Why some correctional employees corrupt CPA Master Flashcards
(14 cards)
What causes some correctional employees to become corrupt?
External or internal pressures cause some employees to cross the proverbial line from being law-abiding individuals to violators of the law.
What are some negative environmental factors influencing acts of corruption?
Acts of corruption are predominantly influenced by negative environmental factors, such as coping with the constant threat of physical harm, working with negative or disgruntled staff members, and feeling unappreciated by administrators.
What is the internal ethical barometer?
Corrupt behavior results from the breakdown of a correctional employee’s internal ethical barometer and their ability (or desire) to distinguish between right & wrong, legal and illegal.
What are the techniques of neutralization?
Techniques of neutralization are a psychological process to explain how individuals turn off their inner moral compass when about to do something they perceive as wrong, unjust, or illegal.
What is the first technique of neutralization?
Denial of responsibility: Suggest they were a victim of circumstance or forced.
What is the second technique of neutralization?
Denial of injury: Insist their actions did not cause harm or damage.
What is the third technique of neutralization?
Denial of victim: Believes the prisoner got what they ‘deserved’.
What is the fourth technique of neutralization?
Condemnation of the condemners: Those who condemn the officer are doing so out of spite or shifting blame away from themselves.
What is the fifth technique of neutralization?
Appeal to higher loyalties: Offense was committed for the ‘greater good’.
What is the main reason why correctional employees do not report misconduct?
Fear of retaliation is the main reason why correctional employees often do not report staff misconduct.
What approach should administrators adopt to combat corruption?
Administrators should adopt a zero-tolerance approach, originating with the administration staff and cooperating with the entire chain of command down to front-line staff.
What should agencies implement to combat corruption?
Agencies must implement additional and in-depth training programs on ethics, including the dangers of possessing contraband and strategies to avoid inmate manipulation.
What responsibility do lawmakers have regarding corruption in correctional facilities?
Lawmakers have a responsibility to conduct inspections of facilities, tour buildings, and question employees about corrupt activity to increase accountability.
What should all employees and administrators do regarding ethical conduct?
All employees and administrators should personally work to ensure their own behavior upholds the highest level of ethical conduct.
