Ethics in Corrections Introduction Meet Correctional Officer Nestor Asencio

Nestor has worked for the state prison for four years and is interested in applying for a promotion. He has been consistent with enforcing the rules at the prison and has a reputation for having great communication skills with inmates and coworkers. He regularly intervenes to avoid conflicts from arising in the prison. He sees his role as providing as safe environment for guards and prisoners.

Education:
Completing bachelor's degree in criminal justice. Completed Correctional Officer's Academy.

Additional certifications/special training:
Has attended training on how to get the emergency response unit to deal with riots or other uprisings.

Roles interact with most often:
Correctional supervisor (sergeant or lieutenant), other correctional officers and inmates

Interview Officer Asencio

Interview Officer Asencio to learn more about his role in corrections.

What do you like most about your job?

Nestor Asencio: Over time, you get to know the inmates and they get to know you. Inmates know the rules, and they'll test you. The more you can provide consistency and treat them like human beings, the more they respect you. What I like most about this aspect is that over time you really develop a set of communication skills that are essential for the job. I've had some success dealing with inmates, and the inmates respond well to me for the most part.

What's most challenging?

Nestor Asencio: The prison is way over capacity. It's a common situation nationwide. Overcrowding affects both correctional officers and inmates. We just had a major incident here at Elm Park Heights where both officers and inmates were injured. So danger is always present, though we follow all kinds of rules and procedures to mitigate it. We train to prepare for incidents, so we're as ready as we can be. But conflicts always erupt between inmates, and they need to be defused. Having a high inmate-to-correctional officer ratio makes it that much harder to do your job, and it increases risk.

How does your job affect how you see current issues?

Nestor Asencio: I'm not a political person. In the military, I followed orders, and I do the same in corrections. But supervisors at work are talking about what can be done about the high prison population. We know bad guys need to stay behind bars. But our safety is affected, and the union has a say in our working conditions. I'm glad this issue is getting some visibility now, because something needs to be done.

Why did you get into this career?

Nestor Asencio: I served in the military as an MP. When my service term ended, I heard the state was hiring correctional officers. It seemed like a good fit. The pay is good, and the job is close to home.

What do people say when you tell them you're a correctional officer?

Nestor Asencio: A lot of times I don't bring it up. I'll be honest, with certain crowds, it's not a light-hearted conversation. People think of you as a prison guard... That's an old term that people still use, but the job is more than that. It's difficult, and it's complex. And it's something I try to leave at work when I walk out the door. That's just the best way to deal with the stress and go home to your family for a lot of us. I'm just being real here, it's a challenging job.

What's a typical day at work like?

Nestor Asencio: A typical day starts by reporting to the sergeant, who assigns us to various job responsibilities. I usually work visitor area, cell block, or control room. I guide inmates through their day. Most are in the common areas between meals, and I keep order. At night we do security checks to account for all inmates as they return to their cells. When crimes occur, I'll occasionally assist with the investigation. I'm also part of the emergency response team that brings dangerous situations under control.

What's the number one skill required for this job?

Nestor Asencio: The ability to communicate is number one. To read people, know how they're motivated and how to talk to them.

1. Explain at least five duties of a correctional officer.
2. In your own words, describe five codes of ethics from the ACA Code of Ethics that you find most important. Explain why you find them valuable.
3. List and discuss three ethical dilemmas faced by correctional officers. For example: A correctional officer sees his colleague (a fellow correctional officer) selling cigarettes to inmates-which is against prison policy. The ethical dilemma is whether to report the co-worker.
4. Discuss three ways correctional officers can avoid those ethical dilemmas.