Correctional Officer Experience: Handling the Demands of Crowding (From State of Corrections: Proceedings of ACA Annual Conferences, 1989, P 13-18, 1990, Ann Dargis, ed. -- See NCJ-122583)

• NCJ Number: 122587
• Author(s): D Taylor
• Date Published: 1990
• Length: 6 pages
• Sale Source: American Correctional Association
• Publication Type: Program Description (Model)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

The corrections system in Dade County (Fla.) has made several changes in recent years to improve the quality and job satisfaction of line correctional officers.

Abstract

In 1974, the 400 correctional officers were mostly male and supervised about 1,000 inmates in 3 facilities. The corrections department now has more than 1,500 staff members supervising 5,000 inmates in 6 facilities. The corrections department has changed rapidly, but most employees have developed adaptive skills, work hard, and are flexible in responding to varying assignments and opportunities. However, some employees are performing at only an average level, and others have burned out. All correctional staff experience stress, and some use more acceptable coping techniques than others. In 1983 the department established an employee assistance program, which focuses on rehabilitating chemically dependent employees rather than discarding them. Other changes have included an attractive pay scale, the development of innovative programs like pretrial release to address prison overcrowding, a video court to televise initial court appearances, an in-house television system for educational and entertainment programs, and an extensive inmate educational and vocational training program. The department is also using the American Correctional Association Accreditation Plan and regards it as an important management tool and guide to the accomplishment of its goals.