No abstract

Within the institutional correctional literature, much has been written about the differences in authority between correctional officers and inmates. Recently, researchers have begun exploring the differences in authority between ex-offenders and community corrections officers (CCOs). Emerging literature in the correctional field suggests that ex-offenders perceive CCOs as being socially distant from them and have doubt as to whether CCOs are genuine in their attempts to assist the ex-offenders in reintegrating back into the community. Using qualitative data from a sample of 132 federal and state corrections officers in Seattle, Washington, this investigation advances previous research by examining officers' perceptions of social distance with their clients. Results from the survey responses and policy implications are presented.

This article examines corruption-related white-collar crimes in China. The nature and characteristics of corruption offenses, the relevant laws, and the criminal justice responses to these crimes are discussed. An analysis of 1,554 criminal courtcases, adjudicated between 1986 and 2001, suggests that corruption offenses were significantly different from non-corruption offenses in both offender and offense characteristics and in key legal decisions. A further analysis of the impact of corruption cases on legal decisions reveals that, although corruption defendants were significantly less likely to be convicted, once convicted they were more likely to receive a lengthy sentence. The article explains the paradoxical treatment of corruption defendants pre-and post-conviction with reference to the unique cultural expectations of public officials in Chinese society: (a) Public officials enjoy privilege and power, and (b) they are expected to possess exemplary moral character. The findings suggest that the current Chinese legal system is embedded in its political and cultural conditions, especially with regard to the legal sanctions of corruption.

Research into community corrections officers' perceptions of the needs of ex-offenders has largely been overlooked. While some empirical research has emerged regarding federal parole officers' perceptions, it is conceptually incomplete. A gap in the literature remains regarding the concordance or discordance between offenders and community corrections officers' perceptions of offender needs and the opportunities for success upon release. Using a sample of community corrections officers in Seattle, Washington, this research examined officer perception of ex-offender needs, the value officers' placed on the specific needs, and the opportunities available for offenders to meet their needs. Differences between officers emerged including the finding that female officers rated needs and challenges for offenders significantly different than male officers. Policy implications of the research are discussed.