Explain the Correctional Officer subculture. How does this subculture create ethical issues for correctional officers?
These sites explain the correctional officer subculture.
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http://jrc.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/11/2/155
http://www.ncjrs.gov/app/publications/Abstract.aspx?id=15116
http://ijo.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/28/3/169
The information pertaining to this question is undoubtedly in your text.
The Correctional Officer subculture refers to the shared values, beliefs, and norms that exist among correctional officers within a prison or correctional facility. These subcultures can vary across different institutions and regions, but generally, they form as a result of the unique environment and demands of working in a correctional setting.
The subculture among correctional officers creates a sense of camaraderie and solidarity, often characterized by a strong emphasis on loyalty, self-protection, and maintaining a united front against perceived threats from inmates or other external entities. While this subculture can provide support and promote a sense of identity among officers, it can also lead to various ethical challenges. Here's how:
1. Code of Silence: The subculture often promotes a "code of silence" or "blue wall of silence," whereby officers are expected to remain silent and not report misconduct or inappropriate behavior committed by their colleagues. This can lead to a lack of accountability and perpetuate a culture of cover-ups, making it difficult to address serious ethical violations.
2. Loyalty to Colleagues: The subculture places a high value on loyalty among officers. While loyalty is generally considered important, it can create ethical conflicts when officers are aware of misconduct or abusive behavior by their colleagues, but fear backlash or ostracization if they report it. This dilemma can compromise their duty to uphold the principles of justice and fairness.
3. Groupthink: The subculture can foster a groupthink mentality, where officers conform to collective beliefs and assumptions rather than critically evaluating situations. This can lead to a resistance to change or reform, making it hard to address systemic ethical issues within the correctional system.
4. Emotional Hardening: Working in a correctional environment can be emotionally challenging due to the constant exposure to violence, trauma, and inmate manipulation. The subculture may encourage officers to develop a tough exterior and desensitize themselves to these emotions, which can lead to ethical issues such as the use of excessive force or a lack of empathy towards inmates' well-being.
5. Us vs. Them Mentality: The subculture often reinforces an "us vs. them" mentality, where officers perceive themselves as a distinct group separate from inmates. This can lead to dehumanization of prisoners and contribute to discriminatory practices, mistreatment, or the violation of inmates' rights.
To address these ethical issues, it is crucial for correctional agencies to promote a culture of professionalism, transparency, and accountability. This can be achieved through proper training, strong leadership, clear ethical standards, and mechanisms for reporting and addressing misconduct within the correctional officer subculture.