Unethical behavior by Correctional personnel:
The correction personnel have a role to play in taking care of the well being of prisoners. Most of the times, the ethics of taking care of the inmates is always complicated. The prisoners have a low social status which makes them excluded and marginalized from the common mainstream of the society. This paper outlines the examples of unethical behavior conducted by the corrections personnel and considers how the corrections personnel are expected to behave and the procedures they should follow when handling inmates.
The correction personnel have a tendency of making the inmates experience stigma and discrimination right behind the bars. They often regard them as unworthy in the community, a situation that is inhuman and lowers their self esteem.
Within the system of prison, there has been a division of power. The correctional officers have had the habit of exerting powers over the prisons that leaves feelings of inferiority, powerlessness and dependency within the prisoners. The officers often abuse the powers they are given to harm the prisoners psychologically.
There is unethical issue that arises when an officer becomes too friendly with an inmate within the prison. Officers who are too close to prisoners are in most cases dangerous and with time, they begin to arouse suspicions and trust issues. One can never easily tell the motive of such close relationships. There is no problem with being friendly to an inmate. But the greatest problem is that one can never trust them at any moment. Another issue related to this factor is that when such relationships are realized, the inmates are always at a more losing end compared to the officers involved. More blame is directed to the prisoners and they suffer severe consequences as compared to the officers involved.
The standard of behavior required for correctional personnel’s:
There is a standard of behavior expected by the correction personnel when they are conducting their duty of handling inmates. The standard is outlined by ten firm principles.
The first principle says that correctional officers are expected to conduct themselves, whether they are on duty or not, in an accordance with the governments constitution and all the applicable laws. This principle helps in refraining officers from exceeding their authority and protects prisoners.
The second component says that all correctional officers are expected to avoid any conduct executed in an official capacity that is not in agreement with the justice system. This allows the officers to carry out their duty with integrity, impartiality and fairness.
The third component directs correctional officers to perform their duties according to the law and without discrimination and prejudice. This component sees that the inmates are treated with fairness, just like other members of the community.
The fourth principle says that correctional officers are not expected to exhibit any forms of conduct that discredits them or impairs their ability to perform their duty. This component takes care of cases where officers consume alcohol beverages or other related drugs.
The fifth component explains the need for correctional officers to treat all members of the public with respect and courtesy, including the inmates and their colleagues. They are supposed to be role models of the society and lead by example.
The sixth component is about the correctional officers not compromising their integrity, or that of their profession or department. This is a principle that aims at earning the trust and faith of the community at large.
The seventh component is about the correctional officers refraining from being involved in official and administrative matters unless they are asked to by the authority. This is ideal for ensuring that information of the given agency is protected and not leaked out to inmates.
The eighth principle is about the correctional officers observing the confidentiality of information at their disposal due to the status of their job. This is important to avoid unnecessary conspiracies where officers end up getting killed due to possessing confidential information.
The ninth component clearly states that correctional officers are not expected to violated any given legal restriction or the dissemination of information around the prison area. This is important for the safety of both the inmates and the officers.
Lastly, Correctional officers are expected to refrain from accepting any forms of gifts, favors, or services that appears to be improper from the inmates or the public. This is important for maintaining the integrity and image of the agency as well as the workers.
References
American Correctional Association (1992). The Effective correctional officer. Laurel, MD:
American Correctional Association.
Herberts, S. (1998). The correctional officer inside prisons. Commack, N.Y: Nova Science Publishers.
United States (2000). Controlled Substances Trafficking Prohibition Act and Correction Officers Health and Safety Act of 1997: Hearing before the Subcommittee on Crime of the Committee on the Judiciary, House of Representatives, One Hundred Fifth Congress, second session, on H.R. 3633 and H.R. 2070, March 26, 1998. Washington: U.S. G.P.O.
