Skills for Achieving Security, Control and Public Protection (From Correctional Officers - Power, Pressure and Responsibility, P 31-36, 1983, Julie N Tucker, ed. - See NCJ-100052)

• NCJ Number: 100057
• Author(s): M J Gilbert; J Riddell
• Date Published: 1983
• Length: 6 pages
• Sale Source: American Correctional Association
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: *This document is currently unavailable from NCJRS.

Annotation

After a discussion of how correctional officers shape the institutional environment, this article examines the values, skills, and competencies needed to perform the custodial and rehabilitation tasks required for effective prison management.

Abstract

Correctional officers largely determine the quality, character, and tone of the institution through their control over correctional rules and services, and through their interactions with inmates. What officers must realize is that prison security, inmate control, and public protection goals cannot be separated from treatment goals. Given this, the officers' face-to-face management interactions with the prison population assists in the development and maintenance of a stable, orderly, safe, and humane environment. Such an environment ensures survival with dignity and respect so that personal growth and self-change are possible. Such a role definition requires that the officers have respect for people, concerns for the safety of others (including staff and inmates), positive self-worth, and open and nondefensive communication styles. On the basis of these values and the role description, a list of 16 security and procedural competencies (e.g., knowledge of rules and regulations, ability to prevent escapes and riots, and to understand inmates' rights) and 15 complementary human relations skills (e.g., ability to remain nonjudgmental, handle inmate problems, intervene in crisis) is presented. 10 references.