The Correctional Sergeant's Dilemma



The Correctional Sergeant's Dilemma

Introduction

In this case study, Craig Rick who was correctional sergeant in department of corrections. His supervisory career began at the SCI (Sampson Correctional Institution) which was one of the older prisons in the department of corrections. Soon he became correctional sergeant after working back-to-back shifts as an officer where he was forced to do overtime when other officer did not show their availability. He was glad that he was not going to have to experience any more double shifts and the routine was very predictable but he was not aware of the responsibilities he would be expected to perform while being correctional officer. It was not easy to supervise officers especially when he is required to supervise his former officers and friends.

However, the difficulty of being a sergeant was realized soon by Rick, when his one of the friend officer Johnson needed a day-off for personal reasons and he was unable to negotiate with him about day-off. Although, day-off was not granted to Officer Johnson but he did not appear the next day. The question was raised for Sergeant Rick, that he did not supervise the correctional officer as per the requirements.

Discussion

The correctional Sergeant is a person who is responsible to supervise the activities of staff in a correctional facility and indemnify prisoner security and safety. He is responsible to coordinate prisoner programs and assists a Lieutenant for the management of a detention facility. They perform other work as required. Although, Sergeant Rick was giving his best for his duty of supervising the correctional officers but he would not have to face the dilemma if he would have informed his Lieutenant about his attempt to take off earlier. If they would knew that Johnson was going to take off, the situation would have ...