Diversity in a Jail Work Setting: Evaluating the Impact of Racial Intolerance (From System in Black and White: Exploring the Connections Between Race, Crime, and Justice, P 213-225, 2000, Michael W. Markowitz and Delores D. Jones-Brown, eds. -- See NCJ-183600)

• NCJ Number: 183612
• Author(s): Annette M. Girondi; Michael W. Markowitz
• Date Published: 2000
• Length: 13 pages
• Sale Source: Praeger Publishers
• Publication Format: Book (Hardbound)
• Publication Type: Collected Work
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: *This document is currently unavailable from NCJRS.

Annotation

This study found that racial diversity and gender diversity are institutionalized in the correctional workplace, and that levels of job satisfaction and confidence in the organizational hierarchy of jails vary by race.

Abstract

The study involved interviews with approximately 10 percent of correctional officers in a suburban New Jersey jail. In addition to 60 attitude questions, respondents were asked to provide information on race, gender, education, and length service at the jail. Of 109 correctional officers employed at the jail, 34 percent responded. Of the respondents, 92 percent were white and 8 percent were black. Minority males in leadership positions were relatively rare. There was significant dissatisfaction with jail leaders, a majority of whom were white. Blacks were no more comfortable than other minority research populations with approaching their supervisors. Controlling for sex, education, and tenure, race was a significant contributor to comfort levels associated with approaching supervisors with suggestions or concerns. There appeared to be a link between attitude differences of whites and blacks and the effective functioning of work teams. Significant differences were found between whites and blacks in the level of job satisfaction, with whites being more satisfied than blacks. Policy recommendations to improve the correctional work environment are offered. 18 references