Discussion Module
Types of misconduct that may occur by correctional officers
One type of misconduct pertains to arbitrary utilization of power. This is where the officers use the power given to them the way they wish even if it means harming others in the process. Another form of misconduct is harassment/mistreatment of inmates. This occurs when correctional officers assault inmates by, for example, beating, kicking, or striking them (Braswell, C.McCarthy & McCarthy, 2017). In other instances, these officers even excessively utilize a weapon upon a defenseless prisoner. Another type of misconduct is accepting gratuities so as to get special consideration during genuine activities and to get protection when engaging in illegal activities. Abuse of authority is yet another form of misbehavior. Examples include but are not limited to employing people that should not work in corrections, failure to provide organizational support, and extorting prisoners. Corruption is a type of misconduct as well. This is where officers accept bribes or sexual favors to smuggle contrabands in prison.
The explanations for misconduct and corruption by correctional officials
• Negative environmental factors like coping with the continuous threat of physical harm, feeling unappreciated by seniors, or working with frustrated staff members
• Breakdown of the correctional official’s inner ethical barometer and his/her ability to differentiate between what is right and wrong, and what is lawful and illicit (Pollock, 2016)
• Official deviance-this is where officials engage in corrupt acts to help the organization or conform to the norm of corruption in the organization
Suggestions to decrease misconduct by correctional professionals
• Employ people who have a low likelihood of being motivated by personal gain. This can be attained by conducting extensive background checks on potential employees
• Pay the professionals a good wage, and as such, they will have a low likelihood of being tempted to take part in unethical conduct for personal gain (Levan, 2018)
• Conduct extensive trainings in ethics at the start of employment and all through the employee’s career
References
Braswell, M. C.McCarthy, B. R. & McCarthy, B. J. (2017). Justice, crime, and ethics. Routledge.
Levan, D. K. (2018). Prison violence: Causes, consequences and solutions. Ashgate Publishing.
Pollock, J. M. (2016). Ethical dilemmas and decisions in criminal justice. Cengage Learning.
