NCJ Number
188608
Journal
Corrections Management Quarterly Volume: 5 Issue: 2 Dated: Spring 2001 Pages: 41-48
Date Published
2001
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This study examined inmate perceptions of female correctional officer job performance across various custody levels.
Abstract
Data was collected through self-report surveys distributed by the researchers in four male Texas prison units in the Huntsville area from September to October 1999. One minimum-security, two medium-security, and one close-security unit were selected, and 475 surveys were randomly distributed. A total of 366 surveys were completed and returned, yielding a response rate of 77 percent. Seventeen measures were used to assess inmate perceptions of whether female correctional officers performed as well as males at various institutional tasks and posts typically found in prison units. Inmates were asked to report the frequency in which they exhibited certain behaviors in the presence of female and male correctional officers. The analysis of the findings suggested a relationship between inmate custody levels, perceptions of female correctional officer job competency, and behavior. Minimum custody inmates had lower perceptions of female correctional officer job competency and were less likely to report exhibiting any of the behaviors around females (discussing problems, manipulation, aggression, intimidation, masturbation, and using lewd or foul language). Additionally, the findings suggested that close-custody inmates had higher perceptions of female job competency, but also reported significantly higher instances of engaging in specific behaviors around female correctional officers (discussing problems, manipulation, masturbating, and using lewd or foul language). Suggestions were offered for research in this area. 3 tables and 15 references