Penology CJ 207 Chapter Nine Careers in Corrections

Penology, CJ 207 Chapter Nine Careers in Corrections 1

Careers in Corrections ØObjectives ØUnderstand the various jobs available in corrections ØIntroduce some of the major challenges facing correctional employees ØExplain the movement toward correctional professionalism ØAssist in the job application process, including finding internships ØIntroduce the ethical dilemmas faced by corrections employees 2

Careers in Corrections ØIntroduction ØCorrections is a large and expanding part of the Criminal Justice System Ø In 2003, one third or 2. 4 million of the professionals employed within the CJS were in corrections Ø 34, 776 (4. 6%) at the federal level Ø 463, 586 (62%) at the state level Ø 249, 888 (33. 4%) at the local level 3

Careers in Corrections ØIntroduction ØSome of you are reluctant to work in a jail or prison ØThere are many jobs in the institutional setting, but there also jobs in non-institutional settings ØWhat about the money? (2006 statistics) Ø Police officers at the state level averaged $41, 350 and local at $39, 082 Ø Corrections officers at the state level averaged $32, 766 and local at $33, 695 Ø Federal corrections officers earn more 4

Institutional Corrections ØCorrectional Officers and Counselors ØInstitutional work is one of the major employment areas in corrections Ø Institutional work involves employment in any facility in which state and local governments house accused or convicted offenders Ø Prisons Ø Penitentiaries Ø Jails… 5

Institutional Corrections ØCorrectional Officers and Counselors ØCorrectional institutions employed more than half of all state and local corrections workers in the U. S. Ø All different kinds of jobs Ø Uniformed correctional officers Ø 2/3 rds of all institutional corrections employees work in custody or security positions Ø And every position up to the chief administrators Ø Review Box 9. 1 on page 246 6

Institutional Corrections ØCorrectional Officers ØMost people who work in secure facilities start out as “Correctional Officers” (C. O. ’s) Ø Responsible for monitoring the security of the facility Ø Supervising, escorting and ensuring the safety of the inmates Ø Most college graduates may resist the suggestion of starting their careers as C. O. ’s 7

Institutional Corrections ØCorrectional Officers ØThe Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that nationwide there are 484, 000 positions for bailiffs, C. O. ’s and jailers Ø 60% in state prisons Ø 3% in federal prisons Ø 3% in private prisons Ø 33% in local jails 8

Institutional Corrections ØCorrectional Officers ØAgain, their principal job is institutional security Ø C. O. ’s have direct, face to face contact with inmates Ø Take head counts Ø Escort inmates within the institution Ø Check on inmate activities Ø Issue disciplinary reports when inmates break the rules Ø Oversee inmate work assignments 9

Institutional Corrections ØThe Work Environment ØOne of the most positive and challenging, is direct contact with the inmates, but this can be a negative aspect of the job too Ø Face to face contacts can give a C. O. a sense of accomplishment, that they are changing their lives Ø Face to face contacts can give a C. O. a high level of anxiety, create a cynical attitude toward life, feelings of despair and hopelessness Ø But C. O. s do have a great impact on inmate lives 10

Institutional Corrections ØThe Work Environment ØC. O. s also must deal with shift work Ø Institutions must staff “posts” 24/7/365 Ø Night shifts have less officers, but still must be staffed Ø Be prepared to work odd hours, odd days off, weekends and holidays (overtime) 11

Institutional Corrections ØThe Work Environment ØC. O. s Compensation Ø Depends on federal, state or local level Ø Federal average, $44, 700 Ø State average, $33, 750 Ø Local average, $33, 080 Ø Private average, $21, 490 12

Institutional Corrections ØThe Work Environment ØC. O. s Educational Requirements Ø Most state and local institutions require a High School Diploma or GED Ø The trend is to require an Associates or Bachelor’s Degree Ø The C. O. position requires human relations management Ø Concerns of litigation requires the best applicants Ø These new hires will be their mid line supervisors 13

