Ethical Issues in Corrections

Prison is not a vacation. Those that are confined are not supposed to feel like they’re in the “Happiest place on earth.” Administrators are not inclined to accommodate the extended-stay visitors (inmates) at break-neck speed. Generally, prison means punishment. Those tasked with guarding the inhabitants of penal institutions must walk a fine line, because they have mandated rules and regulations they must follow. Though, correctional officers (COs) are often viewed as underpaid adult “sitters,” on the front line, they take on the task of protecting the public day-in and day-out. Ultimately, most (if not all) of the people in prison do not want to be there; accordingly, the number one priority of most prison administrators is to keep their prepaid customers in the system. Thus, the invisible tug-o-war of CO vs. inmate is a never-ending struggle. Considering the fact that more than half a million inmates are released from prison each year in the United States (U.S.), in-house, CO-driven rehabilitation programs should be a major priority before release. [1]

[1] U.S. Department of Justice, 2014