Argumentative Essay On Female Inmates

In my opinion, male officers should not be employed in adult female correctional facilities. The primary and critical reason for this is the fact that 40 to 60 percent of women incarcerated have already been the victim of physical or sexual abuse in their life time. In the 1990s, the sexual demeaning behavior of women inmates by their male guards came to light. From comments about their bodies to molestation and forced sex by men who exhibited authority, a problem had been identified. Female inmates were quitting their prison rehabilitation programs because of fear for retribution or having their sentences increased if they did not submit to continued acts with the male guards. In addition, women are subject to strip searches and could

These accusations could be made against an officer who the inmates do not like and results in the officer being reassigned while the investigation plays out. This can affect manpower, postpone promotions and retirements, damage morale of the prison staff, but more importantly, lessen those who have authentic complaints of sexual assaults (Atmonavage, 2022). The second issue is loss of privacy when male officers are in a female only prison. From showering to using the restroom, having male officers always around the female inmates restricts their privacy. Unwanted viewing by male officers is considered all-inclusive power of a woman’s physical movement, opportunities, benefits and sometimes freedom from imprisonment (Labelle & Kubiak, 2004).

Should female correction officers be employed in adult male correctional

Based on a 1986 interview by Lynn E. Zimmer of the University of Chicago Press including seventy female officers, approximately one hundred male officers and thirty-seven inmates. Additionally, administrators of the correctional facilities and prisons were also included in this interview and included facilities in New York and Rhode Island and identified these issues. The interview found that in their official role, females followed rules, could perform as well as their male counterparts but lacked flexibility than that of the male co-workers to make decisions quickly. When it came to the revised role in the interview, it was identified that women evaded contact with inmates, or dangerous situations that could occur on the job. Females officers considered this a hindrance and relied on their male counter parts for safety and or backup. As inmates have many hours to watch the staff, they can see the weakest of the staff and know who to infiltrate and use to break rules, or more importantly, attack if left alone (Philliber, 2008) Next, when females are working in male facilities like males working in female facilities, privacy is diminished for the inmates. Clearly, inmates already lack privacy when it comes to strip searches, using the restroom and showering; but inmates sexually satisfy themselves and being discovered by a female officer can demean the