Institutional Corrections ØThe Work Environment ØC. O. s Promotions Ø Most state and local institutions promote from within Ø Transfers, retirements and promotions are all opportunities for promotion Ø States with large inmate populations and many institutions may have the most promotional opportunities Ø May have to be willing to relocate 14

Institutional Corrections ØThe Work Environment ØC. O. s Promotions Ø There are more than 9, 500 high level administrative jobs in corrections Ø 1, 479 Wardens, the chief administrator of an adult correctional facility Ø 473 Superintendents, the chief administrator of a juvenile facility 15

Institutional Corrections ØThe Work Environment ØHiring Requirements Ø Education, a college degree is becoming the standard Ø Good physical condition Ø Height, weight, eyesight Ø Strength and endurance test (must be bona fide occupational qualifications) Ø No heart disease or hypertension (high blood pressure) 16

Institutional Corrections ØThe Work Environment ØHiring Requirements Ø Written exams Ø General aptitude tests (reading and writing competency) Ø Background check Ø Investigation into applicant’s family life, financial status, work record, academic experience, criminal history (felony or misdemeanor) Ø Polygraph exam 17

Institutional Corrections ØCorrectional Counselors ØSome “Corrections Counselors” do screening and psychological testing to determine the most appropriate security classification and treatment program Ø Also known as classification officers, psychological technicians or treatment specialists (case managers at the federal level) Ø May also conduct group or individual counseling sessions in substance abuse or anger management 18

Institutional Corrections ØCorrectional Counselors ØOthers operate at a higher level and are known as “Clinical Psychologists” Ø Supervise psychological technicians Ø Approve treatment plans Ø Positions they hold depend on their educational level and experience ØCorrectional Counselors earn about $6, 000 more than C. O. s 19

Institutional Corrections ØCorrectional Counselors ØWorkload depends on assignment and the size of the institution Ø Counselors treating inmates with serious needs (HIV/AIDS) or long term substance abuse have small caseloads 20

Institutional Corrections ØCorrectional Counselors ØSome institutions may outsource there psychological counselors Ø Professional employees Ø Exempt from civil service Ø No physical fitness requirement Ø No written exams Ø Must hold licenses and credentials Ø But they are subject to background checks and polygraphs 21

Community Based Corrections ØProbation and Parole Officers ØCareers in Probation and Parole are difficult to describe Ø Titles vary from state to state Ø Some officers deal only with adults, some deal only with juveniles and some deal with both Ø Officers may work for local, state or federal governments Ø Some jurisdictions separate probation and parole officers, some are one in the same 22

Community Based Corrections ØProbation and Parole Officers ØMost Probation/Parole Officers assume one or more of four roles in their day to day work Ø Investigator Ø Preparing presentence investigation reports Ø Monitoring their clients Ø Therapist Ø They are in a unique position to recognize psychological disorders 23

Community Based Corrections ØProbation and Parole Officers have different jobs Ø Probationers are generally first time offenders and their offenses are minor Ø Probation Officers are more willing to take chances and give probationers a second chance when they violate terms of their probation Ø Meeting consist of drug and alcohol counseling, marriage counseling or some otherapy 24

Community Based Corrections ØProbation and Parole Officers have different jobs Ø Parolees are more difficult to work with Ø Statistics show lower rates of success with parolees Ø Reintegration is a problem Ø Finding homes Ø Finding jobs or training programs Ø Trying to smooth the transition back into the lives of their families 25

Community Based Corrections ØProbation and Parole Officers have positive and negative parts of their jobs Ø There are success stories, but failure make headlines Ø Probation and parole work can be emotionally intense (burnout) Ø Probation and parole officers get little feedback on how they are doing (how is their progress measured) Ø Some clients are doomed to fail no matter how hard the officer works 26

Community Based Corrections ØProbation and Parole Officers salaries are generally better than C. O. s, but may be less than that of Correctional Counselors Ø In 2006 the average was $39, 600/year, $6, 000 more than a C. O. Ø They have higher education levels, experience and more responsibility Ø There are fewer of them 27

