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.