NCJ Number
177193
Journal
CTM (Corrections Technology & Management) Volume: 3 Issue: 1 Dated: January/February 1999 Pages: 12-20
Date Published
1999
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the problem of corrections officers having sex with inmates.
Abstract
Sex between officers and inmates happens -- in parole agencies, and in adult and juvenile facilities -- at the federal, state and local levels. The article examines factors contributing to sexual misconduct: (1) facility environment; (2) unprofessional environment; (3) employee character and attitude; (4) policies and procedures; (5) poor training; (6) making sex between inmates and staff a silent secret; and (7) supervisors unaware of the problem. In July 1998, the Federal Bureau of Prisons issued a plan for managing sexual misconduct. It cites several behaviors that signal a staff member may be heading for trouble, including: marital difficulties, bitterness toward the administration, withdrawal from other staff, overt aggressiveness toward inmates, spending an inordinate amount of time with one particular inmate, being overly protective or supportive of an inmate, and sudden change in personal appearance. The article describes sexual misconduct prevention strategies.