NCJ Number
199322
Journal
Corrections Compendium Volume: 28 Issue: 2 Dated: February 2003 Pages: 6-7,25,28
Date Published
February 2003
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article reports on the findings of a survey conducted to assess correctional staff perceptions of educational needs and the relationship between professional development and career enhancement.
Abstract
Specifically, the questionnaire asked correctional employees about their interest in pursuing higher education as well as specific majors at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Other topics addressed were the relationship between educational achievement and career enhancement, courses in subject areas or subjects on which prospective correctional employees should focus, and issues that criminal justice researchers should address to assist departments of corrections. The goal of the survey was to reach all correctional officers and field personnel (probation and parole officers) who might be interested in pursuing graduate-level education. A total of 762 usable surveys were received. Although most respondents were college graduates who had received a degree in the social sciences, they expressed an interest in pursuing additional education; however, they were uncertain of the impact this would have within their departments of corrections. Although the individuals surveyed valued education, they were not sure that the same was true of the organization that employed them. Most respondents did not believe that a new employee needed a bachelor's degree to be hired by the department; yet, most believed the employees who had higher levels of education were more likely to be promoted and to be promoted sooner than less-educated employees. Still, many respondents were of the opinion that administrators favored experience over education. 6 tables and 10 references