Criminal Justice in the 21st Century, through Corrections Research Paper

Criminal Justice in the 21st Century, through Corrections - Research Paper Example Finally, the paper ends at a conclusion. Web resources from The Pennsylvania Stare University and the Ferris State University have been used. Reputable academic sources have also been reviewed. Criminal Justice in the 21st Century, through Corrections Introduction Research Hypothesis: All Corrections officers need a four year college degree to be part of the Department of Corrections; therefore a four year college degree in criminal justice will produce a professional thinking officer. This paper will examine the above hypothesis in the light of Internet and academic research and correlations. First, the nature and scope of the job will be discussed. Next, the importance of relevant academic programs would be focused on. The job of a corrections officer is hectic and sometimes very risky. A criminal justice degree can help him of her to understand the key concepts of the job better and faster. Moreover, university course curricula are concisely discussed to analyze the academic progr ams from the perspective of correctional activities in the detention centres. The university course curricula are designed to equip the students with wide spectrum knowledge with specialist skills. A relevant academic background with specialization on criminal justice can help in further learning at the work place. The paper ends up at a suitable conclusion. Nature and Scope of the Job A corrections officer is a person who is entrusted with the duty of security, safety, and supervision of the prisoners in a jail, prison, correctional facility, or another kind of similar establishment providing secure detention. In USA, there is a reasonable promptness and urge on the part of the law enforcing authorities to imprison the wrong doers and avoid any kind of procrastination. In doing this, involving private security management systems in the framework has become an imperative as far as the issue of criminal justice is concerned. Thus, commercial corrections and zero tolerance policing ha ve become the prominent features of American criminal justice (Jones, T. and Newburn, T., 2007). A detention facility is usually a very controlled environment and the detainees often attempt to create disruptions. Uses of physical force, isolation, and weaponry are some methods by which the corrections officer has to control the facility as per the jurisdiction under which it is categorized and maintained (Tracy, S.J., 2004). Therefore, there is considerable stress on the corrections officer regarding the technical, ethical, and legal aspects of his or her job. The resultant negative stress of handling the risk behavior of the detained inmates causes burnout, decreased life quality, attrition, and health problems among the officers. Particularly in the maximum security prisons, the hectic and complicated nature of this job is very much discernable (Tracy, S.J., et al, 2007). There is a critical need of practical training in this profession. This training is generally on job. The tra ining generally covers utilization of restraints and forces, weapons (e.g., firearms, batons, etc.), self defense methods, legal processes, negotiation skills, first aid and understanding of the criminal law. Report writing and case work are the certain theoretical aspects of the job. Moreover, training on occupational safety and clinical psychology is also important. (Tracy, S.J., 2004) A corrections officer can progress up to the position of a superintendent or jailor, and apply for reputable government jobs.