NCJ Number
72345
Journal
Journal of Employment Counseling Dated: (March 1980) Pages: 69-74
Date Published
1980
Length
6 pages
Annotation
A questionnaire designed to determine the attitudes of Federal Prison employees regarding job satisfaction and personal safety was sent to 147 workers in 19 Federal institutions.
Abstract
Of the 147 employees contacted at penitentiaries, reformatories, correctional institutions, youth and juvenile institutions, and prison camps operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons, 119 responded. That most Federal prison employees were satisfied with their jobs and their personal safety (the hypothesis of the study) was confirmed. This finding opposes an earlier Harris public opinion survey showing correctional work ranking lowest of all career interests; low interest appeared to stem from a public perception of low salaries and lack of respect for correctional workers. On the contrary, this study showed that 59 percent of Federal prison workers are satisfied with their pay, with their potential for advancement, and with their work locations. Most indicated they like their jobs, and a majority expressed a desire to continue their careers for a long time. They also believe that their jobs are interesting, that their abilities are well used, and that there is little danger in working in Federal prisons. They believe that their future working conditions will be improved. It seems that the public is unaware of the career opportunities available in the Federal prison system and generally has unwarranted negative opinions concerning working conditions in Federal prisons. An effort should be made to enable young people to obtain accurate information about such employment. With counselors and other interested persons providing adequate information about such opportunities, more students may consider careers in Federal correctional institutions. Further research should be conducted with this questionnaire at all levels of prisons. Two tables and four references are provided.