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Interview questions answered: Why do you want to be a correctional officer?

Jobs in prisons are getting ever more popular . You do not need any particular education or experience to qualify. It is enough passing the interview , the psychological exam (understand the psych test), and the test of your physical abilities . It seems quite complex but honestly, unless you apply for a job in a special detention facility, the physical requirements are not hard, and you do not need to prepare for the psychological exam (you will pass it unless you have some mental problem you are unaware of). The hardest part of all is the interview , and it often starts with the famous “why?” question: Why do you want to work as a correctional officer? 

Speaking honestly, you cannot do miracles with this question , but you have some options. One is talking about the meaningful purpose you see in the job. First of all you help to keep the society safe (at least to some extent), but you also help the detainees to perhaps get on track and start a new, better life, once their sentences end. Another option is focusing on your abilities and strengths , simply things that make from you a good candidate for the job–at least in your eyes :). Think about discipline, vigilance, respect for authority and rules, resilience , mental and physical strength, etc as some good examples of such strengths.

Last but not least you can bet on complete honesty , saying that with your education (or lack of it to be more precise), and in your present life situation, you can hardly hope to get a better job  than the one of a correctional officer. You can also add that you got a recommendation from a friend –who doesn’t know at least one person working in prison? And of course you can mention an option to retire early (conditions differ from one country to another, so check it for yours to make sure you do not show unrealistic expectations), and other details that motivated you to apply. Let’s have a look at 7 sample answers to the question, including all options I mentioned + more.

essay for correction officer

7 sample answers to “Why do you want to be a correctional officer?” interview question

  • First and foremost I see a meaningful purpose in this job . Of course, it would be ideal if we didn’t have crime in this country and didn’t have to lock up people, but we have to see things realistically: Prisons are here to stay , and we help to make sure that citizens who abide the law can walk down the streets feeling safe, knowing that those who do not respect the law are safely guarded behind the wire fence. In my opinion, correctional officers play an important role in the society , and for me it makes much more sense to do this job than any other one I can realistically get with my education and working experience.
  • I just feel to be a perfect match for the job . I have always had a huge respect for authorities and law, and never struggled with discipline . What’s more, I really like to have a clear order in work, knowing who I am responsible for, and who I report to. On the top of that I am mentally resilient , can control my emotions, and I also have great observational skills. Of course, one cannot be complacent and we can always improve on our abilities. But I believe that I am a great match for the position of a correctional officer, will enjoy it (at least to an extent one can enjoy this type of work), and will do a great job.
  • Let me be completely honest with you right from the start: While I understand what you do here and that prisons play an important role in today’s society –and I will be proud to contribute with my job, my main motivation is simply the fact that I can earn here better salary and benefits when compared to any other job I may realistically get with my resume. At the end of the day I have a family and bills to pay, and in my opinion there’s no shame in trying to earn better, so you can provide a better life to your loved ones.
  • My first impulse was a recommendation from a friend . We just talked life and jobs, and he explained me the nuances of a work of a correctional officer, including both the good and bad things . I must admit that I liked it from the first moment , and I liked even more when he pointed out the option to retire early , after twenty years of service. Of course, I see both sides of the coin. I know the job is rather monotonous, one cannot climb the career ladder as they may in the corporate world, there is some danger involved etc. But such things suit my personality, and his recommendation really motivated me to give this career a serious shot.
  • To put it bluntly, I’ve been always fascinated by prisons . Loved to watch all the series, including the ones depicting prison breaks, Shawshank Redemption is my favorite movie of all times. I’ve read plenty of books about prisons, interviewed former prisoners, and I could go on and on. Of course I would like to experience it too, but from the right side of the bars . But it isn’t only a mere fascination. It is also a rational decision , considering the benefits and advantages you have in this job.
  • I know it may look strange, considering I’ve been employed in a different field for ten years. But honestly speaking, I feel that I deserve better than moving heavy boxes from one place to another, earning less than $25,000 annually. I am a strong guy with a clear mind. Maybe I wasn’t blessed with high intelligence, and maybe I lack education to get some well paid corporate job. But I believe to have what it takes to become a good correctional officer , and I will earn at least ten thousand more annually here than I earn in my present job. It is highly motivating to me to say the least.
  • Teamwork, discipline, ability to act quickly, and responsibility are some my main strengths. When I was thinking about my career, I was trying to match them with some job I could realistically get, and at the same time some work in which I can see a meaningful purpose , that it plays an important role in human society. Correctional officer came out as a winner . Since then I started to work on my body, to get myself in shape to pass the test of my physical abilities. I did pass it, and am happy to interview for you face to face, being one step closer to the job that I feel is a great match to my strengths and personality .

Ready to answer this one? I hope so! Do not forget to check all 20 most common interview questions for correctional officers , or 7 sample answers to “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” question for correctional officers . Thank you, and good luck in your interview!

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Essay: the life of a corrections officer is all about ‘helping people’.

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essay for correction officer

The morning routine may look similar to that of many people, but for Lt. Krystal Bradham of the Bristol County Sheriff’s Office, what follows is anything but. Her daughter often watches as she prepares for work each day, engaged by the slow transition from Mom to correction officer. It starts with her uniform, adorned with her name, badge, rank and her designation as a member of the Sheriff’s Response Team. Then come the boots, seasoned with the wear and tear of challenges overcome on days past. Her transformation to dutiful public servant is complete as she affixes her duty belt and equipment. But to her daughter, she is still “Mom.” 

Each officer has a different routine each morning, and they started a career in corrections for vastly different reasons. For Officer Kevin Botelho, who was looking for a job that allowed him to provide more for his family than his previous work as a barber, he found not only employment, but a career. 

“Working here was never something I had ever thought about,” said Botelho. “Being a barber, I learned how to have a conversation with random strangers, one after another. It’s definitely helped me in what I do now.”

Checking his uniform in the mirror, Botelho sees someone who helps people every day. Although his self-image has evolved, he still carries his past as a barber with him every day. He explained, “I never want to forget where I came from.” 

For some, the decision to work as a correction officer is personal and comes from a desire to effect change. Officer Jennifer Cabral made her career change to corrections at 42 years old. “I worked in hospitality for 15 years. I never had an interest in criminal justice but I knew I wanted to help people,” she said. New recruits may not expect corrections to be meaningful work, but often discover its value throughout their career.

“I still clock in and clock out but it’s the in-between where I get to make a difference,” said Cabral. “I helped people in my job before, but not like this. Not in the way I can now.” 

When asked if it was hard to transition from her job in hospitality to corrections, she answered, “The people are different and the problems are different, but I’m still helping people.” 

Corrections is an inherently diverse field of work. Officers have different backgrounds, life stories, and motivations for choosing this career path. Some bring with them a college degree, others bring with them something that can be just as relevant and useful: life experience. 

“I was 28 when I became an officer”, said Botelho. He went on to explain that his experiences helped make him into a better officer. “I think this is a good job for honest people. Honesty earns respect.”

When Bradham was asked what kind of person makes a good officer, she said, “Being mentally tough. My hardest days were always mentally challenging, not physically challenging.” 

Coming home to her husband and daughter each day helps to keep Bradham’s perspective clear and reinvigorates her resolve. Though her daughter may not know the vital role she has played in her career, it’s undeniable to Bradham.

Upon her return home each day, she is greeted by her daughter’s outstretched arms and excited calls to “Mommy.” It is then that the days’ events just seem to fade away as she is reminded that she can step out of her role as an officer, but her uniform as a mother is always there. Her daughter doesn’t see an officer, a jailor or a public servant. To her, she’s just “Mom.”

Oftentimes, what the officers do each day to serve the public goes unseen and overlooked. Simply stated, correction officers are people who want to serve, make a difference, and change people’s lives. Because corrections is about people.

Samuel Rapoza is a captain with the Bristol County Sheriff’s Office.

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The satisfaction of keeping people in cages, pays more than cutting hair, you don’t have to be polite, suck up for tips. They perform a very necessary function, punishing man’s inhumanity to man. On the plus side the jail is no longer run by a tough on immigration election denier. He has sailed off into the sunset on two taxpayer funded pensions. He continues to serve we the people by accepting the the position of figurehead of the Massachusetts Trump 2024 Campaign. Trump will be a three times Massachusetts loser.

