Changing Career of the Correctional Officer: Policy Implications for the 21st Century

The late 1990s mark a turning point for correctional systems in the United States. For some time, there has been an intensive effort by corrections to gain the confidence of the public. With increased urbanization, more timely electronic news media reports, and renewed emphasis on human rights, corrections has more and more become the target of a wide variety of attacks. To combat this backlash, correctional agencies have devised a plan that has worked very well for law enforcement, a plan best summed up by a single word: professionalization. This movement has been led by an articulate and tactful group of correctional officials who have stressed a new ideology of the correctional officer occupation.

The Changing Career of the Correctional Officer is a comprehensive, timely, and issue-oriented perspective on this ever-developing field. It articulates the principles upon which correctional practices have evolved with time. Students will find this book of value to discussion and thought regarding the nature of the corrections profession. Administrators, management personnel, and line/staff supervisors seeking information about career development options will find this text useful in focusing and placing their careers in perspective and in providing guidance for professional development.