This is an introductory text on the changing nature of correctional officer careers, focusing on personnel, management, and organizational issues.

Prisons Today and Tomorrow, Second Edition uses current case studies and research to present balanced and comprehensive coverage of prisons and prisoners. Featuring chapters contributed by leading authorities on the modern prison system, this text examines the many purposes of prisons--punishment, deterrence, rehabilitation, and incapacitation--and examines controversial issues such as whether imprisonment actually deters crime or merely serves as punishment.

Peterson's Master the Corrections Officer Exam: All About a Career as a Corrections Officer provides career information about Corrections Officers, along with information about the application and examination process. In addition, there are valuable chapters on job duties, working conditions, salary, training and promotions, the prison system, looking for jobs, the written and promotion exams, drug testing and the medical examination, the background investigation, the psychological interview, and the physical fitness test. Master the Corrections Officer Exam: All About a Career as a Corrections Officer is a part of Master the Corrections Officer Exam, which provides the most comprehensive review available for those interested in working in the prison system, including 6 full-length practice tests with detailed answer explanations, an extensive review of the officer screening process, an overview of the typical officer training process, all-new information on job requirements, and expert advice on how to seek and apply for positions in the field.

Prisons: Today and Tomorrow, Third Edition uses current case studies and research to present balanced and comprehensive coverage of prisons and prisoners. Featuring chapters contributed by leading authorities on the modern prison system, this text examines the many purposes of prisons-punishment, deterrence, rehabilitation, and incapacitation-and examines controversial issues such as whether imprisonment actually deters crime or merely serves as punishment.

Picking up where Exploring and Understanding Careers in Criminal Justice, left off, Matthew J. Sheridan and Thomas J. Lalka provide an updated guide for the novice and professional alike. The chapters are crafted to provide essential information to guide the job seeker from entrance into the profession, through career development, occupational refocus, professional options, to retirement preparation. Taking into consideration the effects of the pandemic, current social unrest, and recent tragedies, the authors examine how the “new normal” will bring change and opportunities throughout criminal justice careers. With an emphasis on planning, personal development, and preparation this book outlines career paths that can provide rewards for satisfaction during and after careers. On top of invaluable information on a variety of specific careers, this book also includes sixteen appendices that cover successful job hunting, internships, a guide to interview questions, a document portfolio checklist, paying for college, and profiles of 18 professionals in criminal justice field from a parole officer to a correctional architect. This is an excellent resource for students, faculty, advisors, and classroom instruction for guidance into a successful criminal justice career that will be loved, from first employment to retirement.

Written by scholars who have practical experience in corrections, the readable essays in this one-of-a-kind collection draw on real-world experiences to illustrate theoretical and methodological concepts and demonstrate approaches to corrections practice. Spanning the three general types of correctional environments—incarceration, community corrections, and juvenile corrections—the essays discuss working in prisons or prison systems, juvenile residential and community corrections, and probation and parole.

The past decade has seen dramatic growth in every area of the prison enterprise. Yet our knowledge of the inner life of the prison remains limited. This book aims to redress this research gap by providing insight into various aspects of the daily life of prison staff. It provides a serious exploration of their work and, in doing so, will seek to draw attention to the variety, value and complexity of work within prisons. This book will provide practitioners, students and the general reader with a comprehensive and accessible guide to the contemporary issues and concerns facing prison staff.