NCJ Number
231820
Journal
Corrections Compendium Volume: 35 Issue: 1 Dated: Spring 2010 Pages: 8-15
Date Published
2010
Length
8 pages
Annotation
Based on a larger study of perceptions of barriers to recruitment, retention, and promotion of both male and female correctional officers at a New England State prison, the current study focused on female officers' disproportionate perception of sexual harassment by male coworkers and its effect on their retention as officers and their longevity in the corrections field.
Abstract
The study findings indicate that when incidents of sexual harassment occur, they are not reported by female officers, generally because they fear consequences from coworkers and a negative impact on their career in corrections. Female officers who perceive higher levels of sexual harassment also experience weaker relationships with coworkers and superiors. Being single, believing that sexual harassment is occurring, and believing that the public views male and female officers differently are all negative predictors of positive coworker relations. The study indicates that despite an emphasis on preventing sexual harassment in the workplace during the Department of Corrections' 8-week correctional academy training, more must be done to address this issue in ongoing performance evaluations and training. Another factor that bears upon female officers' job satisfaction is the public perception that women should not be correctional officers. Women are less likely to seek recruitment, stay on the job, or seek a promotion if their families and the community do not support and value their occupational choice. Public education on the value of the work done by women in the corrections field is warranted. 4 tables, 2 figures, and 15 references