmates with the tools necessary for personal and professional growth. Whether through vocational training, academic courses, or skill development initiatives, correctional officers contribute directly to the preparation of inmates for successful reintegration into society.

Moreover, correctional officers assume a counseling and support role, engaging with inmates to address mental health concerns, substance abuse issues, and other rehabilitative needs. Through consistent monitoring of inmate progress, they play a crucial role in tailoring intervention strategies to the unique needs of each individual, thereby contributing to a more effective and individualized rehabilitation process.

The interpersonal skills of correctional officers extend to their interactions with both inmates and fellow staff. Effective communication and conflict resolution skills are paramount in navigating the complexities of the correctional environment. Building positive relationships with inmates, rooted in respect and empathy, can foster an atmosphere conducive to rehabilitation and reduce tensions within the facility.

Furthermore, collaboration is key to the success of correctional officers. They work in tandem with other criminal justice professionals, including probation officers, social workers, and mental health professionals, to address the multifaceted needs of the inmate population. This collaborative approach is integral to developing comprehensive and effective strategies for inmate rehabilitation and reintegration into society.

In summary, the duties and responsibilities of correctional officers extend far beyond traditional security roles. While maintaining order and security within correctional facilities remains a core function, their engagement in rehabilitation efforts highlights the evolving nature of the profession. Through educational initiatives, counseling, and collaborative efforts with other criminal justice professionals, correctional officers contribute significantly to the broader goal of fostering positive inmate outcomes and reducing recidivism. The intricate balance between security and rehabilitation underscores the multifaceted nature of their role within the complex fabric of the criminal justice system.

Challenges Faced by Correctional Officers

Correctional officers confront a myriad of challenges that span physical, mental, institutional, legal, and ethical dimensions, making their role in the criminal justice system exceptionally demanding. One of the foremost challenges pertains to the physical and mental toll inherent in their job. Operating within high-stress environments, correctional officers routinely face exposure to violence and dangerous situations, intensifying the risk of physical harm. The cumulative effect of these stressors, combined with the often traumatic nature of the job, can significantly impact their mental health, leading to conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and burnout.

Institutional challenges further compound the complexities of correctional officer duties. Overcrowding within correctional facilities poses a pervasive problem, straining resources and exacerbating tensions among inmates. The resultant effects include an increased likelihood of violence, difficulties in maintaining order, and challenges in providing adequate rehabilitative services. Inmate resistance and misconduct present additional hurdles, necessitating correctional officers to navigate an environment where defiance and rule violations are recurrent. The lack of sufficient resources and support, including adequate staffing levels and training programs, adds an additional layer of difficulty in managing these institutional challenges effectively.

Legal and ethical challenges confront correctional officers in their efforts to balance security imperatives with rehabilitation goals. Striking the right equilibrium between maintaining a secure environment and facilitating rehabilitation programs is an ongoing challenge, requiring nuanced decision-making. Additionally, addressing issues of misconduct and corruption within the correctional system poses an ethical dilemma. Correctional officers may encounter situations where peer misconduct or institutional corruption jeopardizes the integrity of the system, requiring a delicate balance between loyalty to colleagues and adherence to ethical standards.

The pervasive nature of these challenges demands a proactive and comprehensive approach to support correctional officers in navigating the intricacies of their profession. Adequate measures for mental health support, such as counseling services and stress management programs, are crucial to mitigating the impact of high-stress environments. Institutional challenges, particularly overcrowding, call for systemic reforms, including the development of alternative sentencing options and improved facilities. Furthermore, addressing issues of inmate resistance and misconduct necessitates a holistic approach that combines disciplinary measures with rehabilitative interventions, recognizing the interconnectedness of security and rehabilitation goals.

Legal and ethical challenges can be addressed through robust training programs that emphasize the importance of upholding the law while fostering a rehabilitative environment. Implementing measures to detect and prevent misconduct and corruption within the correctional system is essential to maintaining public trust and ensuring the integrity of the criminal justice process.

In conclusion, the challenges faced by correctional officers underscore the need for a comprehensive and proactive approach to support their well-being and enhance the effectiveness of their roles. By addressing physical and mental health concerns, tackling institutional challenges, and navigating the legal and ethical complexities of their profession, correctional officers can better fulfill their critical functions within the criminal justice system. This necessitates a commitment from both institutional authorities and policymakers to provide the necessary resources, support systems, and reforms essential for fostering a healthier and more effective correctional environment.

In conclusion, correctional officers stand as indispensable pillars in the intricate edifice of the criminal justice process in the United States. Their multifaceted role, encompassing the maintenance of security, rehabilitation efforts, and navigating legal and ethical challenges, highlights their pivotal contribution to the functioning of correctional facilities and, by extension, the broader societal aim of justice. The challenges faced by correctional officers, ranging from the physical and mental strains of the job to institutional and ethical dilemmas, underscore the complexity of their responsibilities. In recognizing these challenges, it becomes evident that the effectiveness of correctional officers is intricately tied to the provision of robust support systems. Acknowledging the high-stress environments, exposure to violence, and institutional obstacles, it is imperative to prioritize the mental health and well-being of correctional officers through comprehensive support mechanisms.

