Job Dangers: Correctional Staff Job Satisfaction

• In Event: Correctional Officers Coping with Stress, Burnout, and Danger

Abstract

Correctional staff play a crucial role in establishing order in carceral institutions. Thus, they experience consistent exposure to numerous occupational dangers that may diminish staff satisfaction and overall resilience. Previous scholarship has examined the role of occupational or personal stress on correctional staff satisfaction. However, it is crucial to examine all facets of job satisfaction to better understand what can be of assistance when planning workforce recruitment and retention. Using survey data from correctional staff across 41 different U.S. juvenile facilities, the current study examined the relationship between the perception of staff danger while on the job and overall job satisfaction. Results revealed a significant relationship between staff perceptions of danger while on the job and job satisfaction, controlling for other relevant variables. Policy implications are put forth as are directions for future research.

Authors

• Taylor Gonzales, University of Nebraska Omaha

• Gaylene Armstrong, University of Nebraska Omaha