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Classroom to Cell Block: Investigating the Roots of Correctional Subculture

Wed, Nov 13, 12:30 to 1:50pm, Pacific B - 4th Level

Abstract

Objective: Occupational culture endures and strengthens depending on its ability to be consistently transmitted to new and incoming employees. Within corrections, culture has been identified as a major impediment to the changes needed to address staff and officer concerns including wellness. The present study examined how training academies prepares recruits for correctional environments and correctional work with a focus on the cultural transmission process. We focused on the mechanisms used to integrate new recruits into the officer sub-culture. Data/Methods: We followed 22 recruits and various trainers throughout the ten-week academy. Officers were then interviewed about their experiences and the effectiveness of academy. Thematic analyses from this observational component helped us identify shared and commonly held values and practices among trainers and trainees that establish and sustain the correctional occupational culture.

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