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Home — Essay Samples — Life — Dream Job — My Dream Career: Importance of Correctional Officer for Prisons

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My Dream Career: Importance of Correctional Officer for Prisons

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Published: Feb 9, 2023

Words: 1163 | Pages: 3 | 6 min read

  • The following requirements must be met:
  • You must have a Grade 12 diploma.
  • A valid class 5 driver's license is required.
  • You must be at least 19 years old.
  • Cook, David. “Kansas Department of Corrections.” Department of Corrections. n.p., 10 Jan 2014 Web. 20 Feb. 2014.
  • “Correction Officer” Ferguson Careers in Focus: Public Safety. Chicago: Ferguson Pub.,39-48 2001. Print

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essay for correction officer

Criminal Justice Correction Professions and Careers Essay

Educational requirements for probation and parole officers, jobs and job requirements for probation and parole officers, corrections.

According to (Birks, 1995), this family is made of four levels depending on the type of work and how complex it is as well as supervision received. Level one is the most basic where the incumbent does entry-level duties of supervising probationers and parolees in re-entry programs. Regarding the knowledge and skills required, one must be knowledgeable in laws, regulations and general procedures in relation to offenders and correction department. Knowledge in evidence based practice when supervising offenders is required as well as in community resources. One must also be conversant with counseling techniques as well as motivational interviewing. The officer must be conversant with testing of substances and means of collecting them. He/she must be able to relate well with the members of community and inspire client in stopping their anti-social behaviors. Regarding the educational experience, one must be a holder of a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university with a twenty-four hour semester in respective combination of required subject.

(Birks, 1995) argued that, level II officers have the responsibility of full performance in supervising probationers and parolees. They also train others through routine assignments. Knowledge required is similar to that of level I but an additional two years of experience in correctional program at social casework is needed. Level III comprises of a specialist incumbent serving as an expert in areas such as motivational interviewing. similar knowledge to level II is required with additional knowledge in specific areas such as provision of consultation and training for other staff in similar areas. Two additional years are also required for this level. Level IV is of leadership where the incumbent supervises other officers and coordinate their work as well as manage district and subdivision. All the requirements of level III are also required in this level but the officer must have an additional year of experience

Parole and probation officers perform many similar duties in assisting the courts to ensure that, offenders comply with the sentences made on them outside the courts. The only difference between parole officers and probation officers is the type of offenders they handle. Parole officers are assigned the offenders after they are released from prison and work together with pretrial services officers who investigate to determine if the suspect deserves release before trial. On the other hand, probation officers supervise offenders sentenced on probation instead of being sent to prison. Majority of criminal convicts are put on probation as an alternative of being sent to prison. Some states combine the work of both parole and probation officers when they are on the program. Both types of officers ensure the offenders are out of trouble as they meet other requirements. Probation officers in some states are referred to as supervision officers as they supervise those on probation. The probation officers supervise those under the program through personal contact with them and their families. Usually the offenders do not meet their supervisors in their offices but most probation officers meet them in their places of employment, homes or therapy. Both parole and probation officers also receive assistance from community organizations that include religious institutions, local residents as well as neighborhood groups in monitoring behavior of the offenders. The officers also install electronic devices on the offenders to monitor their location as well as movements (Franzen, 2001).The officers are also required to make arrangements for the offenders to receive job training as well as rehabilitation if they were victims of substance abuse. The officers normally specialize with either adults or juveniles although in small rural areas, probation officers counsel adults as well as juveniles. Probation officers also work with the courts in providing the background information of the offenders and help in recommending sentences. They review the recommendations for the sentences with the help of the family members of the offenders before a final submission is made to the courts. They testify to the courts using their findings. They also keep updating the courts with the progress made by the offenders in the rehabilitation process by attending hearings and informing the courts on whether the offenders are complying with the sentences.

According to (Franzen, 2001), the number of offenders probation and parole officers handles largely depends on their needs and the risk they pose. If the offenders pose a higher risk, they require more counseling and consequently more time as well as resources. Therefore, the number offenders handled by the officers ranges from 20-100 at any given time. The caseload is made even more manageable by computers, fax machines and telephones making the communication possible even from home.

Students who aspire to learn about public safety or law enforcement require courses in correctional program, probation as well as parole field. Correctional officers in the field of probation engage in supervision of criminals and juvenile delinquent who have been put on probation. Parole officers also have similar duties but they also handle those who have been put on parole. Specialists in Correctional treatment handle inmates as well as facilities used in their correctional programs. They monitor progress in the institution regarding inmates and their facilities and design parole plans for them. The general nature of work as a correctional officer is good and research done by bureau of labor indicated that, law enforcement should allow the population in prison to increase. Background requirements for students pursuing programs in the field of correction are necessary and this include age, citizenship and level of education as well as job stability. The age required by majority of employers for their correctional officer ranges between18-21 and must be citizens of United States. (Franzen, 2001)

Job opportunities

A student who has successfully completed his/her studies can become a correctional program specialist dealing with inmates’ behavior and policies on social services. One can also become a health specialist responsible for handling health programs. A health specialist provides as well as regulates policies regarding correctional health of offenders under rehabilitation. They ensure the medical rights of inmates as well as those that are put on probation are observed through regular attendance of their health needs. They also provide services to the offenders who have special needs such as physically or mentally disabled. A student who has specialized in counseling can be employed to be a correctional counselor handling developmental programs regarding disability and general compliance of the programs. (Franzen, 2001).

Job functions in diversionary correctional programs

A manager in diversionary correctional program has a duty to see that the development as well as maintenance of the programs of the offenders and especially inmates is observed properly. This is in order to promote the well being of the inmates in terms of both physical as well as social development while they are still on correctional programs. The manager prepares schedules and provides good coordination of personnel dealing with volunteer programs. He/she also works closely with concerned community in program development aimed at assisting incarcerated inmates benefit from the correctional facilities. (Franzen, 2001).

Outside agencies are involved in development of internal programs organized by correction officers while volunteers are involved in making their generous contribution. With that in place, adequate space can be provided and sufficient materials be used by correction officers to ensure all the programs run effectively. Deputy director involved in corrections ensure there is enough time for all the programs in the jail to be established and implemented. Inmates in the jail are allowed to take part in religious services of their own choice and engage in religious activities all the time so that they can grow spiritually and develop good virtues that are encouraged by the entire society where they come from.

Correctional programs ensure there are referral agencies to be used by families and all the inmates. Correctional officers appear in public to take care of public relations in the entire community so that, people are encouraged to live well with each other without becoming security threat through engaging in criminal activities. Outreach services are coordinated in a responsible manner and security officers work according to the guidelines provided to them. Statistical data is maintained properly using files and records that act as future reference to provide evidence of the activities that have been carried out. Reviews are provided on quarterly basis on the quality of the programs and how effective standards in the jail have been so that the required recommendations can be effected immediately. (Franzen, 2001).

Qualifications of correction officer

Correction officers are required to perform their job successfully and perform all essential duties in a satisfactory manner. They must meet all the requirements such as knowledge acquired through education, skills in the assigned job and ability required in performing all the duties in a successful manner. Improved knowledge and good understanding of all the principles involved in modern corrections is very significant. This is in order to perform duties in a professional manner and ensure all the duties are done successfully. Understanding of all the principles used in human psychology is essential in dealing with group detention. This allows those who are detained to be understood properly and be helped to change their behavior for the better without repeating the same mistake again. (Birks, 1995).

Correction officers should be informed about rules on how the jail operates so that they can know the areas they are best talented and can perform at best. This also helps them to follow all the regulations in ensuring that they do not fail to perform duties in the areas assigned at the right time and in the right manner as described to them initially when the job was assigned. Correction officers should have knowledge about the rights of inmates so that they do not violate the rights of inmates through mistreatment, discrimination, favor or even abusing them.

A correction officer need to have ability of analyzing problems concerned with administration in order to establish the necessary action to be carried out in dealing with the problem in the right manner. These administrative problems occur most of the times and at varying degrees. Therefore, ability to analyze them helps to know how to deal with each and every problem even if the problem is encountered for the first time. There are situations where judgment need to be exercised and therefore requires correction officers to have the ability in making proper judgment in different situation. They should also oversee implementation of policies in every department and ensure all the relevant procedures are properly followed. (Birks, 1995).