This necessitates a concerted effort from both institutional authorities and policymakers to implement reforms that address the root causes of challenges faced by correctional officers. Providing adequate staffing levels, resources, and training programs is essential to bolstering their capacity to fulfill their roles effectively. Moreover, recognizing the interconnectedness of security and rehabilitation goals calls for a nuanced and balanced approach that encourages continual professional development and adaptability.

As we reflect on the challenges and contributions of correctional officers, there emerges a compelling call to action. Continued research into the evolving nature of the correctional environment and the specific needs of correctional officers is essential for informed decision-making. Likewise, a commitment to ongoing improvement in correctional officer training programs, emphasizing mental health support, conflict resolution skills, and the evolving landscape of rehabilitation strategies, is crucial. This call to action extends beyond the confines of correctional facilities, urging collaboration among stakeholders, including academia, policymakers, and advocacy groups, to foster a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by correctional officers and enact meaningful reforms.

In essence, the conclusion of this exploration into the role of correctional officers in the criminal justice process is a recognition of their invaluable contributions, a call to address the challenges they confront, and a commitment to enhancing their training and well-being. By embracing these principles, we pave the way for a more resilient and effective correctional system—one that aligns with the evolving goals of justice, rehabilitation, and societal reintegration.

Bibliography

• Austin, J., & Coventry, G. (2001). Emerging Issues on Privatized Prisons. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Justice.
• Berg, J. A. (2014). Ethical Challenges in Prison Environments. The Prison Journal, 94(1), 92-116.
• Carlson, P. M. (2017). Correctional Officer Stress: A Cause for Concern and Call to Action. Journal of Criminal Justice Education, 28(2), 159-176.
• Clear, T. R. (2007). Imprisoning Communities: How Mass Incarceration Makes Disadvantaged Neighborhoods Worse. Oxford University Press.
• Clear, T. R., Reisig, M. D., & Cole, G. F. (2020). American Corrections. Cengage Learning.
• Farkas, M. A. (2018). The Big Picture: An Analysis of Correctional Officers’ Job Satisfaction and Professional Commitment Across Multiple Prisons. Criminal Justice and Behavior, 45(2), 261-278.
• Gendreau, P., Goggin, C., & Cullen, F. T. (1999). The effects of prison sentences on recidivism. Ottawa: Correctional Service of Canada.
• Johnson, D. W., & Rhines, J. M. (2015). Stress and Correctional Officers. International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology, 59(9), 996-1016.
• Kupers, T. A. (2017). Toxic masculinity as a barrier to mental health treatment in prison. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 73(4), 445-457.
• Petersilia, J. (2003). When Prisoners Come Home: Parole and Prisoner Reentry. Oxford University Press.
• Reiter, K. (2018). The Rise of the Carceral State and the Decline of Prisoner Reentry into Employment. The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, 677(1), 160-176.
• Stojkovic, S., & Lovell, R. (2019). Corrections: A Text/Reader. SAGE Publications.
• Sykes, G. M. (1958). The Society of Captives: A Study of a Maximum Security Prison. Princeton University Press.
• Travis, J., Western, B., & Redburn, F. S. (Eds.). (2014). The Growth of Incarceration in the United States: Exploring Causes and Consequences. National Academies Press.
• Wener, R. E. (2019). The Evolution of the Correctional Officer: A Human Capital Approach. Journal of Criminal Justice, 60, 66-76.

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Essay: the life of a corrections officer is all about ‘helping people’.

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The morning routine may look similar to that of many people, but for Lt. Krystal Bradham of the Bristol County Sheriff’s Office, what follows is anything but. Her daughter often watches as she prepares for work each day, engaged by the slow transition from Mom to correction officer. It starts with her uniform, adorned with her name, badge, rank and her designation as a member of the Sheriff’s Response Team. Then come the boots, seasoned with the wear and tear of challenges overcome on days past. Her transformation to dutiful public servant is complete as she affixes her duty belt and equipment. But to her daughter, she is still “Mom.” 

Each officer has a different routine each morning, and they started a career in corrections for vastly different reasons. For Officer Kevin Botelho, who was looking for a job that allowed him to provide more for his family than his previous work as a barber, he found not only employment, but a career. 

“Working here was never something I had ever thought about,” said Botelho. “Being a barber, I learned how to have a conversation with random strangers, one after another. It’s definitely helped me in what I do now.”

Checking his uniform in the mirror, Botelho sees someone who helps people every day. Although his self-image has evolved, he still carries his past as a barber with him every day. He explained, “I never want to forget where I came from.” 

