The Understudied Criminal Justice Worker: A Survey of Alabama Correctional Officers

• In Event: Posters II

Abstract

Alabama’s overall incarceration rate of roughly 633 citizens per 100,000, 61% higher than the national average, is surpassed by only two states, Oklahoma and Louisiana (National Institute of Corrections: NIC, 2014). When it comes to money spent per inmate Alabama ranks 49th, exceeding only Indiana in this category (NIC, 2014). Beyond the issues that these statistics present, a recent report of Alabama’s Department of Corrections revealed a number of other pressing issues, most notably the exceptionally high attrition rate of its officers, 60% of whom quit within their first three years of employment. Unlike their counterparts in law enforcement, little is known about this important worker in the criminal justice system. Our research addresses the gap in the literature concerning the work of those working in corrections and offers a significant contribution to better understanding the nation’s continuing incarceration epidemic. A survey sent to approximately 3000 correctional officers working in the Alabama state corrections system contained items addressing views on training, safety, inmates, as well as a host of other work-related issues and concerns. As part of a larger research agenda, this study lays the foundation for policy recommendations that take into account the experiences and opinions of correctional officers.

Authors

• Madeline Cody, University of South Alabama

• Jared Hurvitz, University of South Alabama

• Corina Schulze, University of South Alabama