Proper communication that is effective is required in dealing with management so that the assigned job is done effectively. Subordinates should also be talked to all the time to ensure they are working properly and assisted in areas where they need correction officer to intervene and help. Inmates should be communicated to in a proper manner regardless of what made them to be imprisoned. In that way, they can be helped to be morally upright and the public should be taught the importance of accepting inmates back to the society immediately they are released from prison.

A correction officer should be able to perform duties independently and be creative in the way he solves problems in order to come up with sound judgment of all cases brought before him through demonstrating his initiative. Oral and written communication skills are necessary and correction officer should be excellent in both. This is important so that he can read and interpret all the complex documents with ease and respond to all inquiries and complaints in an effective way.

There are situations where management and officers require to be given persuasive presentations about complex topics which are controversial. This requires correction officer to make effective presentation without failing to concentrate on all required issues. Correction office should define all the problems, gather all the facts and derive conclusions. All the technical instructions should be interpreted when dealing with concrete variables.

There are correction officers who are supposed to use computers when performing their duties and therefore computer literacy is very necessary in word processing and preparation of spreadsheets. Good typing skills are required so that correction officer can type his work without having to involve secretary in situations where the typed information is required to be confidential. Competency of the job is necessary if the job is to be performed successfully so that correction officer has the ability to synthesize diverse information, collect data and be experienced in complementing data. The problems should be identified at the right time and analyzed in skillful manner so that alternative solutions can be developed. Correction officer should communicate about changes that have occurred, manage all the team activities, and come up with implementation plans which are workable and evaluate the results effectively. Correction officer with all these qualification will benefit a lot through performing the assigned duties well without facing difficult time with management. (Birks, 1995).

Birks P. (1995): Criminal Justice & Human Rights: Reshaping the Criminal Justice: Literary criticism.

Franzen J. (2001): the corrections, award for fiction, twenty-seventh city: Macmillan Books.

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Prison Staffing and Correctional Officers’ Duties

Inmate treatment, correctional policies, consequences of incarceration.

The nature of the work of correction officers within the American prison system is highly misunderstood. The actual responsibilities of the different sections within the prison department overlap. There is no clear-cut rule on the nature of the work or the roles these officers play in inmates’ lives (“Evolving Duties of a Correctional Officer,” 2016). The confinement setting is typically a place of violence subjugated behind the walls of the institutions. However, there’s a stream of information that enlightens the general public about prison brutality. Historical analysis has unearthed data about the transition of the prisons and their context since the 19th century (“Corrections Officers,” 2016). The perspective on the purpose of prisons and their roles are equally shifting with increasingly complex expectations. Thus, the custodians are required to be strict and authoritative, yet at the same time, they are expected to be gentle reformers.

The job of the correction professionals involves traces of the simplistic part combined with an idealistic future. At the onset of the prisons establishment, staffing was a simple task, and few people were required for the job. The workers were mostly older at about over seventy years and had no qualifications. The guards took a casual approach to their work, and the primary tasks were to open and close cells. Typically, the population density was extremely low, and the convicts had few resources to consider escaping. However, by the end of the 19th century, the population had grown, necessitating bigger confinement areas with better security (“Corrections Officers,” 2016). The surge of prisoners also triggered a robust growth of the industries within the prisons. Therefore, the need for advancement became unavoidable, hence the present change into a complex system.

The rapid growth of the need for expertise among the custodians necessitated stricter modes of hiring and staffing. The protocols of prisons grew firmer, and recruitment requirements and qualifications also evolved. The guards were given more and more control over the inmates, and the environment became overly formalized (“Evolving Duties of a Correctional Officer,” 2016). As such, there were rules such as the banning of casual conversations between the officers and convicts. The most preferred mode of discipline was through corporal punishment. By the 1920s, criminologists had approved of the demonstration of trust elements in confinements (“Corrections Officers,” 2016). The funding was limited; thus, more inmates were promoted to supervision levels to minimize hiring more guards, although it was later discontinued.

There is no standard outline of correctional experts’ selection process; hence, a methodology is customized by different departments. The appropriate screening approach is designed to fit the local setting while mindful of state statutes and regulations. There are other cases where the jail administrators differ on the philosophical stand. For instance, whether or not an individual with a misdemeanor criminal history deserves a chance (“Corrections Officers,” 2016). Nonetheless, there are broad categories where there is a general consensus. One such area is a strong basis of personal qualities. Some of such attributes include good judgment, honesty, maturity, stability, dependability, and high ethical standards.

Across various jurisdictions, the success rates for applicants is inconsistent. There are higher success rates for jails focusing on identifying only the strongest candidates to eliminate weak applicants. Along this line, less than 2% of the initial applicants eventually get hired (Clem, Krauth, & Wenger, 2000). Some of the popular elements of screening include the consideration of minimum eligibility requirements. In assessing this, age and education form the core measures of qualification. An applicant must be at least 21 years old, hold a current driver’s license and a 2-year college degree. Additionally, there is background investigation on experience, employment recommendation, residence, and criminal record (Clem et al., 2000). Some departments consider other factors such as ability tests, including written tests or other off-the-shelf products. Moreover, there are psychological tests such as the California Psychological Inventory and polygraphs.

The social interactions in prisons are governed by numerous rules that guide inmate behavior. The codes of conduct have continually shaped the penal system and variation of social positions in American prisons. The enforcement of the guidelines faces a severe challenge where the problem arises due to conflicting motives. The regulations prevent violent outbreaks or escape attempts while risking losing trust for and from the prisoners. The result can generate hostility from the convicts, and some end up breaking the rules intentionally. Most correction professionals do not provide a rationale for their actions, although most arbitrary regulations have backing reasons. Consequently, it arouses resentment since, in most cases, the inmates are not enlightened on the laws’ logic (“Corrections Officers,” 2016). However, there are concerns among the guards that the knowledge about particular laws’ intent might trigger resistance, especially when convicts are against it.

It is vital to note that while prisoners are under punishment, they are still American citizens with rights as everyone else. The prison system is rigid to reforms of the inmates’ treatment due to the conflict-oriented mentality. There is an existing mutual distrust between the prisoners and the correction officers. Thus, the convicts build resistance to any meaningful interactions with the prison wardens, which further undermines the felons’ counseling. Additionally, there is a general failure in most prisons in implementing high-minded principle reforms. The transition is not supported by concrete actions which undercut the jail custodians’ viability to the offenders. The absence of faith in one another continues to block the efforts to abolish injustices in the system.

Across the country, the corrections department is investing highly in recruiting new COs. For instance, in Michigan, the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) estimated the amount of money spent on training a single CO, as high (“Opinion: If You Want Insurance,” 2019). Counting the number of recruits for the year multiplies the figure tenfold. The training sessions are intense and thoroughly involving because of the diverse nature of their roles after training. Hence, looking at the vast investment that the department makes, employee retainment is of primary concern. One way the department can make the employees choose to stay includes adding incentives to their salaries. However, the rising wages due to low unemployment rates force private and public sectors to scramble for workers. The pay that is offered for these experts must reflect the number of daily stresses that they experience while at work to continue operating.

Various organizations are working to integrate employee benefits to achieve the year’s goal. The objectives were derived from the motto, “Risk, Reward, Retention” (“Opinion: If You Want Insurance,” 2019). For instance, during the meeting between Michigan and the MCO, the primary emphasis was laid on improving the prison officials’ reward. Other means of workers retention was the promise of health insurance and pension at retirement. The benefits package is more influential if it includes generous fitness membership, county-sponsored child daycare projects, and vacation benefits (Clem, Krauth, & Wenger, 2000). Besides, the administrator provides a supportive work environment by letting them know that they are a part of the team. In most scenarios, when the leadership focuses on fairness, honesty, and openness, the employees’ morale increases. Apart from this, a worker agency mentoring program provides recruits with an experienced individual to support them.

