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
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.