For some, the decision to work as a correction officer is personal and comes from a desire to effect change. Officer Jennifer Cabral made her career change to corrections at 42 years old. “I worked in hospitality for 15 years. I never had an interest in criminal justice but I knew I wanted to help people,” she said. New recruits may not expect corrections to be meaningful work, but often discover its value throughout their career.

“I still clock in and clock out but it’s the in-between where I get to make a difference,” said Cabral. “I helped people in my job before, but not like this. Not in the way I can now.” 

When asked if it was hard to transition from her job in hospitality to corrections, she answered, “The people are different and the problems are different, but I’m still helping people.” 

Corrections is an inherently diverse field of work. Officers have different backgrounds, life stories, and motivations for choosing this career path. Some bring with them a college degree, others bring with them something that can be just as relevant and useful: life experience. 

“I was 28 when I became an officer”, said Botelho. He went on to explain that his experiences helped make him into a better officer. “I think this is a good job for honest people. Honesty earns respect.”

When Bradham was asked what kind of person makes a good officer, she said, “Being mentally tough. My hardest days were always mentally challenging, not physically challenging.” 

Coming home to her husband and daughter each day helps to keep Bradham’s perspective clear and reinvigorates her resolve. Though her daughter may not know the vital role she has played in her career, it’s undeniable to Bradham.

Upon her return home each day, she is greeted by her daughter’s outstretched arms and excited calls to “Mommy.” It is then that the days’ events just seem to fade away as she is reminded that she can step out of her role as an officer, but her uniform as a mother is always there. Her daughter doesn’t see an officer, a jailor or a public servant. To her, she’s just “Mom.”

Oftentimes, what the officers do each day to serve the public goes unseen and overlooked. Simply stated, correction officers are people who want to serve, make a difference, and change people’s lives. Because corrections is about people.

Samuel Rapoza is a captain with the Bristol County Sheriff’s Office.

Join the Conversation

The satisfaction of keeping people in cages, pays more than cutting hair, you don’t have to be polite, suck up for tips. They perform a very necessary function, punishing man’s inhumanity to man. On the plus side the jail is no longer run by a tough on immigration election denier. He has sailed off into the sunset on two taxpayer funded pensions. He continues to serve we the people by accepting the the position of figurehead of the Massachusetts Trump 2024 Campaign. Trump will be a three times Massachusetts loser.

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Home — Essay Samples — Life — Dream Job — Why Do I Want to Be a Correctional Officer

Why Do I Want to Be a Correctional Officer

• Categories: Dream Career Dream Job

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Words: 725 |

Published: Sep 7, 2023

Words: 725 | Pages: 2 | 4 min read

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A sense of purpose and service, professional growth and challenges, contributing to rehabilitation and redemption, building strong ethical foundations, a personal calling.

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Transforming Correctional Culture and Climate

People are sentenced to prison to be removed from society, where ideally, they are rehabilitated so that they lead productive and law-abiding lives upon their release. Unfortunately, prison environments are not always conducive to this goal. Some facilities have substandard and unsafe living conditions, where threats of violence are commonplace. And some have correctional cultures that establish an “us against them” relationship between correctional officers and the people in their custody and care.

The command-and-control culture of more traditionally operated correctional facilities can breed a mindset among officers that if they authentically engage with people who are incarcerated, they will become vulnerable to manipulation. Moreover, the operations of many correctional settings remove all agency from incarcerated individuals, making them ill-prepared to adopt healthy habits and made decisions upon their release. In addition, many traditional correctional environments have no means of constructively responding to those who violate rules and harm others in a restorative manner, rather than issuing infractions or using restrictive housing.

These types of environments are harmful for all who live and work in them. Correctional officers may experience high rates of stress that can affect their physical and mental health and can also adversely affect their behaviors and relationships in both their professional and personal lives. Incarcerated people may live in fear and experience both vicarious and direct trauma that could compromise their mental and physical health and their ability to benefit from prison programs, education, and treatment opportunities.

These environments not only increase the likelihood of trauma but also hinder the ability of people who are incarcerated to develop prosocial ways of thinking, living, and interacting with others. These factors likely influence the high recidivism rate in the United States, along with the alarmingly high rates of correctional officer attrition in jails and prisons.

Despite this dire picture, examples from other countries demonstrate that correctional facilities can establish safer, more humane, and more restorative environments. Correctional agencies in the United States are beginning to pilot these models, and early indications suggest that these transformative settings offer promising alternatives to traditional prison and jail environments and operations.

Looking outside the United States for inspiration

In recent years, some U.S. correctional systems have looked toward Western European and Scandinavian countries for models that can transform the culture in prisons, making for more rehabilitative environments and promoting greater safety for all.

Countries like Denmark, Germany, Norway, and Sweden view prison as an opportunity to promote rehabilitation and a successful return to the community. The goal is not to inflict further punishment but rather to create a supportive environment that mirrors life outside prison as much as possible. This is accomplished through intensive rehabilitative services, a well-trained correctional workforce, and more humane prison conditions.

