The Complete Correctional Officer

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Abstract
The correctional officer role is examined in relation to the possibilities the role affords for the delivery of human services to inmates with problems and crises of adjustment. Correctional officers who expand their roles to include human service obligations contribute to the development of resilient prison environments—environments that accommodate the shifting needs and concerns of inmates, and support their coping efforts. Human service officers strive to be complete correctional officers, responsive to the challenges posed for them and their wards by the prison. These correctional officers need nurturance and support if they are to survive. This requires organizational backing in the form of policies that foster and reward human service work, and training that provides the requisite skills, perspective, and support.