Ethics in Corrections
On a large scale, there are several ethical issues spanning the correctional system. Albanese (as cited in Khan, 2006) “scrutinizes the moral and ethical ramifications of correctional philosophies, such as retribution, incapacitation, deterrence, and rehabilitation and sentencing methods” (p. 49). These large scale issues are one of the most heavily debated topics in current politics ad media.
On a more personal level, correctional officers are subject to most of the same ethical standards as law enforcement officers. Deception plays a very similar role in the day-to-day functioning of a correctional officer. Additionally, several norms exist for correctional officers that function as a sort of code of conduct. These norms include: “always go to the aid of an officer in distress, do not ‘rat,’ never make another officer look back in front of inmates” (Peak, 2012, p. 289), among others. While these norms are important and necessary, it is important for correctional officers to not elevate their code of conduct over absolute ethics.
Contraband is a significant facet of how correctional facilities operate, and poses similarly significant ethical issues for correctional officers. Everything from drugs to weapons to cell phones are smuggled into prisons, sometimes at the knowledge of officers or even by officers themselves. This creates numerous opportunities for corruption, greed, and other unethical behavior.
Eastvedt (2008) declares that unethical behavior by correctional officers can have significant effects on the organization as a whole:
Granted, it may be true that unethical behaviors occurring behind the walls of correctional facilities rarely hit the 6 o’clock news or the front page of the newspaper. However, when it does happen, everyone within the organization is seriously affected. Administrators are held accountable, and staff may be discredited. Morale among the troops can plummet dramatically. Inmates may use the incident to question and challenge line officer authority, making it increasingly difficult for correctional staff to do their jobs. Maintaining security within the jail or prison becomes, at least for a time, a more challenging and daunting task and increases risk to staff and inmates alike. (p. 62)
Unethical behavior has a significant negative effect on the entire organization, but that correlation is not limited to just corrections, but extends into all facets of the criminal justice system. Unethical behavior does not just impact the individual, but it sheds negative light on the system as a whole. A single unethical person can be the proverbial bad apple that spoils the whole bunch.