Criminal Justice

Prisons can be thought of as mini cities, everything that exists in a city exists in prisons. Every job and service from custodial and food service to librarians and medical staff are all positions within the prison system. Almost every job that exists outside of a prison also exists within a prison.

Correction officers are expected to help incarcerated individuals deal with their personal problems. However, because they work in a bureaucracy, they are also expected to treat clients impersonally and to follow formally prescribed procedures. Fulfilling these contradictory role expectations is difficult, and the long-term physical proximity of officers and members of the prison population heightens this difficulty.

For this assignment, think about a correctional officer assigned to manage a 40-inmate housing unit in a maximum-security prison. What problems might they face? How would they handle them?

Create a scenario that they may be faced with in their work. The scenario should include an introduction for all of the individuals involved, a problem or conflict, and a resolution.

You can present the scenario in any way you choose so be creative. Some possible methods include but are not limited to the following:

Script
Comic
Video
Song
Infographic

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Sample Answer

Scenario: The Fight

Introduction

Officer Jones is a seasoned correctional officer at a maximum-security prison. He is known for his calm demeanor and ability to de-escalate tense situations. Today, he is assigned to manage a 40-inmate housing unit that has a history of violence.

Problem or Conflict

As Officer Jones is making his rounds, he notices two inmates, Marcus and Jamal, arguing in the common area. The tension between them is palpable, and Officer Jones can tell that things are about to escalate.

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Resolution

Officer Jones immediately intervenes, separating Marcus and Jamal and escorting them to their respective cells. He then speaks to each inmate individually, trying to understand the root cause of their conflict. It turns out that Marcus and Jamal are both vying for the same position in the prison’s gang hierarchy.

Officer Jones recognizes that simply punishing the inmates will not address the underlying issue. He decides to mediate a conflict resolution session between Marcus and Jamal. In the session, he encourages both inmates to express their grievances and to listen to each other’s perspectives.

After a tense but productive discussion, Marcus and Jamal agree to resolve their conflict peacefully. They shake hands and agree to respect each other’s boundaries. Officer Jones is relieved that he was able to prevent a potentially violent situation.

Conclusion

Officer Jones’s ability to de-escalate the situation and facilitate a peaceful resolution highlights the importance of interpersonal skills and conflict resolution techniques for correctional officers. By building relationships with inmates and understanding their motivations, correctional officers can play a crucial role in maintaining order and safety in prisons.

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