Correctional staff often experience extreme stress levels, burnout, and several other mental health disorders from their work environment. The job that these people do is associated with both emotional and physical harmful health outcomes. The staffing shortages cause dangerous cycles due to the empty slots created by the low employee to inmate ratio. With the period of growth in crime rates and social foment coupled with the current punitive policy, the nation has experienced rapid advancements in imprisonment rates. The sentencing has not been evaluated extensively, and adjustments were made to assess its impacts on the community. However, a historical analysis justifies the system due to the surge of crime in the late 20th century (Naik, Mall, & Palace, 2019). Regardless, the penal policy change in the past four decades has resulted in a wide range of social costs, yet there is no direct link to crime reduction.

The high incarceration rates directly impact the wardens who are overwhelmed by the surge in the prison population. Their occupational exposure to violent and unruly individuals challenges the officers both physically and mentally repeatedly. The officers with a strong internal locus of control have a relatively easier time managing stress and strain on their daily lives (Naik et al., 2019). The toxic, manipulative, and repressive environment risks people getting entrapped in the aggressive prison subculture. Some workers eventually lose interest in their jobs, personal life, and become passive. They carry out their duties and other aspects of their daily lives without any active mental involvement. A good percentage of officers develop difficulties in their relationships with others outside the facility. Some end up with broken families, divorce, and disconnectedness from society. The worst-case scenarios prompt the workers to quit or move to other professions.

Corrections in prisons continue to evolve, and the custodians keep adjusting their responsibilities in jails. The rehabilitative philosophy in corrective facilities continually prompts new reinforced efforts to transform inmates. The expectations are rapidly increasing, and more demands are placed on the wardens towards this course. However, the professionals themselves are at a higher risk of succumbing to the prison subculture in their efforts to correct the convicts. Another inhibiting factor is the rising rates of crimes and strict punitive laws. An aftermath is an overwhelming number of criminals being imprisoned, which further stretch the prison capacities. The insufficient staffing, low-stress management system, and poor working conditions equally contribute to the existing problems. There is, therefore, a remarkable need to continually motivate correctional staff to retain them within the confinement institutions. Furthermore, more research should be carried by psychologists and psychiatrists to determine the appropriate methodologies for stress management and the betterment of the working setting.

Evolving duties of a correctional officer . (2016). Web.

Clem, C., Krauth, B., & Wenger, P. (2000) . Recruiting, hiring and retention: Current practices in US jails [PDF document]. Web.

Corrections officers . (2016). Web.

Opinion: If you want insurance for your recruitment efforts, don’t forget about retention . (2019). Web.

Naik, K. R., Mall, A., & Palace, B. H. A. (2019). The impact of prison conditions on staff well-being. International Journal of Research and Analytical Reviews , 6 (2), 288−303.

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The Job of Corrections, Essay Example

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The career of being a corrections officer is far from easy. Correctional officers face peril each day, just by attending work. There can be many negative aspects within their job function. Not only do they have to face hazard each day, but are also responsible for building relationships with inmates, co-workers, and superiors.

Correctional officers are responsible for the safety and supervision and security of inmates within a correctional facility (What is the Working Environment of a Corrections Officer?, 2013). As well as being responsible for the individuals, correctional officers are also responsible for caring for the facility. They prevent disturbances, assaults, and escapes while supervising the activities of the inmates.

Their work environment is dangerous. Often, correctional officers will have confrontations with inmates, resulting in injuries. In fact, correctional officers have the highest rate of nonfatal injuries per year (What is the Working Environment of a Corrections Officer?, 2013). Just imagine working each night in a facility where gangs dominate, race wars are prevalent, and the fear of a riot is around every corner and your job is to protect the individuals or groups from each other at times.

When thinking of a prison, many people envision a secured building with a high, barbed wire fence, guard turrets, and officers everywhere. This is not always the case. Prisons have changed to include correctional boot camps and other available facilities. Each facility is different, so the environment of a corrections officer can vary.

Beyond the hazards, the environment varies based on the age of the correctional facility. An older facility often has poor ventilation; they are overcrowded, and noisy. Older facilities can also be uncomfortable if they were not properly maintained over the years. Newer facilities offer well ventilated, well lit, air conditioned or properly heated facilities that can be far more comfortable than their counterpart.

The environment of a correctional officer will vary based on the type of facility within which they work. What may not vary are the negative aspects of the job. There can be negatives when being a correctional officer. There are four major negative aspects of being a corrections officer; assault, job burnout, mortality rates, and psychological stress.

Assault is a constant threat in this career choice (Heibutzxi, 2013). Inmates will often turn everyday items into weapons that are used to assault correctional officers or other inmates. Officers must stay continuously wary of this threat which induces more stress then is already placed on an officer (Heibutzxi, 2013).

This type of work environment can teetered into long periods of boredom, isolation, and physical danger (Heibutzxi, 2013). Often, correctional officers use the practice of disassociating themselves from emotions to cope with this environment, which may cause them to become burnt-out with this job (Heibutzxi, 2013). The officers focus on getting through a shift without being assaulted and lose empathy for the people who surround them, often referred to as “compassion fatigue (Heibutzxi, 2013).”

In a personal interview that was conducted with a former factory worker, who has now been a prison guard for the last four years, he states that he dreads going to work every night. Though unwilling to admit it to anyone, he fears this job. Each night he dreads dealing with dangerous inmates, the inability to please peers, and that thought that he may not come home to his family.

The prison in which he works is separated into zones. The zone that he works will vary each night. Zone “A” contains inmates that are close to maximum security, whereas Zone “B” is minimum security. The last shift was spent in Zone “A”, where this officer was responsible for 120 inmates on his own. He says that confrontations arise every night and in this zone the inmates would simply kill him over a small disagreement if they thought it would not affect their prison sentence in a negative way.

On average a corrections officer lives only 18 months after retirement, leading them to have the second highest mortality rate of any occupation according to the Main Department of Public Safety (Heibutzxi, 2013). This is an extremely high mortality rate. This can be linked to the constant stress of the career.

Correctional officers also suffer a high amount of psychological stress (Heibutzxi, 2013). These officers can suffer extreme mental trauma that causes them an inability to separate home and work life (Heibutzxi, 2013). Because this stress is taken home, correction officers have above average rates for divorce, domestic abuse, and suicide (Heibutzxi, 2013).

This is a stressful career that can make building relationships a challenge. However corrections officers must build relationships with inmates, coworkers, and superiors in order to be successful. How do they cope with this aspect of the job?

First of all it can be difficult to build relationships with inmates. The inmates must respect the officer in order to build a relationship with the officer. This can be done by keeping a heightened sense of legitimacy with the inmate (Bierie, 2010). This can be done by showing justice, equality, and consistency within the facility. If an officer is able to put aside differences and treat all inmates in the same manner, he will earn legitimacy. In this aspect he must also be consistent with rewards and punishments, and always ensure that the inmates’ expectations in this sense are met. Inconsistency can lead to a lack of respect and legitimacy for the officer.

Building relationships with co-workers can be a little easier. The officer is there for the same purpose as his co-workers. This leads to a shared bond between officers. It is also important to act civilly to co-workers and attempt to interact with them. The loss of empathy due to stress could cause some issues with building this relationship. Officers will always attempt to protect one another and have a shared connection through their experiences.

Building a relationship with superiors may be more difficult. Depending on the size of the facility, superiors may not know one officer from another. As long as the officer’s co-workers respect and praise him and the inmates respect him, the relationship with superiors is most likely fine. A problem relationship with superiors could arise from a problem officer who often gets into trouble at work through absenteeism or unfair treatment to inmates.

The prison guard that was interviewed states that building relationships is difficult on all levels and respect goes a long way. He gains respect from inmates by personalizing the relationships. By asking them how they are, if anything new has happened, and if there is any new gossip, he stays somewhat at their level. He also does not shy away from offensive remarks, but instead always has a retort. Though not very professional at times, it works.

He also states that correctional officers are very cliquey. They form groups, and much like high school, it is important to be part of one of these cliques. It is how you stay safe within the facility. These groups will support you in times of need, without them the job could be even more dangerous.

When it comes to superiors, he says it is important to handle the job without their help. If you can run a tight ship, without the help of your superiors the officers will be well known and respected by the superiors within the facilities. This is very difficult and most officers often enlist the help of their superiors.

