The social wellbeing of correctional officers and its impact on prison inmates

Abstract

The main purpose of this research is to see the wellbeing of correctional officers working with inmates at Corradino Correctional Facility (CCF). The study addressed 6 areas of wellbeing: Living conditions imposed by the physical surroundings; Main activities and social learning; Basic human rights; Education and training; Health and safety and Typologies and the role of the correctional officer.

The research method chosen for this dissertation was the qualitative method whereby interviews were conducted with 12 correctional officers on a one-to-one basis. The semi – structured interview method was used as this helped in observing the facial expressions and attitude of the correctional officers while being asked a series of open-ended questions. The findings show low standard of living conditions, damages and lack of maintenance in the building, lack of free time, long working hours in relation to lack of staff, health issues such as stress and fatigue, arguments between Maltese and foreign inmates, low level of education amongst correctional officers, recruitment course being adequate but short and the need of extra training during the correctional officers’ career. Officers compared their work to that of a social worker rather than to a law-enforcing official.