Chapter 12: The World of Prison Staff

True or False: Prison staff spend more time behind bars than most inmates and interact extensively with inmates more than the rest of society

True

What are the characteristics of working in a prison?

Constant threat of assault and injury, never letting down your guard, underappreciated and forgotten, difficult shifts, work schedule holidays, mandates, military dress, chain of command, no sick, no late, no leaving during shift, no phone calls, no food

What are the characteristics of a correctional officer?

Need for constant vigilance, stress and danger of the job, gain compliance by enacting discipline, and critical to daily management and carrying out policies of prison

Why is there organizational stress for correctional officers?

Understaffing and shift work, holidays

What percentage do correctional officers make up of prison staff?

2/3

What are some responsibilities of correctional officers?

Assist in the accomplishment of the prison’s mission, need to buy in to the prison’s culture, maintain control and order in the prison, constant supervision of inmates, important to adhere strictly to prison policy and procedures, and maintain close communication with inmates

What is the C.O. code?

Be yourself and don’t pretend, enforce the rules, be fair, firm, and consistent, be professional, keep personal information to yourself, and NEVER GIVE OR TAKE ANYTHING FROM AN INMATE