NCJ Number
195467
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 64 Issue: 3 Dated: June 2002 Pages: 88-91
Date Published
June 2002
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the characteristics of individuals who choose corrections for their work and how these individuals feel about their jobs.
Abstract
The authors of this article assert that the nature of the corrections field requires a certain set of characteristics for an employee to be successful in the corrections profession. Presenting a series of perspectives on the necessary characteristics for working in the corrections profession, the authors offer an outline of these characteristics. Individuals who work as “front-line” correctional staff should be experienced individuals who can understand the strengths and limitations of the offenders with whom they will work, while at the same time possessing interpersonal and communication skills, flexibility, and intelligence. Understanding the varied reasons why individuals may be drawn to the field of corrections is also a key to hiring successful employees. In order to retain employees once they are hired, the authors suggest sharing information, involving the staff in decision making processes, supporting career development, cross-training employees, and offering recognition for jobs well done.