PRELIMINARY DATA ON THE CORRECTIONAL PERSONNEL RATING SCALE

• NCJ Number: 53631
• Journal: Canadian Journal of Criminology Volume: 21 Issue: 1 Dated: (JANUARY 1979) Pages: 71-80
• Author(s): J WILLIS
• Date Published: 1979
• Length: 10 pages
• Corporate Author: Canadian Assoc for the Prevention of Crime
• Publication Format: Article
• Language: French; English
• Country: Canada

Annotation

DATA FROM THE PRELIMINARY DEVELOPMENT OF A BEHAVIORAL RATING SCALE DESIGNED TO MEASURE CORRECTIONAL OFFICER PERFORMANCE ON THE JOB ARE PRESENTED.

Abstract

THE FIRST STEP IN DEVISING THE RATING SCALE INVOLVED THE IDENTIFICATION OF A LARGE POOL OF ITEMS DESCRIBING BEHAVIOR RELEVANT TO THE JOB OF A CORRECTIONAL OFFICER. EACH DESCRIPTION OF BEHAVIOR WAS WRITTEN ON AN INDEX CARD AND EVALUATED BY A COMMITTEE FOR GENERALITY AND UNIQUENESS. A NUMBER OF ITEMS WERE ELIMINATED BECAUSE OF SUCH FACTORS AS VAGUENESS, LACK OF OPPORTUNITY FOR OBSERVATION, AND INAPPROPRIATENESS AS MEASURES OF CORRECTIONAL OFFICER BEHAVIOR. SIX BROAD ITEMS WERE SELECTED AND DESCRIBED: ROUTINE JOB TASKS, RESPONSIBILITY, LEADERSHIP, EMOTIONAL REACTIVITY, RESIDENT RELATIONSHIPS, AND STAFF RELATIONSHIPS. DATA FROM THE APPLICATION OF THE BEHAVIORAL RATING INSTRUMENT SUGGEST THAT IT HAS SUFFICIENT MERIT TO WARRANT FURTHER RESEARCH. THE SCALE AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR ITS USE ARE INCLUDED. REFERENCES ARE CITED. (DEP)