Roles of Corrections Officers - Coursework Example

Role of Correctional Officers Role of Correctional Officers Prison and rehabilitation centers are meant to restore individual’s moral characters and help shape in developing the ethical behaviors of the persons put under such facilities. They are characterized by correctional officers who are charged with the overall responsibilities of care, supervision, welfare and rehabilitation of inmates in such centers (Stratton, West, & United States, 1972).They perform tasks ranging from; searching prison cells for illegal items, locking prison cells and keeping the keys in good custody, observing the actions and character of inmates in order to control, discipline and provide security in the correctional and rehabilitation center (Stratton, West, & United States, 1972).

They also have a responsibility to provide leadership and acts as a positive role model that the inmates should look up to, they provide emergency response to breach of correctional center, and they process, direct and observe visitors for the inmates. In the case of physical injuries to the inmates while, in the cell, they provide first aid services (Stratton, West, & United States, 1972).With the ever-increasing number of individual serving prison terms, correctional and rehabilitation centers have witnessed the increased number of inmates and thus have demanded more services to be offered by correctional officers.

There has been an influx of mentally ill patients, physically handicapped persons as well as people with chronic illness that requires close monitoring. Due to this problem, correctional officers have found it necessary to acquire new knowledge in taking good care of the disadvantaged population in correctional centers (Dvoskin, & Spiers, n.d.).The correctional officers have the responsibility of creating a good and mutual relationship between the inmates and the prison staff (Dvoskin, & Spiers, n.d.).

The inmates depend upon the staff to provide them with adequate security, maintain order and their safety in the prisons while the prison staffs depends upon the inmates to follow facility rule and provide work force labor (Stratton, West, & United States, 1972).Correctional officers are charged with the duty of providing a conducive environment for survival of inmates. They ensure cleanliness by disposing of off filth, ensuring proper room ventilation. They report overcrowding to federal authorities to build more cells.

The prevention of overcrowding as well helps in preventing air borne diseases like tuberculosis and sexually transmitted infections (American Correctional Association, 1992).Prison correctional departments also offer spiritual education according to the inmate’s religious background. Some prisons have daily bible devotion and bible study services. This teaching offers the inmates; the chance to believe that there is always second chance and everybody can transform to be responsible people in the society.

The spiritual teaching in the prison have contributed much in changing the behaviors in inmates and after completion of their prison term, they end up becoming responsible citizens in the society (American Correctional Association, 1992).Specialized correctional officers have been employed in order to offer medical attention to inmates with chronic disease. In the recent past, the government has also employed psychiatrists and psychologist to provide solutions to mentally ill inmates in correction centers.

The psychiatrists and psychologist are professionally trained to offer such services while they are employed as correctional officers. They help in keeping everyone safe, preventing escapes, minimizing human suffering, maximizing morale and helping in systematic operations (Dvoskin, & Spiers, n.d.).There are some correctional facilities that are only meant for children below a certain age; these centers needs utmost care as the children are still young to be left to perform certain duties. The correctional officer, therefore, has an additional role of parenthood to the children.

They must be given enough time for play and close supervision to ensure they eat well-cooked food, and they sleep in a clean environment. Correction officers, here have the role of proving basic education and health care facilities to the children (American Correctional Association, 1992).Correctional officers have a role to abide the work ethics in the prison facility (American Correctional Association, 1992). They are not allowed to share any sensitive information with inmates that can lead to person break and escape.

They should be ready all the time to perform their duties whenever needed. They should never take part in strikes and give assistance to any inmate that is leaving the correctional center. They should keep a professional distance from contacting inmate and should not engage in any relationship with inmates (Chambliss, 2011).Correctional officers through the federal government should sensitize people to be aware of what really happens in correctional centers. These can help the public to understand that; they are not truly punishment centers for offender, but rather correctional centers for learning good moral values.

By speaking freely of whatever happens in correctional centers, may also prevent other people from involving in acts that may land them in such centers. Through the sensitization process, overcrowding of prison cells would be reduced (Chambliss, 2011).Correctional officers are focused on rehabilitation and re-socialization of inmates; their role is thus challenging, highly recompensing and can be thrilling. They act to redevelop lost social norms and help nature hopeless people to live in a society without discrimination and stereotypes (Chambliss, 2011).

ReferenceAmerican Correctional Association. (1992). The Effective correctional officer. Laurel, MD: American Correctional Association.Chambliss, W. J. (2011). Juvenile crime and justice. Thousand Oaks, Calif: SAGE.Dvoskin, J. A., & Spiers, E. M. (n.d.). On the Role of Correctional Officers in Prison Mental Health. Psychiatric Quarterly, 75, 1, 41-59.Stratton, J. R., West, J. P., & United States. (1972). the role of correctional industries: A summary report. Washington: U.S. Dept. of Justice, Law Enforcement Assistance Administration, National Institute of Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice [For sale by the Supt. of Docs., U.S. Govt. Print. Office.