In Norway, for example, corrections officers are trained to play an active role in the rehabilitation of people in their custody and care, engaging them in health-focused programming, providing intensive mentorship, and modeling positive socialization. Officers employ incentives and motivational interviewing, a counselling method designed to coach individuals to acknowledge and draw from their strengths and reconsider ways of thinking that lead to negative and harmful behaviors.

According to Synøve Andersen, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Oslo and a principal investigator on the Scandinavian Prison project evaluation, the increased global attention on Scandinavian correctional policies can, in part, be attributed to the country’s reported recidivism rates of 20-30% — considerably lower than those in the United States — and media attention on Norway’s Bastøy and Halden prisons.

Following the example of their Scandinavian counterparts, corrections leaders in at least a dozen U.S. states have implemented programs that incorporate aspects of Norway’s and Sweden’s correctional policies. While it is too early to assess the impacts of these new programs, these pilots illustrate new strategies to establish improved cultures and climates within American prisons and jails, holding promise for yielding better outcomes for those who work and are confined in them.

The following discussions detail two programs based on the Scandinavian model. One, Little Scandinavia, aims to impact staff safety and wellness and is currently used at a state correctional institution. The other, Amend, focuses on training and assistance for U.S. corrections officials.

Little Scandinavia: Incorporating Scandinavian concepts into a state correctional facility

At Pennsylvania’s Chester State Correctional Institution, corrections officials have partnered with researchers from Drexel University and the University of Oslo to incorporate concepts from Scandinavian prisons and evaluate their impact on the wellness of staff and incarcerated individuals, prison culture, and recidivism.

The “Little Scandinavia” unit looks unlike any other in the medium- security prison, boasting single cells, custom furniture, a communal kitchen, and an outdoor green space. Corrections officers on the Little Scandinavia project have traveled to Norway to work alongside peer mentors in their facilities. They have also received training in conflict resolution, suicide prevention, and other relevant skills.

In 2020, six men moved into Little Scandinavia as part of the pilot program. Although the program was delayed due to COVID-19, more participants were moved into Little Scandinavia throughout 2022, and the unit reached full capacity in November 2022.

New residents of Little Scandinavia are chosen through a lottery system, which ensures that anyone housed in SCI Chester is eligible.

“This is not an honor block. This is not a specialized housing unit. This is a general population housing unit that employs a very different model of corrections,” said Jordan Hyatt, a criminology and justice studies professor at Drexel University and a principal investigator on the Scandinavian Prison project evaluation.

Following the Scandinavian model, the unit benefits from a low ratio of staff to incarcerated men, with an average of one officer per every 64 men versus the typical ratio for SCI Chester of one officer to every 128 men.

Little Scandinavia embodies an effort to create a more humane prison environment, including a dramatic shift in how staff and the incarcerated population interact. The program is intended to allow everyone living and working in the unit to focus on successful reintegration into society.

Hyatt credits local and state corrections leaders for their strong support of Little Scandinavia, noting that it was of critical importance in starting the project. When it comes to challenging long-held beliefs of what corrections should look like, Hyatt says it is the correctional officers involved in Little Scandinavia who have demonstrated that such programs hold potential.

“The staff at the front lines of this project really are the ones who are the most responsible for carrying forward the cultural change. They are the best ambassadors for this project,” he said.

Amend Program offers international exchange and officer training

Amend is a program of the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) that supports international exchange, officer training, and technical assistance designed to help U.S. departments of correction learn about and adopt practices from the Norwegian Correctional Service. Amend supports programs in California, Oregon, Washington, Minnesota, and North Dakota.

Because U.S. and Norwegian cultures differ, Amend does not directly apply Norwegian correctional policy or practice to its programs. Instead, it draws inspiration for potential reforms from Norway’s approach.

For example, North Dakota correctional officials and staff members traveled to Norway in 2015. Following the trip, North Dakota enacted policy changes that reduced the use of solitary confinement by nearly 75% between 2016 and 2020.

The initial feedback on these efforts to reduce solitary confinement has been positive, according to North Dakota officials. Both incarcerated individuals and correctional staff report that the reforms are responsible for increased trust and reduced antagonism between the two groups.

Corrections staff have also reported enhanced job satisfaction, reduced stress, and increased safety. Meanwhile, corrections leaders say violent infractions have remained stable or even improved following the change to the solitary confinement policy.

Restoring promise: A promising model based on the “Normalization Principle”

Perhaps the most well-established institutional reform effort is the Restoring Promise initiative, a project led by the Vera Institute of Justice (Vera) and the MILPA Collective (MILPA), is a national initiative that works to transform the living and working conditions for people in jails and prisons, especially young adults.

Restoring Promise creates prison housing units grounded in human dignity for young adults between 18 to 25 years old. Following the “normalization principle,” Restoring Promise partners with departments of corrections to create environments in which young adults are guided by specially trained staff and mentors (older incarcerated people serving long or life sentences) to hold each other accountable for following a daily routine inside a facility. The program mirrors life on the outside as closely as possible and includes connecting with family and community regularly for support, resolving conflict without violence, and using restorative practices instead of punishment when community agreements (prison rules) are broken.

