NCJ Number
100596
Journal
Federal Probation Volume: 44 Issue: 3
Date Published
1985
Length
9 pages
Annotation
The role of women in corrections is examined, with a focus on issues and problems that have limited their optimal employment in all-male correctional institutions.
Abstract
Following the 1972 amendment to the Civil Rights Act, prohibiting sex discrimination by local and Federal Government, women began to move out of their traditional assignments into line officer positions. Despite this, they remain underrepresented and underutilized and serve predominately female and juvenile clients in direct contact positions. Of the approximately 10,000 female corrections officers, only perhaps half work in all-male facilities, and then, often only in special areas. Factors limiting women's involvement in all-male facilities include legal concerns for inmate privacy, negative attitudes of male administrators, problematic deployment policies and guidelines, and resistance and harassment from male coworkers. While inmates appear to have positive attitudes toward female corrections officers, these appear related to the women's role as sex object and to their more humane intervention style. The sexual integration in corrections employment is a process of change that is still in progress. Correctional administrators must work with all concerned parties to ensure that, in the future, corrections reaps the full benefits of its female staff. 17 references.