All in all, this is a tough job. It is stressful and hazardous. The work environment can be lacking in some aspects. It affects your physical and mental well-being. There are many negative aspects of the job, which can make it difficult to build and maintain relationships at work and at home. This is definitely not a job for the weak.

Anonymous. (2013, May 11). Correctional Officer.

Bierie, D. (2010). Legitimacy in Corrections. American Society of Criminology , 89-117.

Heibutzxi, R. (2013). The Disadvantages of Being a Correctional Officer . Retrieved May 9, 2013, from Chron: http://www.work.chron.com

What is the Working Environment of a Corrections Officer? (2013). Retrieved May 9, 2013, from Student Scoalarships: http://www.studentscholarships.org

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smart goals for correctional officers

13 SMART Goals Examples for Correctional Officers

Correctional officers have an immense responsibility to ensure the safety of their inmates and staff. As they strive to keep a secure environment, these officers must set goals to reach their fullest potential.

SMART goals provide a helpful framework to help officers stay organized and motivated throughout their careers. This article will cover various examples of SMART goals for correctional officers.

Table of Contents

What is a SMART Goal?

The SMART system will enable correctional officers to establish practical goals for success. In case you didn’t know, SMART stands for specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-based.

Still confused? Let’s talk more about each SMART element:

It’s not enough to have vague aspirations of becoming a better officer or advancing through the ranks. The key is to identify precisely what you want to achieve and create a plan for getting there.

From obtaining necessary certifications to seeking professional development opportunities, you’ll gain experience that propels you forward as an officer.

Measurable goals allow correctional officers to track progress and identify areas for improvement. For example, if your goal is to reduce inmate violence by 50%, then regular tracking of incidents can help determine whether or not this goal is being met.

Remember to be as realistic as possible when pursuing your goals. While it may be tempting to set lofty ambitions, doing so can often lead to disappointment and frustration down the line.

Striving for impossible outcomes often causes undue anxiety, negatively impacting your job performance and mental health . So take some time to think about what is feasible given your capabilities.

Creating relevant goals aligning with your values is the key to pushing through difficult times. We can tap into an inner drive that resonates with us on a deeper level. Otherwise, it’s easy to lose motivation and give up when faced with obstacles.

By putting a well-defined timeline into action, you can ensure steady progress and keep your objectives in sight . Ultimately, success cannot be achieved in a single day; it results from consistent effort and perseverance year-round.

Here are 13 examples of SMART goals for correctional officers:

1. Develop Leadership Abilities

“I’ll develop my leadership skills for 6 months by attending monthly workshops and reading three books on effective leadership. I will also practice my leadership skills in the workplace by aiding and supporting fellow officers.”

Specific: The SMART goal is explicit by outlining activities to improve the correctional officer’s leadership skills.

Measurable: You can track workshop attendance, reading books, and supporting colleagues.

Attainable: This is attainable due to the 6-month time frame and actionable items.

Relevant: Developing leadership is valuable for any correctional officer.

Time-based: The statement should be completed in 6 months.

2. Engage in Professional Growth

“Within 7 months, I will take three classes to increase my knowledge and understanding of various criminal justice topics. That includes attending a class related to corrections and rehabilitation, criminal law, and ethics.”

Specific: The goal states what will be done to achieve it and the deadline.

Measurable: You could measure success by counting the classes taken within 7 months.

Attainable: Attending three classes in the provided timeline is definitely feasible.

Relevant: The goal relates to professional development in the criminal justice field.

Time-based: There is a 7-month end date for reaching this certain goal.

3. Increase Community Involvement

“For three months, I’ll boost my involvement in the community by becoming a mentor for at-risk youth or volunteering in support of law enforcement agencies. I’ll use this to give back to the community and be a positive example for those with negative perceptions of law enforcement.”

Specific: This goal details what activity you need to do (mentoring and volunteering) and sets a timeline.

Measurable: You can count the number of hours spent doing community activities.

Attainable: Mentoring and volunteering are both activities that are possible to achieve in the given time frame.

Relevant: Community involvement is essential for building positive relationships with those you serve.

Time-based: You should complete the goal within three months.

4. Promote Inmate Rehabilitation Programs

“I will promote two new inmate rehabilitation programs to help inmates transition back into society within 9 months. These programs will focus on education, employment, and mental health.”

Specific: You have the precise actions available—promote two new programs.

Measurable: The success of these programs can be measured by the number of successful inmates transitioning back into society.

Attainable: This is a reasonable goal given the timeline of 9 months.

Relevant: These programs are highly relevant to your main objective—helping inmates transition back into society.

Time-based: You have a clear timeline of 9 months to achieve success .

5. Strengthen Interdepartmental Collaboration

“I want to facilitate monthly interdepartmental meetings to discuss potential challenges and issues that must be addressed. These meetings will include representatives of each department within the correctional facility and aim to foster better collaboration between departments.”

Specific: You will organize monthly meetings with representatives from each department.

Measurable: Make sure you track interdepartmental collaboration progress and results.

Attainable: This goal is realistic, provided all representatives are available.

Relevant: This relates to your main objective of strengthening interdepartmental collaboration.

Time-based: Anticipate seeing results in the long run since the goal is ongoing.

6. Implement New Security Measures

“I will implement new security measures to increase safety in the facility within three months. I want these changes to include enhanced background checks, additional surveillance cameras, and updated visitor protocols.”

Specific: This statement is clear regarding the security measures to be implemented and the timeline.

Measurable: Keep track of all new security measure implementations and evaluate the effectiveness of each.

Attainable: Creating and implementing new security measures within three months is doable.

Relevant: The SMART goal is relevant to the safety of the facility.

Time-based: Three months are required to achieve this particular goal.

7. Increase Positive Outcomes for Inmates

keys to success

“Over the next 6 months, I plan to increase the rate of positive outcomes for inmates under my supervision by 10%. This will be reached through programs that strive to reduce recidivism and improve educational opportunities and career growth.”

Specific: This is explicit because it outlines a concrete plan to increase positive outcomes for inmates.

Measurable: You could monitor the number of positive outcomes for inmates.

Attainable: This is possible if enough programs are implemented to reduce recidivism and offer educational and career opportunities.

Relevant: The goal is highly pertinent to correctional officers as it can set inmates up for successful lives outside prison.

Time-based: You can expect goal completion after 6 whole months.

8. Reduce Conflict Resolution Time

“I’ll strive to reduce the average resolution time from 10 to 7 days this year. I will implement strategies to reduce long-term disagreements and create a culture of peaceful resolution.”

Specific: The officer has identified a particular amount of time they’d like to reduce conflict resolution times.

Measurable: You could check your progress by tracking the average resolution time.

Attainable: This SMART goal is achievable if you take the proper steps to reduce long-term disagreements.

Relevant: This is a pertinent goal for any team working in an environment with potential disagreements.

Time-based: Success is expected to be achieved within a year.

9. Expand Your Communication Skills

“I’ll attend two training sessions on effective communication skills to better understand inmates and their needs for 5 months. Afterward, I’ll implement these learnings in my daily work and monitor the results to ensure inmates are more comfortable with me.”

Specific: The aim is to attend two training sessions on communication skills.

Measurable: Track attendance of the two training sessions for 5 months and monitor changes in inmates’ comfort level with the officer.

Attainable: Acquiring communication skills is doable through attending training sessions.

Relevant: Communication is essential in correctional officers’ work, so this goal is appropriate.

Time-based: There is a 5-month deadline for goal achievement.

10. Maintain Physical Fitness

“I’ll maintain a level of physical fitness that is required by my job, as stated in the job description. I will accomplish this by working out with weights and running thrice weekly for 30 minutes each session.”

Specific: The goal is to maintain the physical fitness required for the job.

Measurable: Determine the individual’s fitness level and ability to complete strenuous tasks.

Attainable: This is absolutely doable if given the necessary resources and time.

Relevant: The statement is appropriate for maintaining job performance and staying in shape.

Time-based: Consider this goal an ongoing effort; strive to pursue it thrice weekly.

11. Enhance Stress Management

“Over the 6 months ahead, I’ll learn various stress management techniques to better deal with the stress of working in a correctional facility. I will also use these techniques to help manage stress levels in the workplace.”

Specific: This goal is evident in that it outlines a plan to learn and implement stress management techniques.

