Interview answers

1. How are women treated compared to men on a police force?

-  I worked in the field of corrections and therefore, I cannot speak from experience on the comparison of treatment between women and men within a police department. However, under the law, they should be treated equally. 

2. Are certain criminals treated worse than others?

- All people should receive equal justice under the law.  However, there are differences in the management of the more dangerous offenders when considering safety and security. For example, the bond might be much higher for a dangerous defendant to ensure public safety and an increased likelihood of future court appearances. Also, if convicted, the more dangerous and violent offender will be given a longer sentence by the courts for retribution and accountability.   Next, when in prison, the more dangerous/violent offender will be placed in a more secure or higher security prison facility and will probably have closer controls and supervision.

3.  Do offenders get sentenced to longer terms than their crime is worth? If so, why do you think that is?

- In many cases, offenders who possess or distribute certain types of illegal drugs will receive longer sentences. For example, people who are convicted of possessing, using  or distributing crack cocaine will get a much longer sentence than those who use, possess and distribute powder cocaine. This sentencing disparity within the law has caused much concern among lawyers, judges and the public in general. 

4. How do offenders act towards correctional officers?

- Typically inmates abide by the inmate code or culture within a prison and maintain a certain distance from correctional officers.  Most inmates remain respectful but not friendly toward correctional officers. 

5. How are female correctional officers treated in a male prison?

- Female correctional officers are typically treated no different than the male officers.  Their work assignments cannot be based on gender and discrimination is a violation of the law. Therefore supervisors are very careful to not show differences in the treatment of correctional officers based on gender. Additionally, inmates typically see all correctional officers as government employees and     
do not think the female officers are any different than the male officers when it comes to carrying out their official responsibilities.  

6. Do male offenders assault female correctional officers?

- There are occasions when male inmates assault female correctional officers. However, this is not predominate because inmates are aware of the legal consequences for assaulting any officer within a prison. They can receive an additional sentence for assaulting a state or federal officer.

7. Does a supervising official (Unit manager) treat women workers different than male workers in prison?

- Supervisors and unit managers cannot treat female workers any differently than the male workers. As previously stated, there are legal consequences for discrimination and creating a hostile work environment. Like any other occupation, sometimes people discriminate and cause harm to subordinates or co-workers. If this discrimination or treatment is reported, an investigation must be launched by the agency to determine if wrong doing occurred. If there is a finding that confirms wrong doing by the supervisor, the supervisor may be fired and sometimes prosecuted.  

8. When giving someone a sentence does a judge discriminate based on the crime that was committed?

- While judges have discretion, they typically sentence offenders within the guidelines identified with the offense. Most cases are appealed by the offender and therefore judges are usually very careful and thoughtful when issuing a sentence.    

Dr. Calvin Edwards