The participants averaged 41 years of age; 91 percent were male. On average, they had worked almost 9 years in corrections. All held either a high school diploma or a GED and had completed an average of about 410 hours of in-service training during their careers. Fifty-two percent were married, 59 percent were white, 39 percent were black, and 2 percent were another ethnicity. The length of employment was the greatest predictor of job satisfaction. Fifty-seven percent reported that they were satisfied with the type of work they do, but 51 percent would leave their jobs as correctional officers if they found a job with equal pay and benefits. Seventy-two percent reported that the administration of the prison system has failed in its mission of custody. Eighty-seven percent reported that they become angry and frustrated with their jobs to the extent that they have contemplated going into another line of work. However, almost half said that their jobs gave them a chance to do what they do best. Findings supported the postulation that the longer individuals work as correctional officers, the more likely they are to become dissatisfied with their jobs. Findings of this and other studies suggest that the decay of correctional officer morale is widespread. Results suggest the desirability of requiring that correctional officer candidates have a 4-year degree in the social sciences or have studied the social sciences. In addition, corrections agencies should enhance in-service training at a professional level conducted outside the prison facility. Additional recommendations, table, and 40 references