Community Based Corrections ØProbation and Parole Officers ØCaseloads vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction Ø Because of policies the caseloads of both probation and parole officers have increased Ø Probation and parole officers who could not imagine a caseload of 100, 20 year ago, now have caseloads in the hundreds Ø Intensive supervision caseloads are still low at 25 28

Community Based Corrections ØProbation and Parole Officers ØWhat does the increase in caseloads mean? Ø There are more defendants being put on probation and the caseload for probation officers is increasing Ø More and more serious offenders are being placed on probation Ø Those doomed to fail Ø But this trend means job security for probation and parole officers 29

Community Based Corrections ØProbation and Parole Officers ØRequirements Ø In most jurisdictions probation and parole officers must have a Bachelor’s Degree Ø The degree can be in counseling, criminal justice, psychology, social work, sociology, political science or business administration Ø Some require a Master’s Degree in an area related to probation or parole Ø Some allow an Associate’s Degree and 5 years of experience as a C. O. 30

Community Based Corrections ØProbation and Parole Officers ØRequirements Ø The physical requirements aren’t as strict for probation or parole officers as they are for police or C. O. s Ø Individuals with physical handicaps may be hired Ø Written tests, evaluation of credentials, oral interviews Ø Background investigation and polygraph 31

Community Based Corrections ØCounselors and Other Workers ØCounselors and other corrections employees work outside secure facilities Ø Group homes Ø Halfway houses Ø Treatment programs Ø Alternatives to incarceration 32

Community Based Corrections ØCounselors and Other Workers ØCounselors and other corrections employees work outside secure facilities Ø Some fear the dangerousness of a prison Ø Some like to work with inmates who are more receptive to treatment Ø Some don’t like the idea of being in one place all day Ø Some like the flexibility to experiment 33

Community Based Corrections ØCounselors and Other Workers ØCommunity based programs have higher success rates Ø First time offenders have a more intact support system Ø They don’t have to worry about reentry as they may have never left the community Ø Those ordered into community based programs pose a less serious threat to public safety Ø Easier to place in a job, job training, other programs Ø All this translates into more successes and more job satisfaction for the counselor 34

Community Based Corrections ØCounselors and Other Workers ØCommunity based programs have lower hiring standards Ø No physical standards Ø No written exam Ø No in depth background check Ø May hire ex-offenders for paraprofessional work 35

Community Based Corrections ØCounselors and Other Workers ØNegative aspects of working in a community corrections setting Ø Close and often intense exposure to offenders and their problems can take an emotional toll (burnout) Ø The lack of financial stability Ø Operating funds come from private, local, state and federal sources Ø Sometimes they are late, sometimes funds are cut… Ø This impacts salaries, less than federal and state C. O. s, may lack benefits 36

Community Based Corrections ØCounselors and Other Workers ØNegative aspects of working in a community corrections setting Ø Infrequent supervision Ø Less chance of promotion Ø No ties to larger network of agencies means no transfer opportunities 37

Community Based Corrections ØCounselors and Other Workers ØCaseloads vary depending on the setting Ø Usually 8 to 10 residents, 15 is rare Ø Like a psychologist or counselor working in an institutional setting Ø Intense contact Ø Might not have the time, knowledge or inclination to do a lot of counseling Ø May refer them to professionals who have expertise in a specific area 38

Community Based Corrections ØCounselors and Other Workers ØSometimes community based corrections hire “Paraprofessionals” Ø Lack the education of professionals Ø Trained to work alongside professionals Ø Allows the “house” to have multiple clients with diverse issues Ø Paid less Ø Good place to get experience 39

Workplace Challenges ØJob Related Stress ØSeyle defines stress as “the non specific response of the body to any demand made upon it” Ø Occupational stress has its origins in the demands and conditions of the workplace Ø May be related to a person’s life, family, social life… which manifest themselves at the workplace 40

