Informing Correctional Officer Discretion: A Co-Response Model and the Legal Vulnerabilities Inherent in Prison Work

Abstract

I draw data from an ethnographic experience of participating in correctional officer training at the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) to explore the position of prisoner health in informing correctional officer discretion. I unpack how through training CSC holds recruits accountable for their actions, reactions, and discretionary behaviors, while also structuring recruit decision-making by enforcing a model that promotes a co-response between health care and security actors in prison. I speak to correctional officer legal vulnerabilities, the value of documentation as a means to rationalize actions, and make recommendations for future research, policy, and training practices.

What it takes to be a “Good” correctional officer: Occupational fitness and co-worker expectations from the perspective of correctional officer recruits in Canada

“…The training provided to CORs presents accountability and confidence, although subtly (without necessarily naming those attributes), as necessary and commendable qualities for officers to accomplish the following tasks successfully: make decisions without compromising their legal and institutional safety and take actions, while safeguarding the prisoner’s well-being ( CSC, 2018 ; Ricciardelli, 2021 ). Emphasized by about half of participants, the value of accountability is transmitted to CORs through the Engagement and Intervention Model (EIM) ( CSC, 2018 ).…”

Anticipating prison face work: Dramaturgical risks anticipated by correctional officer recruits

“…When used successfully, these ‘tactics of talk’ or de‐escalation can work to ‘cajole prisoners into compliance’ (Liebling, 2000, p.337) or, more often, encourage rapport building between prisoners and staff that is rooted in mutual respect and some degree of understanding (Ricciardelli, 2019). In the Canadian context, increased emphasis on soft power is likely following changes in 2017 that reformed how force is used by COs against prisoners (Correctional Service Canada, 2017; Ricciardelli, forthcoming).…”