Correctional Officer Attitudes Regarding the Use and Abuse of Sick Time

• In Event: Behind the Uniform: Institutional Norms and Officer Attitudes Toward Work and Incarcerated Populations

Abstract

In this exploratory study, 501 state correctional officers in Texas were administered questionnaires asking them to report about their usage of sick leave. These respondents were specifically asked to report if they called in sick only if they were seriously ill. These same respondents were also asked to report the frequency with which they felt their coworkers used or abused sick time. Significant findings are discussed as well as its implications for the contemporary management of prisons and jails.

Authors

• Robert Worley, Lamar University

• Eric Lambert, Indiana University Northwest

• Vidisha Barua Worley, Lamar University