Prison Chaplains: Inmate/Correctional Officer Role Perceptions and Conflict Management in Modern Corrections

ABSTRACT

Utilizing data from 19 interviews with prison chaplains employed by a Midwestern state department of corrections, this study examines how chaplains perceive both staff and inmates to view their role within the institution. Moreover, this study examines techniques used by prison chaplains to manage institutional conflict. Chaplains perceived inmates to view them as a gatekeeper of goods and services within the institution, ultimately viewing inmates with an inherent suspicion. Chaplains perceived custodial staff to view them as a “Hug-a-Thug,” casting them as pro-offender and anti-custody while chaplains largely believed custodial staff do not respect an inmate’s religious rights. For conflict-management, chaplains largely utilized the techniques of using conversation as a ‘safety valve,’ demonstrating respect to staff/inmates, and maintaining personal/professional boundaries.

KEYWORDS:

• Prisons
• management
• religion

Notes

1. The department of corrections that participated in the study requested to not be identified. Moreover, they do not support or endorse any findings within this study.

2. In total, 10 interviews were conducted face-to-face and nine took place via telephone.