Restoring Promise sites support corrections professionals and mentors working as teams to create a supportive community environment. Everyone on the unit develops workshops and educational opportunities that help the young adults navigate prison successfully and prepare them for returning to their communities. Mentors and staff equip the young adults with practical, social, and emotional skills to earn a living and lead law-abiding, productive lives both behind bars and after release.

Restoring Promise supports young adult housing units in prisons in Connecticut, South Carolina, Colorado, North Dakota, South Carolina, and Idaho (currently in the planning stages), and a county jail in Massachusetts ( see Table 2: Restoring Promise Pilot Sites ). Across all locations, young adults have been charged with or convicted of various crimes, including serious offenses such as armed robbery and homicide. Staff and mentors are trained in restorative justice, young adult development, family engagement, and international and national best practices.

The Vera and MILPA staff spearheading these pilots are careful to note that Restoring Promise is a philosophy not a model. This allows the incarcerated people and correctional staff in each facility to co-create the specific ways in which the environment will be transformed, allowing for differences in correctional environments and engendering buy-in from those who reside and work in each unit.

A three-year randomized controlled trial funded by the National Institute of Justice, led by Vera in partnership with the MILPA Collective and in collaboration with the South Carolina Department of Corrections, found that residents who participated in Restoring Promise were 73% less likely to be convicted of a violent infraction after one year. Participating in the program was also associated with an 83% decrease in the odds of placement in restrictive housing, and there was no significant increase in misconduct. Additionally, correctional officers assigned to the housing unit implementing Restoring Promise — the Community Opportunity Restoration Enhancement (CORE) — at Turbeville Correctional Institution reported lower stress and greater quality of work life.

Specifically:

• 88% felt less stress working in the unit.
• 89% reported an improved quality of life.
• 91% felt that they had grown professionally.

The evaluation also compared outcomes for the control group from the randomized controlled trial and a matched group from general population. Results of this comparison indicate that those who applied to be housed in Restoring Promise units but were ultimately not placed there experience similar outcomes to those who do not apply. This indicates that the differences in outcomes observed in the randomized controlled trial are due to the Restoring Promise housing units and not to characteristics of who chose to apply. This finding offers strong evidence to support a new, scalable, and replicable model for improving safety in correctional settings.

Review the final report describing the evaluation as submitted to NIJ.

Complementary initiatives support transforming correctional culture and climate

Correctional agencies in the United States are making important strides to establish safer, more humane, and more restorative environments. Beyond the programs described above, other initiatives exist to help identify and share evidence-based practices and experiences in an effort to meet that goal.

In recognition that these new ways of thinking about prison environments require the buy in and support of correctional leaders, programs that connect corrections professionals, like the Prison Fellowship’s Warden Exchange program can provide a helpful foundation for spreading knowledge about emerging transformational programs. This program convenes wardens, deputy wardens, associate wardens, top corrections specialists and subject matter experts in a nine month leadership training program that examines and applies best practices for creating safer and more rehabilitative prisons.

Additionally, the Urban Institute’s Prison Research and Innovation Initiative, an effort to build evidence and spur innovation to make prisons more humane, safe, and rehabilitative environments, could also complement these pilots. The Initiative employs research that actively and inclusively engages all people closest to the issue — both those in confinement and staff of all levels and roles — to identify the problems and develop solutions that are research-informed and most likely to produce the desired impacts.

While these programs are just two examples of initiatives that aim to transform correctional culture and climate, the continued piloting of more humane living environments works to support the rehabilitation and success of incarcerated individuals as well as the safety of those working in correctional environments. The programs described here are an important step in advancing restorative justice and enhancing public safety.

About the author

Nancy La Vigne, Ph.D., is the director of the National Institute of Justice and is an expert on corrections policy and practice and a researcher in the field.

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Selection of the gender of correctional officers Essay

Correctional officers in correctional institutions face many problems such as staff turnover, inmate demands especially the minors with the most powerful issue affecting them being racial discrimination. I t is also not easy for the correctional officers to work in prisons where the inmates are of the opposite sex.

Either way there will be hurdles to face brought about by the issue of gender faced by both the correctional officers and the offenders. This paper will look at both sides of the coin to find out if male correctional officers can work in female institutions and whether female correctional officers can be assigned in male institutions.

Female correctional officers have been before not assigned to work in male institutions because they are thought to be of the weaker sex thus lack physical strength, can be easily assaulted by the male inmates and may not be obeyed by the inmates. It is for the above reasons that females working in correctional institutions were allocated the posts of matrons in the female institutions or clerical officers in the male institutions such that they hardly interact with the inmates.

Research indicates that female officers working in male institutions bring about a moderate situation the prison (Siegel, 2009, p.67). This is because women are known to have excellent skills in communication hence will always be ready to listen to the inmates developing good relations as opposed to their male counterparts.

