Participant observations, document reviews, interviews with 41 prison guards and other correctional personnel, and questionnaires completed by 81 prison guards in 3 correctional facilities in The Netherlands formed the basis of an analysis of the role and working conditions of correctional guards, their attitudes toward their work, and the extent of occupational stress they experience. Results showed that prison guards expressed generally positive attitudes toward both inmates and toward corrections policies. However, many officers expressed the need for more support from their colleagues. In addition, they experience many sources of stress, mainly the work itself and the nature of the organization in which it is performed. Their working conditions could be improved by increasing their autonomy, improving the functioning of teams of correctional officers, and providing more supportive relationships with professional staff and supervisors. (Publisher summary modified)