Discuss the problems correctional officers face in performing their duties. Has the inclusion of female correctional officers changed the profession?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

The set of problems that correctional officers face is that the task of controlling a prison is complex. A tough, high-security environment may meet the goals of punishment and control but fail to reinforce positive behavior changes. On the other hand, being too liberal administratively can lower staff morale and place inmates in charge of the institution. A correctional officer must be prepared to deal with the problems of inmates on a personal level and also as a member of a complex bureaucracy who must be able to cope with the demands of an evolving inmate population. One example is that the increasing population of older inmates means correctional officers must be able to recognize the effects of dementia and the special needs of older prisoners. Some of the most significant problems faced by correctional workers today are that those who are forced to work in facilities that are underfunded, understaffed, and crowded report high levels of stress and impaired job performance due to understaffing and overwork. Another problem is the stress created by the duality of their role. Correctional officers must be maintainers of order and security as well as advocates of treatment and rehabilitation. The stress of the job can lead to emotional exhaustion, a powerful dimension of job burnout, absenteeism, and general job dissatisfaction. Having women work side by side with men has not caused discipline to suffer; inmates have not complained much. Most commentators believe that the presence of female guards can have an important beneficial effect on the self-image of inmates and can improve the guard-inmate working relationship.