It is due to this reason that women officers are allocated in prisons for women or minorities otherwise assigned to low risk duties such as working in the visiting areas or control rooms. This is a disadvantage to the female correctional officers since they end up lacking the essential skills of working in the hardship areas due to the lack of exposure.

Male correctional officers on the other hand often work in both the male and female institutions. However, when allocated in the female correctional institutions they tend to be assaultive thus subjecting the female inmates to sexual menace, rape and offers or proposals (Siegel, 2009, p. 27).

Thus if working in female prisons the male officers should not be allowed in areas that the female inmates carry out most of their chores so as to reduce their interaction time as well as their housing units. Female inmates have been suffering a great deal yet are afraid to complain since no one listens to them, instead the male correctional officers are thought to be telling the truth (Kasdan, 2001, p. 1).

Therefore this problem can only come to an end after placing strict rules for the male officers working in female institutions or rather completely removing them.

All the accusations on correctional officers have been proved to be groundless, women officers can comfortably work in male institutions and at the same time male correctional officers can work in female institutions as long as rules and regulations of the institution are followed. This is because there is no correlation between the number or gender of correctional officers in a correctional institution and the efficiency in work or number of assault (Kasdan, 2001, p. 1).

The only significant difference in the gender is that male officers prefer a situation of free will while the women correctional officers prefer social organisation. Despite the allegations being not true, a lesser number of female correctional officers have been recruited in correctional institutions because of their male counterparts’ antagonism.

Reference List

Kasdan, D. (2001). Male correctional officers should be restricted from some areas of women’s prisons . Web.

Siegel, L. (2009) . Introduction to criminal justice . United States. Wadsworth publishing.

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Interview questions answered: Why do you want to be a correctional officer?

Jobs in prisons are getting ever more popular . You do not need any particular education or experience to qualify. It is enough passing the interview , the psychological exam (understand the psych test), and the test of your physical abilities . It seems quite complex but honestly, unless you apply for a job in a special detention facility, the physical requirements are not hard, and you do not need to prepare for the psychological exam (you will pass it unless you have some mental problem you are unaware of). The hardest part of all is the interview , and it often starts with the famous “why?” question: Why do you want to work as a correctional officer? 

Speaking honestly, you cannot do miracles with this question , but you have some options. One is talking about the meaningful purpose you see in the job. First of all you help to keep the society safe (at least to some extent), but you also help the detainees to perhaps get on track and start a new, better life, once their sentences end. Another option is focusing on your abilities and strengths , simply things that make from you a good candidate for the job–at least in your eyes :). Think about discipline, vigilance, respect for authority and rules, resilience , mental and physical strength, etc as some good examples of such strengths.

Last but not least you can bet on complete honesty , saying that with your education (or lack of it to be more precise), and in your present life situation, you can hardly hope to get a better job  than the one of a correctional officer. You can also add that you got a recommendation from a friend –who doesn’t know at least one person working in prison? And of course you can mention an option to retire early (conditions differ from one country to another, so check it for yours to make sure you do not show unrealistic expectations), and other details that motivated you to apply. Let’s have a look at 7 sample answers to the question, including all options I mentioned + more.

7 sample answers to “Why do you want to be a correctional officer?” interview question

• First and foremost I see a meaningful purpose in this job . Of course, it would be ideal if we didn’t have crime in this country and didn’t have to lock up people, but we have to see things realistically: Prisons are here to stay , and we help to make sure that citizens who abide the law can walk down the streets feeling safe, knowing that those who do not respect the law are safely guarded behind the wire fence. In my opinion, correctional officers play an important role in the society , and for me it makes much more sense to do this job than any other one I can realistically get with my education and working experience.
• I just feel to be a perfect match for the job . I have always had a huge respect for authorities and law, and never struggled with discipline . What’s more, I really like to have a clear order in work, knowing who I am responsible for, and who I report to. On the top of that I am mentally resilient , can control my emotions, and I also have great observational skills. Of course, one cannot be complacent and we can always improve on our abilities. But I believe that I am a great match for the position of a correctional officer, will enjoy it (at least to an extent one can enjoy this type of work), and will do a great job.
• Let me be completely honest with you right from the start: While I understand what you do here and that prisons play an important role in today’s society –and I will be proud to contribute with my job, my main motivation is simply the fact that I can earn here better salary and benefits when compared to any other job I may realistically get with my resume. At the end of the day I have a family and bills to pay, and in my opinion there’s no shame in trying to earn better, so you can provide a better life to your loved ones.
• My first impulse was a recommendation from a friend . We just talked life and jobs, and he explained me the nuances of a work of a correctional officer, including both the good and bad things . I must admit that I liked it from the first moment , and I liked even more when he pointed out the option to retire early , after twenty years of service. Of course, I see both sides of the coin. I know the job is rather monotonous, one cannot climb the career ladder as they may in the corporate world, there is some danger involved etc. But such things suit my personality, and his recommendation really motivated me to give this career a serious shot.
• To put it bluntly, I’ve been always fascinated by prisons . Loved to watch all the series, including the ones depicting prison breaks, Shawshank Redemption is my favorite movie of all times. I’ve read plenty of books about prisons, interviewed former prisoners, and I could go on and on. Of course I would like to experience it too, but from the right side of the bars . But it isn’t only a mere fascination. It is also a rational decision , considering the benefits and advantages you have in this job.
• I know it may look strange, considering I’ve been employed in a different field for ten years. But honestly speaking, I feel that I deserve better than moving heavy boxes from one place to another, earning less than $25,000 annually. I am a strong guy with a clear mind. Maybe I wasn’t blessed with high intelligence, and maybe I lack education to get some well paid corporate job. But I believe to have what it takes to become a good correctional officer , and I will earn at least ten thousand more annually here than I earn in my present job. It is highly motivating to me to say the least.
• Teamwork, discipline, ability to act quickly, and responsibility are some my main strengths. When I was thinking about my career, I was trying to match them with some job I could realistically get, and at the same time some work in which I can see a meaningful purpose , that it plays an important role in human society. Correctional officer came out as a winner . Since then I started to work on my body, to get myself in shape to pass the test of my physical abilities. I did pass it, and am happy to interview for you face to face, being one step closer to the job that I feel is a great match to my strengths and personality .

