Reducing Discrepancies in Professional and Custodial Perspectives

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Abstract
Conflict between custodial and professional treatment person nel has been a persistent problem in correctional institutions. It has been suggested that a possible solution of this problem lies in reducing the discrepant views of custodians and professionals by providing some overlap in their respective roles. The question investigated in the present study was whether such overlap would reduce this discrepancy. Prison custodial officers who volunteered to counsel inmate groups were found to have attitudes toward inmates significantly more congruent with those of professionals than those of custodians who were not counselors; in addition, they were slightly more positive toward treatment personnel. The results suggest that overlap in custodial and treatment roles may be a viable device for more congruent perspectives and expectations among those carrying out these roles.

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