NCJ Number
85086
Date Published
1981
Length
35 pages
Annotation
An ethical approach to corrections is not served by the warfare imagery of a paramilitary correctional system that views itself as the guardian of society against the offenders as the enemy of society; an ethical approach requires that offenders be viewed as members of the human family worthy of sensitive and compassionate treatment.
Abstract
The warfare imagery that permeates the corrections treatment of offenders reinforces a warfare ethic, whereby offenders and inmates are viewed as the enemy and therefore unworthy of receiving any but the minimal expressions of concern and compassion. Offenders, responding to the warfare imagery, nourish a criminal subculture alienated from and hostile toward the corrections system and the criminal justice system in general, such thay any cooperation with or fraternization with representatives of the criminal justice system amounts to being a traitor. A professional code of ethics in corrections must be rooted in a humanitarian approach to offenders that does not cast them in the role of the 'enemy' but as clients worthy to receive the skilled treatment and care services of trained professionals. Change toward an improved ethical orientation in corrections requires (1) improvement in the amount and diversity of views available to examine correctional decisionmaking, (2) preparation of correctional staff and the public to accept or reject ideas on rational rather than emotional or political grounds, (3) involvement of the public in policy and operational formulation, and (4) the correctional system's assumption of leadership in helping the public to reconsider its role in relation to offenders and the correctional system. Twelve notes are listed.