Maximizing the Effectiveness of Preservice Training (From Correctional Officers - Power, Pressure and Responsibility, P 37-42, 1983, Julie N Tucker, ed. - See NCJ-100052)

• NCJ Number: 100058
• Author(s): B M Crouch
• Date Published: 1983
• Length: 6 pages
• Sale Source: American Correctional Association
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: *This document is currently unavailable from NCJRS.

Annotation

This article presents findings from a study of perceived effectiveness of training, in Texas, by 84 correctional officer recruits and by 382 correctional officers with less than 2 years of actual job experience.

Abstract

Results indicate that most subjects found the 4-week classroom/on-the-job-training (OJT) program was effective and of adequate length. The majority also thought coverage of most topics was adequate, although both groups desired a greater emphasis on skills important for officer success and inmate security and safety. Nearly 75 percent of the subjects suggested a greater emphasis on skills for effectively relating to and handling inmates. A majority of respondents also felt that OJT should be interspersed with classroom segments rather than following the classes. Finally, the high rates of attrition during the first months on the job suggest that inservice training early in employment may help new officers deal more effectively with job-related problems during the time they cause greatest difficulty. Implementation of these strategies may result in more effective and better prepared correctional officers. 3 footnotes and 5 references.