Which type of correctional style do female correctional officers tend to adopt? Why?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Carlson and Garrett have noted that many women tend to adopt a service-oriented approach that is less confrontational than that used by their male counterparts. This is actually a very valuable asset to agencies because it minimizes the number of grievances, potential lawsuits, personal injury claims, and other legal pitfalls associated with conflicts in prison. Likewise, the overall climate on cell blocks and in dorms that are handled in a less aggressive manner tends to be calmer; this can add to institutional safety. Though this approach has its benefits, there have been mixed results. In jail settings, research has found that women officers are perceived by male officers to be less effective in breaking up fighting inmates or controlling large and/or aggressive inmates. On the other hand, male officers tend to view women as skilled at calming inmates and working with those who are mentally or emotionally disturbed (Carlson, 2013). Female supervisors tend to have these same skills and abilities, and, even in cases where male inmates are aggressive, women who hold rank seem to be just as adept as men at maintaining control of the cell block or dormitory.