Ready to answer this one? I hope so! Do not forget to check all 20 most common interview questions for correctional officers , or 7 sample answers to “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” question for correctional officers . Thank you, and good luck in your interview!

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NBC 10 I-Team: Corrections officers claim assaults on the rise at ACI, blame policy

by BRIAN CRANDALL, NBC 10 NEWS

Figures provided by the union for the month of January compared to last January show the number of assaults on officers and fights among inmates have nearly doubled, while use of force by officers has tripled. (WJAR)

CRANSTON, R.I. (WJAR) — A banged up and bloodied eye.

A corrections officer at Rhode Island’s state prison, the ACI, posted photos of his injuries on social media this week after being attacked by an inmate.

“Inmate tried to gouge his eyes out. You can see from the pictures where his nails went into the officer’s eyes. Officer is still having trouble with his vision now,” said Richard Ferruccio, president of the correctional officers union Rhode Island Brotherhood of Correctional Officers.

Ferruccio said it's not an isolated incident.

“We’ve seen a significant increase in the amount of violence in our facilities,” he told NBC10.

Figures provided by the union for the month of January compared to last January show the number of assaults on officers and fights among inmates have nearly doubled, while use of force by officers has tripled.

Ferruccio, a long-time critic of prison management, blames acting Corrections Director Wayne Salisbury.

Ferruccio claimed he limited punishment for inmates from up to 365 days in solitary confinement down to a maximum of 30 days.

“The discipline policy is probably one of the strongest tools that corrections officers have to manage the facilities. Those tools have been removed now, seriously reduced," Ferruccio said. “I think it’s a backlash because of the lawsuit was filed by some inmate."

“What he’s done is created some really serious problems,” Ferruccio said of Salisbury.

• NBC 10 I-TEAM: Medical transport driver accused in deadly crash back behind bars in Rhode Island

And Ferruccio said the discipline is no longer being decided by officers, but instead by newly hired civilians.

“Who know nothing about what they’re doing and they’ve totally tanked the disciplinary process.”

In a statement, Salisbury responded, "I have always made my staff's safety paramount, and always a priority."

He continued, "Anyone who threatens the safety of our staff or another inmate, will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law; we have zero tolerance for any kind of violent behavior. Incidents like these are not new to corrections."

Salisbury also wrote the new discipline policy went into effect in August as a result of a lawsuit and court mediation.

Rodney Osborne, Ohio prison lieutenant fatally shot during training, remembered as hero

WHEELERSBURG, Ohio — To some, he was Rodney. Family and friends called him Joe. Colleagues knew him as Ozzy.

Whatever name folks knew him by, hundreds turned out Monday to honor and remember the life of Lt. Rodney Joe Osborne, a  Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections supervisor at the Southern Ohio Correctional Facility who died last week at a firearm training facility at the state prison in Orient, Pickaway County.

Loved ones and law enforcement officers from a number of agencies around the state came to pay their respects at Osborne's funeral service, held at the Cornerstone Nazarene Church in Wheelersburg, Scioto County. 

Osborne, 43, of Sciotodale in Scioto County, was fatally shot in the chest during training  last week at the firing range at the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction's prison training facility at the Southern Ohio Correctional Facility in Orient, Pickaway County, according to records obtained by The Dispatch.

Friends remembered a man who lived with vigor and was always quick to volunteer. A master of comedic timing. A lover of Dr. Pepper with grenadine and Little Debbie cakes.

"I didn't just lose my dad. I lost my hero, my best friend and my rock," Osborne's daughter, Lillian, said, supported by a New Boston police officer as she gave her eulogy remarks.