Measurable: You should count the number of stress management techniques you’ve learned.

Attainable: It’s achievable because you have 6 months to learn and apply these techniques.

Relevant: Stress management is necessary to be successful in correctional work.

Time-based: This should be accomplished within 6 months.

12. Uphold Facility Standards

“I will uphold all facility standards, such as the dress code, security measures, and prisoner interaction regulations, by the end of four months. I hope all prisoners and staff feel safe and welcome in an environment built on respect for everyone.”

Specific: The SMART goal outlines the standards that must be upheld in the correctional facility.

Measurable: The person could use metrics such as the number of violations of facility standards to measure success.

Attainable: Upholding established facility standards is absolutely possible.

Relevant: This goal is relevant to creating a safe, respectful environment.

Time-based: Goal completion is anticipated within four months.

13. Improve Inmate Behavior

“I will create and implement a positive reinforcement program to reduce inmate misconduct within 6 months. I want to find new ways to encourage inmates to be more responsible and law-abiding while in our custody.”

Specific: The statement defines the desired outcome and how it will be reached.

Measurable: This goal can be measured by tracking inmate misconduct and positive behavior.

Attainable: Creating a positive reinforcement program can be done in 6 months.

Relevant: Improving inmate behavior will benefit staff and inmates, reducing tension in the facility.

Time-based: Six months are needed to attain this goal.

Final Thoughts

SMART goals are crucial to being a successful correctional officer. The career requires dedication to the safety and security of inmates and staff while providing rehabilitation opportunities.

By understanding the SMART method, correctional officers will take the required steps to grow in their profession. They can finally look forward to career success in the future.

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Former Correctional Officer Sentenced to Prison for Sexually Abusing Multiple Inmates at Calif. Facility

Nakie Nunley, 48, is the seventh correctional officer to be sentenced for sexually abusing female prisoners at Federal Correctional Institution Dublin

essay for correction officer

AP Photo/Jeff Chiu

When a female inmate complained to her correctional officer about his conduct at the California facility, the officer told her if she wanted to keep her job “she needed to pull down her underwear and bend over,” according to a press release by the Department of Justice.

The woman did so, according to prosecutors, and the correctional officer “slapped her buttocks several times.”

On Wednesday, that former correctional officer, Nakie Nunley, 48, became the seventh officer to be sentenced for sexually abusing female prisoners at Federal Correctional Institution Dublin in California. 

“Nakie Nunley egregiously exploited his authority by sexually abusing multiple incarcerated women and then retaliating against those who blew the whistle,” Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco said in the press release.

Nunley was sentenced to six years behind bars for sexually abusing five inmates at the facility, which was allegedly referred to by prisoners and prison personnel alike as the “rape club,”  per the Associated Press , which  launched an investigation  into the facility in 2021.

Former Warden Ray J. Garcia, chaplain James Highhouse, and correctional officers Enrique Chavez, John Bellhouse , Ross Klinger and Andrew Jones have all been previously sentenced in other sexual abuse cases connected to the facility. An eighth worker at the prison – correctional officer Darrel Smith, was indicted last April .

Calling the federal prison “a dysfunctional mess,” in her order earlier this month, U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers said that a special master would be quickly appointed to oversee the facility, the first time the Bureau of Prisons has been issued such oversight,  AP reports .

In September, Nunley, of Fairfield, Calif., pleaded guilty to four counts of sexual abuse of a ward, five counts of abusive sexual contact, and one count of making false statements in connection with the investigation into abuse allegations at FCI Dublin.

Each of the five women Nunley abused worked at the UNICOR call center when the abuse took place, per prosectors. UNICOR is the federal prison industries work program that markets itself on its website as helping “offenders learn the skills necessary to transition from prison to law-abiding, contributing members of society.”

In a 20-month span between March 2020 and November 2021, Nunley had oral and vaginal sex with one of the female inmates he was supervising for the federal work program. He fingered another woman on “multiple occasions,” per prosecutors, who said he “admitted that he was guilty of crimes related to his illegal sexual contacts with three other prisoners.”  

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Beyond his criminal charges, Nunley admitted to sexually abusing “two additional prisoners,” according to prosecutors who said that he had “engaged in inappropriate conduct with multiple other prisoners who worked at UNICOR.”

In one such case, Nunley admitted to penetrating an inmate’s vagina with his fingers, per prosecutors who said that he also “caused her to touch his penis under his pants, resulting in him ejaculating in her hand.”

He also “caused” a seventh inmate to give him oral sex, per prosecutors, who noted that Nunley wrote “sexual notes to one of his victims” along with “sexual comments to multiple additional victims.”

Later, while federal investigators were looking into Nunley’s conduct, he lied to them about sexually abusing the inmates and denied sending one of the women “sexually explicit notes,” per prosecutors.

“Rooting out injustice in prisons is difficult work,” U.S. Attorney Ismail Ramsey for the Northern District of California said in the press release. “But we will not shy away from the task.”

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Dauphin County correctional officer charged with using excessive force

H ARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) — A Dauphin County correctional officer has been charged with using excessive force after an incident at the Judicial Center on February 24.

Detectives from the Criminal Investigation Division of the District Attorney’s Office have charged Scott Petrasic, a correctional officer in the county, with simple assault and official oppression.

According to online court documents, the charges stem from an incident captured on body camera footage in which Petrasic was preparing a woman who had been arrested by Harrisburg Police for processing.

Court documents say the woman was under the influence and was upset that officers had refused to pull up her pants prior to entering the Judicial Center.

According to the court documents, Petrasic allegedly told the woman to turn around so she could be searched and grabbed her jacket. At the point, court documents say Petrasic lost his grip on the woman and allegedly pushed her, causing her to strike her head on the wall and fall.

Court documents say a nurse was then called to treat the woman, who was bleeding from her right ear. Afterwards, Petrasic and another officer allegedly dragged the woman into the cell causing her pants to be pulled down further, exposing her.

According to the documents, Petrasic then allegedly left the woman in that position for several minutes as he told her to follow his commands and asked her for contact information to be make arrangements to be picked up.

According to the court documents, the woman asked multiple times for an ambulance and complained of head pain and nausea. In response, Petrasic allegedly denied an ambulance and told her medical staff would need to make that determination.

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County officials say these charges come as part of an “ongoing pursuit of accountability” at Dauphin County Prison.

“We are committed to full transparency, accountability, and the highest standards of ethics and professionalism in law enforcement,” said John Bey, Dauphin County’s Director of Criminal Justice. “Any conduct that deviates from our Code of Conduct and the highest standards of integrity, respect and humane treatment will be addressed immediately.”

Dauphin County Commissioner Justin Douglas, who has oversight of the Prison, also provided a statement about the charges.

“The allegations deeply concern me, and I’m dedicated to upholding justice, transparency, and humane treatment. I’m thankful to the District Attorney for filing criminal charges, ensuring that any misconduct is appropriately addressed. Our aim is to foster a correctional setting that is safe, just, and respectful,” he said.

Petrasic has been suspended without pay since March 24. A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for April 24.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.

Dauphin County correctional officer charged with using excessive force

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Easter 2024

Former correctional officer at women’s prison in California sentenced for sexually abusing inmates

FILE - The Federal Correctional Institution stands in Dublin, Calif., Dec. 5, 2022. A former correctional officer at the federal California women's prison known for numerous misconduct allegations was sentenced to six years in prison for sexually abusing five inmates, federal officials announced Wednesday, March 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu, File)

FILE - The Federal Correctional Institution stands in Dublin, Calif., Dec. 5, 2022. A former correctional officer at the federal California women’s prison known for numerous misconduct allegations was sentenced to six years in prison for sexually abusing five inmates, federal officials announced Wednesday, March 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu, File)

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OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — A former correctional officer at a federal California women’s prison known for numerous misconduct allegations was sentenced to six years in prison for sexually abusing five inmates, federal officials announced Wednesday.

Nakie Nunley, who supervised inmates at the Federal Correctional Institution, Dublin, becomes the seventh correctional officer sentenced to prison for sexually abusing inmates, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. A 2022 investigation by The Associated Press revealed a cultural of rampant sexual abuse and cover-up at the prison.

