On Becoming a CO: Early Careers in Corrections

Session Submission Type: Complete Thematic Panel

Abstract/Description

Departments of correction invest significant resources in recruiting and training their workforce. Through an ongoing longitudinal study, funded by the National Institute of Justice, our research team has been working with new recruits to the Massachusetts Department of Correction to better understand officer entry into the occupation and the origins of correctional occupational subcultures. Across the papers in this session, we present new findings related to attrition and retention, job satisfaction, officer health and wellbeing, and the transmission of occupational culture. Data are drawn systematic social observation of the academy and from three waves of interviews, combined with background, personnel, and incident data.

Sub Unit

• Area VI. The Criminal Justice System / 46. Jails & Prisons

Individual Presentations

• Classroom to Cell Block: Investigating the Roots of Correctional Subculture - Carlos Monteiro, Suffolk University; Julia Bell, Northeastern University

• Explaining Early Attrition (and Retention) among Correction Officers - Delanie Nahikian, Northeastern University; Michel-Ange Siaba, Northeastern University; Natasha Frost, Northeastern University

• The Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES) on Officers Starting Careers in Corrections - Kayla Bates, Northeastern University

Chair

• Marie Garcia, National Institute of Justice

Discussants

• Marie Garcia, National Institute of Justice

• Rhiana Kohl, Massachusetts Department of Corrections