Why are correctional officers stressed?

One of the primary causes of stress for correctional officers comes from working in overcrowded and understaffed prisons. Such conditions often require officers to work mandatory overtime and inconsistent rotating shifts. Moreover, perceived and actual threats of physical violence are a daily occurrence for officers.

How do correctional officers handle stress?

The coping strategies utilized by the correctional officer as evaluated by the Carver COPE tool were: get rid of the problem, let out my emotions, seek support from family, seek advice about what to do, seek spiritual help, wait and not overreact, typically become emotionally distressed, exercise, use alcohol, smoke.

Why do correctional officers get PTSD?

Corrections Officers and PTSD Guards are exhausted, traumatized, and often ignored or shunned if they express any weariness or misgivings about the work they are required to do. As a result, COs have rates of post-traumatic stress disorder that are more than double the rate that military veterans experience.

Is a career in corrections good?

A career as a corrections officer can be stable, well-paying and rewarding. In addition, California has the highest annual mean wage out of all the states at $71,630, according to BLS data from May 2017. California also has the 2nd highest employment level of correctional officers in the U.S. with 36,730 jobs.

How stressful is correctional officers job?

Job-related stress is widespread and, in many cases, severe-and possibly increasing-among correctional officers. An inherent source of stress for correctional officers is supervising individuals who do not want to be confined and, as a result, try to manipulate staff to make their conditions of confinement as tolerable as possible.

Is being corrections officer stressful?

Working in a correctional institution can be stressful and dangerous. Correctional officers have one of the highest rates of injuries and illnesses, often resulting from confrontations with inmates. Officers work in shifts that cover all hours of the day and night, including weekends and holidays.

What is the risk of being a correctional officer?

Though every precaution is made to ensure the safety of staff at facilities across the country, being a corrections officer is dangerous. Every year, correctional officers are injured in physical altercations with inmates and subsequently have one of the highest rates of nonfatal on-the-job injuries.

Is being a correctional officer extremely dangerous?

As with any other law enforcement career, being a Correctional Officer can be dangerous, regardless of gender. Officers provide public safety every day to staff, inmates, and the public, typically in a controlled environment.