Yellow Means Go?: Exploring the Relationship Between Psychological Screenings and Adverse Behavior among Correctional Officers

• In Event: Relationships between Correctional Staff and Inmates

Abstract

Few studies have focused on evaluating screening processes of correctional officer recruitment. This research explores the relationship between the implementation of employee psychological screening and adverse behavior among correctional officers. To capture the complexity of adverse behavior, this study expands on existing research by collecting data from three major sources – employee records, inmate grievances and incident reports. Results demonstrate that correctional officers hired after the implementation of the psychological screening were less likely to be involved in incident reports and more likely to have positive reports in their files. Challenges in researching correctional officer misbehavior, data collection and translational implications of this research are also discussed.

Author

• TaLisa J Carter, University of Delaware