202w5 Ethics in the Corrections System.edited
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202w5 Ethics in the Corrections System
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202w5 Ethics in the Corrections System
Responsibilities of The Correction System to Care for Inmates
The correctional system bears the vital duty of tending to inmates within its
establishments, striving to maintain their welfare and the tenets of fairness. The main duty is to
guarantee the bodily well-being of prisoners. The objective is to establish a safe setting that
reduces the likelihood of aggression, mistreatment, or injury. Sufficient staffing levels, extensive
training for staff members, and highly efficient monitoring systems are crucial elements in
attaining this objective (
Kersten et al., 2019
). Prisoners are entitled to receive safeguards against
both outside dangers and internal disputes, and it is imperative for the correctional system to
proactively take measures to avert occurrences that may jeopardize their well-being.
Another crucial obligation is attending to the healthcare requirements of prisoners. This
entails allowing individuals to avail themselves of medical, dental, and mental health services.
Numerous prisoners commence their journey into the correctional system with pre-existing
health conditions or acquire fresh ailments due to the difficulties associated with confinement.
Disregarding their medical necessities infringes upon their fundamental human entitlements and
presents potential hazards to public health (
Pont & Harding, 2019
). Correctional facilities must
prioritize the provision of readily accessible medical professionals who possess the qualifications
to accurately diagnose and effectively address inmates' physical and mental health concerns. Not
doing so may worsen circumstances, heightened distress, and potential legal responsibilities for
the correctional system.
How Morality and Ethics Affect How Care Is Provided to Inmates In The Correction
System
3
The correctional system is greatly influenced by the significant impact of morality and
ethics on providing care to inmates. The decisions and actions of correctional staff,
administrators, and policymakers are guided by these principles, ultimately impacting the
treatment and well-being of incarcerated individuals. The utilization of morality and ethics
within the correctional setting is a convoluted interaction of multiple elements, frequently
prompting crucial inquiries regarding the equilibrium between retribution and reformation,
individual liberties, and the overarching objectives of the penal system.
Firstly, human dignity and respect serve as the foundation for ethical deliberations in
providing care for incarcerated individuals. Treating incarcerated individuals with dignity and
respect acknowledges their intrinsic humanity, irrespective of their previous deeds. Ensuring
their entitlement to adequate healthcare, nourishment, and safeguarding against harm
demonstrates a steadfast dedication to core ethical values (
Swanson, 2021). Nevertheless, the
difficulty emerges when the disciplinary aspect of imprisonment clashes with the moral duty to
offer compassionate care. Finding a harmonious equilibrium between retribution and reformation
necessitates meticulous contemplation of the moral aspects, particularly when prisoners endure
severe circumstances that could erode their sense of worth.
Ethics are a significant factor to consider when discussing the dilemma of rehabilitation
versus retribution. Offering prisoners educational programs, vocational training, mental health
support, and substance abuse treatment demonstrates a strong dedication to the principle of
rehabilitation, which is rooted in ethical values. The ethical argument posited is that by
facilitating inmates in addressing the underlying factors contributing to their criminal conduct,
society can diminish the likelihood of reoffending and foster a prosperous process of
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reintegrating into the community (
Swanson, 2021). Nevertheless, contrasting ethical viewpoints,
like an emphasis on retribution in the name of fairness, may generate conflicts between
endeavors for rehabilitation and the ethical obligation to ensure individuals are responsible for
their deeds.
Principles of Organization Psychology that Could Be Implemented into The
Corrections System to Better Support Employees’ Ethical Standards While Still
Maintaining the Public Interest
Incorporating principles of organizational psychology into the corrections system can
assist in maintaining employees' ethical standards and simultaneously ensuring the public interest
is upheld. First and foremost, it is crucial to emphasize the importance of fostering a robust
ethical culture within the correctional organization. This entails promoting transparent
communication channels where employees can express concerns, discuss ethical dilemmas, and
seek guidance. Creating a nurturing atmosphere that appreciates ethical dialogues can assist
employees in effectively managing difficult circumstances while staying true to their principles
(
Warr, 2020). Furthermore, integrating ethical decision-making training can provide employees
with the necessary abilities to recognize ethical predicaments, evaluate possible resolutions, and
make well-informed decisions that prioritize inmates' well-being and the public's safety. Offering
consistent training sessions and workshops has the potential to improve employees' ethical
reasoning skills and reinforce their dedication to ethical behavior.
Additionally, the implementation of transformational leadership principles has the
potential to benefit the correctional system. Transformational leaders motivate and enable their
teams by establishing unambiguous ethical standards, exemplifying dedication to collective
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principles, and fostering individual development. By fostering a strong sense of purpose and
moral responsibility among correctional staff, transformational leaders can inspire employees to
carry out their duties with unwavering integrity, genuine empathy, and unwavering dedication
(
Warr, 2020). These leaders also stress the importance of working together, highlighting the
shared commitment to ethical objectives, which can cultivate a feeling of camaraderie and
reciprocal assistance. By doing so, the corrections system can achieve a harmonious equilibrium
between maintaining ethical standards and protecting the public interest, establishing a setting
where employees and inmates are treated equitably and with dignity.
References
6
Kersten, L., Cislo, A. M., Lynch, M., Shea, K., & Trestman, R. L. (2019). Evaluating START
NOW: a skills-based psychotherapy for inmates of correctional systems.
Psychiatric
Services
,
67
(1), 37-42.
Pont, J., & Harding, T. W. (2019). Organization and management of health care in prison.
Council of Europe: Strasbourg
.
Swanson, E. F. (2021). Private Prisons: Ethical Considerations.
Warr, J. (2020).
Forensic Psychologists: Prisons, Power, and Vulnerability
. Emerald Publishing
Limited.
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