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Correctional Officer Perceptions of Inmates and Overall Job Satisfaction

NCJ Number
235586
Journal
Journal of Crime & Justice Volume: 34 Issue: 2 Dated: July 2011 Pages: 81-102
Author(s)
Kelly A. Cheesman; Bitna Kim; Eric G. Lambert; Nancy L. Hogan
Date Published
July 2011
Length
22 pages
Annotation
This study examined correctional officer job satisfaction.
Abstract
Satisfied correctional officers are important for the successful operation of a prison. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis (HMR) was performed on survey data from 501 non-supervisory correctional officers employed in a Southern prison system. After controlling for factors such as demographic variables, role conflict, job stress, peer support, and supervisory support, correctional officers who perceived inmates as devious were less satisfied with their jobs; however, age and supervisory support positively influenced job satisfaction, whereas job dangerousness and role conflict negatively influenced job satisfaction. Although statistically significant, the association of perceptions of inmates on job satisfaction was small relative to the work environment. The results suggest that correctional administrators need to focus on the work environment, especially supervisory support, to improve correctional staff job satisfaction. (Published Abstract)