NCJ Number
177551
Date Published
1996
Length
35 pages
Annotation
This study examines Canadian correctional officers (COs) attitudes toward offenders in the areas of empathy, punitiveness, and support for rehabilitation.
Abstract
In 1994 survey of 1,970 COs, 23.3 percent had empathic views of offenders, 76.2 percent held punitive views of corrections, and 53.6 percent supported rehabilitation. COs employed in the Pacific region held the most positive attitudes toward offenders, while those from Quebec were the least positive. Male and female officers were comparable on empathy and punitiveness, but female officers were more supportive of rehabilitation. COs at the earliest stages of their careers (less than 1 year of experience) were considerably more positive in their attitudes than their more experienced colleagues. Those who had positive views about offenders were more committed to Correctional Service goals, expressed greater support for unit management, reported significantly less job stress, and were generally happier in their careers. Tables, figures, references