U.S. Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco said in a statement that Nunley “egregiously exploited” his power to abuse inmates and retaliate against those who spoke up.

“As today’s sentence shows, the Justice Department will hold accountable officials who abuse their authority to harm those they are sworn to protect — and will not tolerate retaliation against victims,” Monaco said.

Nunley pleaded guilty last year to four counts of sexual abuse of a ward and five lesser felonies of abusive sexual contact of five women. He also admitted to lying to federal officials who were investigating allegations against him, the U.S. Department of Justice said.

The prison is located about 40 miles (64 kilometers) east of San Francisco and has more than 600 inmates, according to the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

essay for correction officer

Former correctional officer at women's prison in California sentenced for sexually abusing inmates

A former correctional officer at the federal California women's prison known for numerous misconduct allegations was sentenced to six years in prison for sexually abusing five inmates, federal officials announced on March 27, 2024.

OAKLAND, Calif. — A former correctional officer at a federal California women’s prison  known for numerous misconduct allegations  was sentenced to six years in prison for sexually abusing five inmates, federal officials announced Wednesday.

Nakie Nunley, who supervised inmates at the Federal Correctional Institution, Dublin, becomes the seventh correctional officer sentenced to prison for sexually abusing inmates, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. A 2022  investigation by The Associated Press  revealed a cultural of rampant sexual abuse and cover-up at the prison.

U.S. Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco said in a statement that Nunley “egregiously exploited” his power to abuse inmates and retaliate against those who spoke up.

“As today’s sentence shows, the Justice Department will hold accountable officials who abuse their authority to harm those they are sworn to protect — and will not tolerate retaliation against victims,” Monaco said.

Nunley  pleaded guilty  last year to four counts of sexual abuse of a ward and five lesser felonies of abusive sexual contact of five women. He also admitted to lying to federal officials who were investigating allegations against him, the U.S. Department of Justice said.

The prison is located about 40 miles east of San Francisco and has more than 600 inmates, according to the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

The Associated Press

Former Florida corrections officer admits beating inmate to death

  • Charles Rabin Miami Herald (TNS)

His hands cuffed and tied to a chain around his waist, a former state corrections officer stood up from a juror’s seat in his red prison garb Tuesday and admitted to a Miami-Dade Circuit Court Judge that he took part in the beating and stomping death of a mentally unstable prisoner three years ago.

Kirk Walton, 36, could spend the next 20 years in prison.

He’s the second of four corrections officers from the state-run Dade Correctional Institution to admit taking part in punching and kicking 60-year-old Robert Gene Ingram before he was placed in a van for transport to a North Florida prison. Ingram was found dead in the rear of the van during a stop before it reached its destination.

The prisoner’s autopsy revealed he died of blunt-force trauma. The Leesburg Medical Examiner said he suffered broken ribs and a punctured right lung that caused “extensive internal bleeding. Ingram’s death was classified as a homicide.

Walton didn’t address the beating that led to Ingram’s death Tuesday before Miami-Dade Circuit Court Judge Teresa Pooler. He only admitted to taking part in the crime. The judge is expected to sentence Walton and fellow former corrections officer Jeremy Godbolt —who pleaded guilty to identical charges last week — later next month. That’s when two other former officers charged in the murder — Christopher Rolon, 31, and Ronald Connor, 26 — are scheduled for trial.

During Tuesday’s guilty plea by Walton, he simply answered the judge’s questions related to the agreement and didn’t go into the details surrounding Ingram’s death. Ingram’s family members, whom Miami-Dade Assistant State Attorney Tim VanderGiesen told the judge he’d been in regular contact with, didn’t attend the hearing in person.

“They [family members] will have some more to say at sentencing,” VanderGiesen, who heads up the office’s public corruption unit, told the judge.

Walton was found guilty of second-degree murder, conspiracy to commit second-degree murder, aggravated abuse of an elderly person and conspiracy to commit aggravated abuse of the elderly, cruel use of use-of-force and use-of-force while battering a detainee. Jailed since early 2022, Walton and Godbolt will each be able to knock of the time they’ve served from their sentences. They’ve both agreed to co-operate with the state in the upcoming trial.

Dade Correctional’s troubled history

Their convictions put a partial cap on a lengthy investigation by law enforcement involving a correctional center that historically has been plagued by prisoner mistreatment and inmate deaths. One of the state’s most problematic prisons, the Miami Herald published investigations into the prison’s “transitional care unit,” where mentally ill inmates have complained about being refused food and laxatives placed in their urine and meals.

Infamously, the mental health unit is where Darren Rainey died in 2012 after being confined to a hot shower, a case detailed extensively by the Herald. Mortality records dating back less than a decade show there have been at least 99 deaths at facility, the vast majority listed as natural causes.

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‘It’s over for him. It’s over for him’

The events that led to Ingram’s death on Valentine’s Day 2022 began when the prisoner threw urine at Godbolt when he showed up at about 3 a.m. to begin the transport process, according to investigators and statements from correctional officers

“He didn’t want to cuff up. He just threw [urine],” Walton told VanderGiesen during a voluntary statement in which he received limited immunity in December 2022. Walton said he was in the control room and in contact with Godbolt, who shouted, “It’s over for him. It’s over for him.”

Then, Walton said, he left the control room and went to help move Ingram. Outside of Ingram’s cell in a hallway, Walton admitted to punching him in the face.

“I wanted him to understand, that, you know, that I don’t tolerate the disrespect,” Walton said.

The beatings continued over the next few minutes as Walton and several other corrections officers escorted Ingram down a hallway and outside to a bench near the transport van. Walton told VanderGiesen that he punched Ingram twice more in the face, sending him to the ground. And when that happened, the other officers descended on him, kicking him repeatedly, mostly in the midsection.

As they took him to a holding cell, Walton said, he noticed blood on Ingram’s lip and got some wet paper towels and cleaned him up. Then they took him to a bench outside the hallway. There, according to Walton, Godbolt sat down next to Ingram, put an arm around him and told him, “We’re gonna be best friends.”

Ingram was then placed in the van for his fatal journey to North Florida.

It wasn’t until the next day, Walton told investigators, that he learned Ingram had died. At first, the group just stayed quiet, the former corrections officer said. The next day, Walton said, they gathered near a fence at the prison with no cameras around and agreed to stay quiet about what happened. Over the next few months, investigators seized cellphones and work shoes.

Walton, Rolon and Connor were arrested and charged with Ingram’s death on April 28, 2022. The arrest made national headlines . Godbolt was extradited to Miami from Los Angeles and officially charged two weeks later. Rolon and Connor are expected to stand trial at the end of April.

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Mayor Eric Adams Grapples With Two Shocking Acts of Violence

The killing of a police officer and a fatal push on the subway underscore the challenges that Mr. Adams faces as he tries to improve public safety.

Mayor Eric Adams appears solemn as he speaks about a police officer’s death at Jamaica Hospital in Queens.

By Emma G. Fitzsimmons and Dana Rubinstein

In one evening, barely an hour apart, Mayor Eric Adams was confronted with two tragic events that crystallized some people’s persistent fears about New York City.

Shortly before the mayor announced the shooting death of Police Officer Jonathan Diller from a hospital in Queens, the police confirmed that a man had been fatally pushed into the path of a subway train in an unprovoked attack in Manhattan.

The two episodes underscored the defining challenges of Mr. Adams’s mayoralty as he has tried to improve public safety and boost the city’s recovery from the coronavirus pandemic. In recent months, he has repeatedly embraced a slogan — “Crime is down, jobs are up” — to drive both points home.

But the violence on Monday undercut the argument that the city is becoming less dangerous and raised questions about whether Mr. Adams and Gov. Kathy Hochul have done enough to address gun violence and safety on the subway. Mr. Adams recently increased police patrols on the subway, and Ms. Hochul ordered the National Guard and the State Police into the transit system .

Mr. Adams, a Democrat and former police officer, found himself in a familiar place on Monday night — grieving with New Yorkers over another “senseless act of violence” and speaking out against those who have a “total disregard for the safety of this city.”

“I cannot say it any clearer — it is the good guys against the bad guys,” Mr. Adams said at a news conference at Jamaica Hospital in Queens after meeting with Officer Diller’s wife. “These bad guys are violent, they carry guns, and the symbol of our public safety, which is that police uniform, they have a total disregard for.”

