NCJ Number
58830
Date Published
1974
Length
0 pages
Annotation
ADDRESSED TO CORRECTIONS OFFICERS, THIS AUDIO CASSETTE AND FILM STRIP UNIT PRESENTS INFORMATION ON THE CONTROL OF ATTITUDES AND EMOTIONS IN A JAIL ENVIRONMENT.
Abstract
THE CONFIDENCE AND PRIDE OF CORRECTIONS OFFICERS IS AN IMPORTANT QUALITY FOR ENSURING THE STABILITY OF THE CORRECTIONS FACILITY. JAIL CLIMATE IS DEPENDENT UPON POSITIVE ATTITUDES AND CLEARLY UNDERSTOOD GOALS POSSESSED BY ALL PERSONNEL. THE TRAUMATIC EXPERIENCE OF ADMISSION TO JAIL CAN BE DIRECTED BY THE OFFICER IN SUCH A WAY AS TO PREVENT VIOLENT OR SUICIDAL RESPONSES FROM NEW INMATES. THE STRESSES OF ADJUSTMENT CAN RESULT IN UNPREDICTABLE BEHAVIOR ESPECIALLY DURING SEARCHES AND AFTER FAMILY VISITS. DURING THESE MOMENTS THE OFFICER SHOULD BE CALM AND CONFIDENT, TO DISPEL ANY EMOTIONAL CONFLICTS BETWEEN THE INMATE AND OTHERS. THE OFFICER SHOULD LISTEN TO THE INMATE'S PROBLEMS AND TREAT HIM AS A HUMAN BEING, WITHOUT BEING 'SET UP' FOR PROVIDING FAVORITISM. THE CONTROL POSSESSED BY CORRECTIONS PERSONNEL SHOULD NOT BE ABUSED, BUT RATHER MUST BE APPLIED FAIRLY AND FIRMLY. HOSTILITY TOWARDS PRISONERS ONLY CREATES A HOSTILE JAIL CLIMATE. ANXIETIES WHICH CONFRONT NEW OFFICERS ARE NORMAL, AND THE TRAINEE SHOULD RELY ON THE EXPERIENCE OF SENIOR PERSONNEL. HOUSEKEEPING STANDARDS AND PROPER SANITATION MUST BE ENFORCED, AND MEALS SHOULD BE OF GOOD QUALITY, SO AS TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE JAIL MORALE.