Boundary Violations and Job Stress Among Prison Officers

• In Event: Working in Prison

Abstract

While most correctional officers are professional in their interactions with inmates, some employees cross the line and engage in boundary violations which potentially put everyone at risk. Using questionnaires collected from 501 correctional officers within the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, this study examined the relationship between correctional officers’ perceptions of boundary violations and job stress. Respondents who perceived their coworkers were behaving inappropriately with inmates, as well as those who reported role strain, fear of victimization, and closely following the organizational rules reported higher levels of job stress. Both female officers and officers who viewed inmates as amiable rather than manageable were also found to experience high levels job stress. The findings of this study suggest that correctional supervisors are likely to be more effective than line staff in developing and sustaining a culture of professionalism and civility which can lessen the stressors for those working behind the prison walls.

Authors

• Eric Lambert, University of Mississippi

• Robert M. Worley, Lamar University

• Vidisha Worley, Lamar University