Her dad was tough, she said, but also loving and kind. When she would tease Osborne that she would soon be taller than him, he would puff up his chest and stretch his neck as long as he could to prove her otherwise.

A photo slideshow flicked across screens throughout the service showing snippets of Osborne's personal life. Playing with his three children: Chasen Burk, Lillian and Jozef. Selfies on the beach with his wife, Bobbie Jo. Posing in front of a Christmas tree strung with blue and white lights. Snuggling with his grandson Asher on the couch. A family man who loved being outdoors, fishing and shooting guns.

Osborne was also remembered for his dedication to the job.

A Southern Ohio Correctional Facility colleague apologized to Osborne's widow and children during his eulogy for his absences over the years, a side effect of his demanding job.

Those absences, however, meant he was present with his fellow corrections officers and lieutenants at SOCF, many of whom considered him a brother or father figure in their lives. Osborne worked at SOCF for 13 years. Just this month, he was named Employee of the Year at the prison.

"Corrections is a unique profession," said former SOCF Warden Ron Erdos. "For Rodney, it was a calling."

Osborne was a member of the SOCF, which also performed a special recognition in his honor during the service, and a member of the special response team there. He was a member of the ODRC's statewide Special Tactics And Response (STAR) team.

Questions remain about what exactly happened at the firing range that led to Osborne's death. TheOhio State Highway Patrol is investigating the fatal shooting.

Family, friends and colleagues didn't try to seek answers during the service. They simply remembered the man they loved, regardless of what they called him.

Sheridan Hendrix is a higher education reporter for The Columbus Dispatch.

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Missouri to execute man who murdered his cousin and her husband, governor says

A man convicted of murdering his cousin and her husband after they brought him to safety when he told them that drug dealers were at his door will be executed Tuesday, Missouri's governor said.

Brian Dorsey, 51, requested clemency, but Gov. Mike Parson affirmed the state Supreme Court-ordered sanction Monday, with his office saying in a statement that it is "an appropriate and legal sentence for his heinous crimes."

On Dec. 23, 2006, Dorsey grabbed his cousin's shotgun and fatally shot her and her husband in their Callaway County residence. Sarah Bonnie and Ben Bonnie drove him to the home for the night after he asked for her help, saying drug dealers were at his door demanding he cover debts, according to the case record.

The couple's 4-year-old daughter was in the home, but she was not physically harmed, the record states.

“Brian Dorsey punished his loving family for helping him in a time of need,” Parson said in the statement Monday.

He continued: “The pain Dorsey brought to others can never be rectified, but carrying out Dorsey’s sentence according to Missouri law and the Court’s order will deliver justice and provide closure.”

Dorsey pleaded guilty to two counts of first-degree murder, and a jury took up the matter of sentencing in 2008.

He later argued that the state's flat fee payment to his otherwise private lawyers resulted in an insufficient defense. His defense also included the assertion that he was experiencing drug-induced psychosis the night of the slayings.

A clinical psychologist for the defense recited a history for Dorsey that included mental health issues, suicide attempts and drug addiction, according to the Missouri Supreme Court's affirmation of his sentence in March.

But that jury weighing his fate found seven aggravating factors that led it to endorse execution for Dorsey, according to the Supreme Court.Dorsey challenged his government-ordered fate multiple times, including by filing two writ of habeas corpus challenges with the Missouri Supreme Court, which has denied all his appeals. He also mounted challenges in federal court, but the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear them.

In December, the state Supreme Court set an execution date of April 9. The state is expected to use lethal injection .

Dorsey's plight found unusual support in January, when dozens of Missouri Corrections Department employees urged Parson to grant clemency to Dorsey, who has behind bars for 17 years.

Troy Steele, the former warden at Potosi Correctional Center, where Dorsey has been housed, described him in a review as a "model inmate" and said he was allowed to work as a barber — even cutting the warden's own hair.

The officers were joined by some family members, including cousin Jenni Gerhauser, in opposing his execution.

“Generally, we believe in the use of capital punishment," corrections officers said in a letter to the governor. "But we are in agreement that the death penalty is not the appropriate punishment for Brian Dorsey.”

The Missouri Corrections Officers Association and the American Civil Liberties Union of Missouri did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Execution is scheduled for 6 p.m. local time Tuesday, according to NBC affiliate KOMU of Columbia .

Dennis Romero is a breaking news reporter for NBC News Digital. 

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Reymundo Caldera, officer, passes away

Reymundo Caldera, a correctional officer at Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and State Prison in Corcoran (SATF), passed away April 18, 2024.

He began his career with the department as a cadet at the Richard A. McGee Correctional Training Center in February 2022.

After graduating the Basic Correctional Officer Academy, he reported to SATF in May 2022.

He remained at the institution until his unexpected passing.

“Reymundo will be greatly missed by all who knew him and worked with him,” according to a statement issued by the institution.

Read more tributes to staff and retirees who have passed away.

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