Building Trust Behind Bars: Examining Procedural Justice, Cooperation, and Perceived Legitimacy of Correctional Officers

• In Event: Perspectives from Inside: Examining Staff and Resident Experiences in Prison Environments

Abstract

The legitimacy of correctional officers in the eyes of incarcerated individuals plays a crucial role in maintaining order and fostering cooperation within prison environments. With funding from the National Institute of Justice, the CNA Corporation (CNA) collected survey data from five Minnesota Department of Corrections facilities to examines how incarcerated residents’ perceptions of procedural justice and their willingness to cooperate with staff influence their views on the legitimacy of correctional officers. We explore the key factors that shape trust and perceived fairness in correctional settings. Findings highlight the importance of respectful treatment, transparency, and fairness in officer interactions and offer insights for improving staff-resident relationships, promoting institutional stability, and supporting broader correctional reform efforts.

Authors

• John Bennett, CNA Corporation

• Daniel S. Lawrence, CNA Corporation

• Brittany Cunningham, CNA Corporation

• Bryce Peterson, Center for Justice Research and Innovation, CNA

• Margarita Parker, CNA Corporation