Low Morale and High Turnover Rates - Assignment Example

Prisons also are poorly ventilated and are not air-conditioned. In some cases, temperatures were seen to rise above 100 degrees in summer (the Texas tribune). An increased number of inmates also adds pressure to the already underpaid and overworked correctional officers. Thus they have to work longer hours with minimal pay and this leads to turnover or the conducting of illegal businesses in prison.

High turnover presents a couple of challenges to correctional facilities. In research done on turnover, high turnover in newly employed staff showed that the resources used in recruiting and training the staff do not produce the required returns. Therefore, this results in fewer resources required to promote other staff retention and betterment of inmate programs. Available officers, therefore, end up working overtime which further translates to fatigue and burnout. In a report by Oklahoma watch, prison staff has been reported to be involved in car accidents due to fatigue (watch).

The major step needed to be taken is an increase in personnel wages. This will act as a motivator and fewer will be forced to turnover. This step should be followed by improvement of the working conditions, air conditioning, better housing, and reduced overtime. Reducing the number of inmates is also key. This can be done by moving small crime inmates to community rehabilitation centers instead of placing them in correctional facilities. This will reduce the number of inmates to be supervised by one officer.