Reviewing the ACA Code of Ethics for corrections
For this assignment, you are asked to review the ACA Code of Ethics for corrections to reply to the following items:
Explain at least five duties of a correctional officer.
List and discuss three ethical dilemmas faced by correctional officers.
Discuss three ways correctional officers can avoid those dilemmas.
In your own words, describe five codes of ethics from the code provided that you find most important. Explain why you find them valuable.
Sample Solution
Five Duties of a Correctional Officer 1. Enforce institutional policies: Correctional officers have the responsibility to ensure that inmates abide by all rules and regulations set in place by the institution. This includes monitoring inmates’ movements, ensuring safety and security protocols are maintained, as well as searching for contraband items.
2. Provide guidance to inmates: Correctional officers are expected to provide advice and direction to inmates when needed. They must also be available to answer questions, offer assistance with programs or services, provide resources, and act as a role model for the inmate population.
3. Maintain order in the facility: Correctional officers must remain vigilant in maintaining order within their assigned areas at all times. This includes watching out for any signs of disturbances or criminal activity as well as responding quickly if there is an emergency situation within the facility.
4. Carry out enforcement duties: As part of their job description, correctional officers may be responsible for carrying out punishments such as issuing citations or revoking privileges from detainees who fail to comply with laws or institutional policy violations 5. Foster rehabilitation efforts: Last but not least, correctional officers have a duty to help facilitate rehabilitation efforts among those incarcerated in the facility they oversee through proactive programming initiatives like education classes and drug treatment programs offered by their institutions
Three Ethical Dilemmas Faced By Correctional Officers
1) Conflict between personal beliefs/morals vs law enforcement duties- Many correctional officers find themselves torn between following orders from superiors while also trying maintain personal values on ethical issues such as capital punishment or humane treatment of prisoners . The risk lies in compromising one’s own moral code for career advancement which could lead further conflict down the line if those same principles are violated again down the road..
2) Use of excessive force- Even though use of force is sometimes necessary especially when managing difficult situations within a prison setting, it can be easy to cross over into unlawful territory where brutality is seen instead of just reasonable restraint . Deciding how much force should be used versus what could become deemed illegal has extreme consequences if done improperly resulting potential lawsuits against both individual corrections officer involved and even entire department itself.. 3) Favouritism towards certain inmates- Favouring one particular prisoner over another can create feelings resentment amongst other captives which can lead further disruption leading up riots break outs etc… It is important that guard maintains level playing field while staying aware potential biases they may have towards certain individuals either through friendships , family ties etc….
Three Ways Correctional Officers Can Avoid Those Dilemmas
1) Understand professional boundaries – One way a correctional officer can avoid ethical dilemmas is by understanding professional boundaries with regards colleagues , supervisors , inmates etc... It should be known exactly where limits rest so unethical behavior does not occur even accidentally . For instance proper conduct needs to be displayed during interactions with inmates ; things like avoiding physical contact , nonverbal communication such name calling etc....are strictly prohibited . Knowing what behaviors are inappropriate beforehand will allow corrections officer make better decisions under pressure situations .. 2) Maintaining impartiality– Another way correctional officer can avoid ethical dilemmas related favouritism bias its important stay impartial when dealing matters involving prisoners employees alike . Objective decision making becomes key here allowing merits each case decide outcome rather than subjective opinions about people involved this ensures fairness everyone confidence public authority upholding justice system.. 3) Participate ongoing training sessions – Lastly participating ongoing training sessions provided respective organization provides essential refresher course terms procedures expectations ethical behaviour required position term time also allows personnel take refresher courses specific aspects job need more focus example active shooter protocol healthcare management psychological first aid etc.....
In my opinion five codes from ACA Code Ethics I find most important include : 1 ) Respectful Treatment delivered equally regardless race religion gender sexual orientation age disability economic status nationality ancestry citizenship marital status military veteran status social political affiliations ideologies life styles opinions nor any other form discrimination ; 2 ) Integrity maintain honesty truthfulness trustworthiness; 3 ) Accountability accept full accountability decisions actions taken whilst performing roles responsibilities; 4 ) Professionalism demonstrate highest standards professional conduct respect confidentiality others rights privacy; 5 ) Advocacy advocating change support initiatives promote best interests clients citizens served community large ... Respectful Treatment particularly resonates me believe treating everyone fairly regardless differences backgrounds being cornerstone successful relationship building therefore creating safe working environments conducive growth development cohesion unity whole society similarly Integrity reinforces idea trustworthiness fundamental human interaction without cannot expect proceed smoothly effectiveness thus having strong foundations helps maintain reliable operations going forward Furthermore Accountability means taking ownership mistakes made illustrate maturity courage face consequences results own actions these essential character traits paramount guarantee uphold integrity organisation Finally Professionalism professionalism utmost priority due seriousness nature work requires high levels discipline decorum mindsets behaviours always shown showing respect privacy others vital component good public interaction promote sense mutual understanding harmony benefits society large .... All together these ethics deliver equal balance appropriate responses situations arise influence choices made throughout duration service provision maintaining excellence performance behaviour