Thy Brother's Keeper: A Review of the Literature on Correctional Officers

• NCJ Number: 106680
• Journal: Justice Quarterly Volume: 4 Issue: 1 Dated: (March 1987) Pages: 9-35
• Author(s): S Philliber
• Date Published: 1987
• Length: 27 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Literature Review
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Revision of a paper presented at the annual meetings of The American Society of Criminology, Atlanta, Ga., October 1986.

Annotation

This paper reviews the literature on the characteristics and attitudes of correctional officers (CO's).

Abstract

Studies indicate that CO's tend to be white, come from rural areas, have relatively little education, tend to be politically conservative, and often come to corrections after failures in other jobs. While many CO's are attracted by job security, pay tends to be low, and turnover rates high. Substantial evidence exists that the job is stressful. CO's often lack decisionmaking opportunities, have low public recognition, are cynical, alienated, and have low job satisfaction. Role conflict appears to be a major problem. It also has been found to be related to stress, job dissatisfaction, punitiveness, and custody orientation and rehabilitation beliefs. Finally, a number of studies suggest that CO's and inmates have a complex informal system of accommodation that helps maintain control and permits CO's to cope with organizational and role problems. Approximately 160 references.