The night echoed violent episodes from the mayor’s first month in office in January 2022, when two police officers were killed while responding to a domestic disturbance in Harlem and a woman named Michelle Go was killed after being pushed onto the subway tracks at Times Square . Mr. Adams responded with a major plan to address gun violence and has focused on subway safety and removing people with severe mental illness from the streets.

Mr. Adams said at a news conference on Tuesday that the city was facing three major issues: recidivism, severe mental illness and “random acts of violence.” But he contended that the city was not “out of control,” and cited police statistics showing that shootings were down and major crimes were relatively rare on the subway.

But the mayor also warned that the criminal justice system was facing a staffing crisis and that a wave of police officers, correction officers and prosecutors were leaving their jobs. The “foundation of the public safety apparatus is dissolving right in front of our eyes,” he said.

Some New Yorkers have welcomed the emphasis on public safety, but the approach by Mr. Adams and Ms. Hochul has also received criticism from elected officials on the left and the right.

Progressive Democrats have argued that deploying the National Guard is too aggressive, and called for violence interrupters and community programs to address the root causes of violence rather than a militarization of the subway system. Republicans have called for stricter law enforcement and attacked efforts by Democrats to change bail laws to protect defendants.

Others have called for specific solutions not involving the police, like creating sturdy subway barriers to prevent riders from falling onto the tracks.

The city has also spent tens of millions of dollars on a program to treat severely mentally ill people on the streets and in the subways for nearly a decade, but its efficacy was recently questioned by the city comptroller.

The city’s handling of mentally ill people once again came into focus on Monday night, when a 24-year-old man was arrested and charged with murder after pushing another man to his death on the subway tracks at a station in East Harlem. The attack by the man, Carlton McPherson, was unprovoked, and he appeared to have a history of mental illness, according to a senior law enforcement official.

Across the city in Queens, Officer Diller died after being shot during a traffic stop. He had approached the car because it was illegally parked at a bus stop on Mott Avenue in Far Rockaway, and asked at least one of the vehicle’s two occupants several times to get out of the car, the police said. The man seated on the passenger side, Guy Rivera, eventually pointed a gun at the officer and fired, the police said.

Mr. Rivera has 21 prior arrests, including on charges of first-degree robbery and selling drugs to an undercover officer, the police said. Mr. Rivera was released on parole in 2021. The driver of the car, Lindy Jones, was arrested on a gun charge last year.

Mr. Adams ran for mayor in 2021 on a public safety message and has returned to that theme as he prepares to run for re-election next year in what is expected to be a competitive Democratic primary. Mr. Adams has repeatedly criticized members of his party who have embraced the movement to “defund the police” and he has pushed for changes to bail reform laws that would make it easier to keep defendants in jail.

Jessica Ramos, a progressive state senator from Queens who is considering challenging Mr. Adams in the Democratic primary, said in an interview that the pushing death on the subway could have been prevented if the suspect had received treatment. She urged Mr. Adams to support her push to expand mental health courts , which prioritize treatment and rehabilitation over incarceration.

“Even with the current police and military presence in the subway, we’re still seeing these incidents,” she said. “They’re not going to be at the right place at the right time every single time. We can prevent this all together, and that’s where our focus is.”

But after the violence on Monday, Mr. Adams returned to his message that state lawmakers and judges must do more to “keep dangerous people off our streets.” He cut in at the news conference at the hospital and moved to the lectern to highlight that the driver of the car involved in the killing of the officer had been arrested on a gun charge in April 2023.

“In less than a year, he’s back on the streets with another gun,” he said.

Chelsia Rose Marcius contributed reporting.

Emma G. Fitzsimmons is the City Hall Bureau Chief for The Times, covering Mayor Eric Adams and his administration. More about Emma G. Fitzsimmons

Dana Rubinstein covers New York City politics and government for The Times. More about Dana Rubinstein

Explore Our Coverage of the Adams Administration

Gun-Detecting Technology: Mayor Eric Adams announced that New York City planned to test technology  to detect guns in its subway system as officials seek to make transit riders feel safe after a deadly shoving attack.

Grappling With Acts of Violence: Adams was recently confronted with two tragic events that crystallized some people’s persistent fears  about the city: the shooting death of Police Officer Jonathan Diller  and a man being fatally pushed into the path of a subway train  in an unprovoked attack.

Sexual Misconduct Accusations: A woman has accused Adams  in a lawsuit of asking her for oral sex in exchange for career help in 1993 and sexually assaulting her when she refused. Adams said the accusation was completely false . A few days after the revelations, a top adviser to Adams was accused of sexually harassing  a police sergeant and punishing her when she refused his advances.

Stricter Limits on Migrant Adults: New York officials announced that adult migrants would be allowed to stay in shelters for only 30 days to ease the burden on the city’s shelter system .  

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ODOC arrests correctional officer for sexual battery

LEXINGTON, Okla. – Inappropriate sexual contact between a female correctional officer and an inmate at Lexington Assessment and Reception Center has resulted in her arrest. The Oklahoma Department of Corrections Office of Inspector General received a Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) complaint on March 28 and immediately launched an investigation. The correctional officer was removed from her post at 9:25 a.m. to be interviewed and positively identified. She was formally terminated and arrested at 3:55 p.m. and then transported to the Cleveland County Detention Center.

“We do not tolerate this type of behavior from any staff member,” said Executive Director Steven Harpe. “It is our mission to provide the safest environment possible for those incarcerated in Oklahoma. We will continue to remove bad actors and spotlight our dedicated staff who fulfill our mission.”

ODOC takes seriously the safety and well-being of all those in our care and will work with local law enforcement officials to prosecute the officer to the fullest extent of the law.

Media Contact:

Kay Thompson, chief of Public Relations [email protected] cell: 405-212-7578

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Oklahoma Department of Corrections 3400 North Martin Luther King Avenue Oklahoma City, OK 73111-4298 405-425-2500 Mailing Address PO Box 11400 Oklahoma City, OK  73136-0400

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In Compliance with the reporting requirements of 74 O.S. 3106.4[C], this agency is making known that it stores name, birth date, place of birth, mother's maiden name, biometric records, Social Security number, official state or government issued driver license or identification number, alien registration number, government passport number, and employer or taxpayer identification numbers. The personally identifiable data is stored both electronically and in confidential paper files. The data is shared in compliance with court orders and agreements with other government bodies.

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  2. Why do you want to be a correctional officer? 7 Sample Answers

    First of all you help to keep the society safe (at least to some extent), but you also help the detainees to perhaps get on track and start a new, better life, once their sentences end. Another option is focusing on your abilities and strengths, simply things that make from you a good candidate for the job-at least in your eyes :).

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    A Corrections Officer is a Government job which means you get a great salary that could range from $35,000.00 - $70,000.00 a year. You get great benefits with health care and dental care. There are Correctional Facilities all over Canada, which means this job could allow you to move all over the country.

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  24. Former Correctional Officer Sentenced to Prison for Sexually Abusing

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  26. Former correctional officer at women's prison in California sentenced

    FILE - The Federal Correctional Institution stands in Dublin, Calif., Dec. 5, 2022. A former correctional officer at the federal California women's prison known for numerous misconduct allegations was sentenced to six years in prison for sexually abusing five inmates, federal officials announced Wednesday, March 27, 2024.

  27. Former correctional officer at women's prison in California sentenced

    By The Associated Press. OAKLAND, Calif. — A former correctional officer at a federal California women's prison known for numerous misconduct allegations was sentenced to six years in prison ...

  28. Former Florida corrections officer admits beating inmate to death

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    Mayor Eric Adams characterized the fatal shooting of a police officer as a "senseless act of violence.". Dakota Santiago for The New York Times. By Emma G. Fitzsimmons and Dana Rubinstein ...

  30. ODOC arrests correctional officer for sexual battery

    Email. Thursday, March 28, 2024. LEXINGTON, Okla. - Inappropriate sexual contact between a female correctional officer and an inmate at Lexington Assessment and Reception Center has resulted in her arrest. The Oklahoma Department of Corrections Office of Inspector General received a Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) complaint on March 28 and ...