Changing the Guards: Expanding Cultural Diversity Training in Correctional Officer Basic Training

<p>This research examined the effectiveness of cultural diversity training in state basic correctional officer training programs. In recent years, the demographics of the U.S. prison population has become much more culturally diverse. This shift is noted by recent academic literature from scholars who have experience working in correctional settings. The growing diversity of the inmate population puts a new emphasis on the importance of cultural diversity in correctional officer basic training programs. This exploratory study uses original data collected from a survey of correctional officers and a sample of state correctional officer basic training programs in a cross-sectional design to investigate if the level of cultural training offered is meeting the needs of correctional officers. Findings from this data suggest that there is a disparity in basic training programs between use of force topics and topics related to cultural diversity. Also, responses indicate that cultural diversity and communication skills are utilized more frequently than use of force training. Moreover, officers indicate that they believed more cultural training should be included in correctional officer basic training programs. Findings form this research could inform policymakers in reviewing current basic correctional officer training programs such that training programs meet the needs of correctional officers and the changing inmate population. <strong></strong></p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Doctor of Philosophy in International Conflict Management (Ph.D. INCM)

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Conflict Management

Year dc:date.available

2019

Author dc:creator

• Ayers, Herman

Contributors dc:contributor

• Dr. Christopher Pallas
• Dr. Sherrill Hayes

• : Cultural Diversity
• Correctional Officers
• Correctional Officer Training
• Diversity Training
• International and Area Studies
• Peace and Conflict Studies

Repository record dc:identifier

https://digitalcommons.kennesaw.edu/incmdoc_etd/21

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:digitalcommons.kennesaw.edu:incmdoc_etd-1022