Discussion Thread: Ethics in Institutional Corrections
ETHICAL ISSUES IN INSTITUTIONAL CORRECTIONS: DISCUSSION
Employment in a correctional facility is one of the most common careers for graduates with a criminal justice degree. That this is true is, of course, no surprise, given the growth of the number of incarcerated individuals in the U.S. over the past few decades. As your readings for today point out, work in a correctional facility is rife with ethical dilemmas.
Correctional officers are tasked with ensuring security and enforcing rules and regulations in institutions that are overcrowded, underfunded, and dangerous. Not only are correctional officers expected to manage inmates who are working under strained conditions for little to no compensation, they are are routinely expected to implement specific punishments (e.g. solitary confinement) that many consider unethical.
When considering ethics and professionalism in correctional institutions, it is especially important that you interrogate your own beliefs about what should happen to the incarcerated: What type of treatment do these individuals deserve? What are the goals of institutional corrections? What is the role of the correctional officer in the life of the organization and the day-to-day existence of the incarcerated? Do you have any ethical qualms with working in an institution that engages in the types of activities common in correctional facilities?
It is particularly important that you consider your answers to these questions because there is a strong chance that you will, indeed, work in a correctional facility at some point in your criminal justice career. This week we will consider the place of ethical action in the correctional institution.
IMPORTANT NOTE REGARDING THIS WEEK’S CONTENT: The focus this week–both the subject and the course materials– include descriptions and depictions of violence and physical pain in correctional settings. As you engage this week, please be aware that this material contains sensitive content.
To begin our consideration of the place of ethical action in correctional institutions, please:
1) Complete these two examinations of ethical issues in today’s institutional correctional systems:
Reading One: Cheeseman – Correctional Institutions
Cheeseman, K., San Miguel, C., Frantzen, D. & Nored, L. 2011. Everyday Ethics for the Criminal Justice Professional. Durham, NC: Carolina Academic Press.
Reading Two: Bauer – My Four Months as a Private Prison Guard
Bauer, S. (2016, July/August 8). My Four Months as a Private Prison Guard. Mother Jones.
Retrieved https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2015/06/americas-largest-mental-hospital-is-a-jail/395012/
2) Review the “Ethics in Institutional Corrections” PowerPoint
3)Watch this 6-part series of short videos this is a companion video to the Shane Bauer article (a total of approximately 25 minutes)
YouTube important to watch 6- part series.
4) After reviewing the materials, post a brief reflection in which you address ALL the questions below. Make sure that your post cites BOTH of this week’s assigned readings and BE SURE that your post and reply fulfill Discussion Post requirements Below.
Questions:
A) Is incarceration a SUCCESSFUL approach to dealing with those convicted of crime? FULLY explain your reasoning by using/applying one of the dominant explanations of crime discussed during our Ethical CJ Policy’ week:
READING ONE. Banks – The Ethics of Criminal Justice Policy Making and reding pdf in the attachments. (2 paragraphs) Here your answer 150 words or more.
B) In incarceration an ETHICAL approach to dealing with those convicted of crime? Fully explain your reasoning by using/applying one of the dominant ethical perspectives. (2 paragraphs) Here your answer 150 words or more.
C) Think about Shane Bauer’s experience and your own perspective on how prisoners should be treated/what they deserve. (2 paragraphs) Here your answer 150 words or more.
• Identify at LEAST 3 THINGS that you, as an entry-level correctional officer, can do to remain ethical in an institution where harsh punishment, overcrowding, minimal wages, etc. are common features of daily inmate life.
Note: you must read the instructions carefully and make sure that I will not hesitate to give you a zero if your reflection does not meet the requirements. Follow the clear instructions step by step. Include the questions with your answers. there is no chance for amendments. use material in the attachments.
MAKE SURE DISCUSSION REQUIREMENTS. LOOK AT THE INSTRUCTIONS BELOW.
IMPORTANT: INSTRUCTIONS TO DO DEEP AND GOOD DISCUSSIONS
FOR TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL DISCUSSION POSTS–THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT/USEFUL FOR SUCCESSFUL DISCUSSIONS)
Throughout the quarter, you will be responsible for engaging in class discussions based on selected class materials. These discussions will find you posting your thoughts and replying to peers.
look the attachments for more information.
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