In corrections, when everyone is being “professional” the work is being done effectively ; it means safety and control are being achieved along with a variety of other positive outcomes for the operating correctional institutions. People work better together and feel better about the job.
Is there professionalism in corrections?
In the field of corrections, professionalism affects not only those working in the facility or those imprisoned within its walls , but the families of inmates and officers /correctional staff, the local community, and the relationships within the law enforcement community as well. ...
Why is ethics important in correction?
Because of the importance of the correctional system in protecting the public from dangerous criminals , correctional officer codes of ethics and conduct emphasize the value of public service. Correctional officers and other prison employees also are required to preserve the integrity of confidential information.
What is a correctional professional?
Within local jails, state prisons and federal penitentiaries, the correctional officer serves as the voice of authority, while also ensuring the safety and welfare of prisoners . These courageous law enforcement professionals disrupt violent confrontations, ensure order, and also work to help rehabilitate prisoners.
How can professionals in corrections apply discretion?
Once courts sentence guilty offenders, correctional personnel use their discretion to coordinate the court-ordered supervision of offenders in community-based programs and secure settings such as jails and prisons. Prison and jail officers have exercised discretion in deciding when to write disciplinary reports.
What is the code of ethics for correctional officers?
Correctional officers adhere to a code of ethics and professional conduct, which is a set of standards pertaining to morals and the effective discharge of duties . ... It embodies such core values as discipline, judiciousness, truthfulness, vigilance, respect for human rights, and sense of responsibility.
What are some ethical issues in corrections?
Most ethical violations in corrections have to do with the introduction of contraband , the use of drugs or alcohol during performance of the job, violation of security and safety procedures, substandard job performance, violation of rules, and conduct that is likely to interfere with the orderly operation of the ...
What is the most pressing problem in corrections today?
Prison overcrowding, health care, racism, gang activity, privatization, assaults and more , are just a few of the problems that face prisons today. This is why many advocates are calling for prison reform. There are nearly 2.3 million people currently living behind bars in the United States.
What are some real life examples of correctional officer misconduct?
- Excessive force.
- Singling out inmates and giving them specialized punishments.
- Humiliating inmates or threatening them with more severe punishments.
- Sexual assault – or purposely ignoring sex crimes committed by other inmates.
What are the code of ethics?
A code of ethics is a guide of principles designed to help professionals conduct business honestly and with integrity . ... A code of ethics, also referred to as an “ethical code,” may encompass areas such as business ethics, a code of professional practice, and an employee code of conduct.
How long is correctional officer training?
Correctional officer academies are multi-faceted, as they contain a blend of physical training, classroom training, and hands-on field training. Some academies are as little as 3 to 4 weeks in duration, while others can be as long as 16 to 20 weeks .
Can correctional officers make arrests?
Section 253I provides that a correctional has certain powers to stop, detain and search persons. Sub-section (6) provides that a correctional officer may exercise the powers of arrest of a police officer in respect of an offence under Part 13A.
What are the duties of correctional services?
The aim of the Department of Correctional Services is to contribute towards maintaining and protecting a just, peaceful and safe society, by enforcing court-imposed sentences , detaining inmates in safe custody, whilst maintaining their human dignity and developing their sense of social responsibility and promoting the ...
What is an advantage of exercising individual discretion?
By exercising discretion, each individual officer can be held personally accountable because they have a legal obligation to enforce the criminal law and this means “total enforcement .” When police officers use individual discretion they are in essence engaging in selective enforcement, which allows them “to redefine ...
What type of discretion do judges exercise?
Judicial discretion refers to a judge’s power to make a decision based on his or her individualized evaluation, guided by the principles of law. Judicial discretion gives courts immense power which is exercised when legislature allows for it.
How do police courts and corrections work together?
Both components exist to make sure justice is enforced in the community, they will share all the information (such as evidence, criminal background) necessary in order to guarantee the process has been done correctly from the moment the suspect was arrested until the judge or the jury make a decision on what the ...