Workplace Challenges ØJob Related Stress ØOrganizational Factors Ø How a prison hierarchy administration, the facility and include management style, communication and work schedules ØEnvironmental Factors Ø Stressor caused by physical, social and psychological elements within the location where the person works Ø Personal security in the workplace Ø Physical contact with offenders 41

Workplace Challenges ØJob Related Stress ØSigns of Stress Ø Absenteeism or tardiness Ø Sick leave or problems at home Ø Chronic depression, job burnout or suicide 42

Workplace Challenges ØJob Related Stress ØThose in direct daily physical contact with offenders experience the greatest environmental stress ØThe further a person moves from the clients, the greater the organizational stress Ø From superiors Ø From politicians 43

Workplace Challenges ØJob Injury and Death ØCorrections employees are more likely to be injured in the bathtub at home or in a car driving to and from work than they are to be killed on the job ØBetween 1973 and 1998 Ø 32 corrections staff members were killed in the U. S. , about 1 per year ØIn 1995, 14 staff members died ØIn 2000, the number was 5 44

Workplace Challenges ØJob Injury and Death ØC. O. s are more likely to have work related injuries due to improper lifting and other routine activities than to be injured by inmates ØSeldom are C. O. s directly attacked by one or more inmates in a correctional facility 45

Workplace Challenges ØJob Injury and Death ØJob related injuries are more common than job related deaths ØThe rate of C. O. s being killed in the performance of their duties is very small when compared to police officers and firefighters 46

Workplace Challenges ØLawsuits Ø“Malfeasance” is the commission of an act prohibited under any circumstance Ø Taking the life of an inmate Ø“Misfeasance” is the improper performance of an act that is within the scope of the worker’s authority Ø Making an inmate perform work duties, not assigned Ø“Nonfeasance” is the failure to act in a situation where one should act Ø Watching while one inmate assaulted another inmate 47

Workplace Challenges ØLawsuits ØAre you going to get sued? Ø Yes!!! ØHow to avoid paying out in a lawsuit Ø Get good legal representation, usually through your agency Ø Follow departmental policies and procedures 48

Trend Toward Professionalism ØFactors That Make Corrections a Profession ØEducation is one of the key measures of the increased emphasis on professionalization in the corrections workplace Ø Some states require a high school diploma or GED Ø Most states and the federal government require a Bachelor’s Degree for the position of Probation or Parole officer Ø Preference for a Master’s Degree and experience 49

Trend Toward Professionalism ØFactors That Make Corrections a Profession ØTraining is another element related to the professionalization movement Ø Train new employees in academies (200 hours) Ø On the job training (FTO and FTE) Ø Another 120 hours of specialized training 50

Trend Toward Professionalism ØFactors That Make Corrections a Profession ØAccreditation and certification by professional organizations Ø American Jail Association (AJA) Ø American Correctional Association (ACA) Ø Publishes standards to achieve to qualify for certification Ø Basis for lawsuits Ø Bragging rights Ø Individual certification (Certified Jail Manager) 51

Trend Toward Professionalism ØFactors That Make Corrections a Profession ØThe application of technology to the future of corrections Ø If an employee can understand use technology they are an asset to the agency Ø Surveillance and supervision of inmates and officers Ø Electronic monitoring of inmates Ø Use of websites to monitor offenders 52

Correctional Employee Ethics ØThe American Correctional Association’s Code of Ethics ØReview the Code of Ethics Box 9. 3, page 267 ØEthical issues cluster around the following topics: Ø Use of Discretion Ø Use of Force Ø The Code of Silence and Whistle Blowing Ø Loyalty, employees may be reluctant to come forward and report misconduct by co-workers and supervisors Ø Fear of being shunned or retaliated against 53

Correctional Employee Ethics ØThe American Correctional Association’s Code of Ethics ØReview the Code of Ethics Box 9. 3, page 267 ØEthical issues cluster around the following topics: Ø Improper Relations with Inmates Ø Loyalty to Conflicting Standards Ø Professional codes (confidentiality) v. security Ø General Concerns with Corruption Ø Sexual Harassment 54