Correctional Officer Perceptions: Opinions on Mental Illness, Mental Health Treatment and Officer Training

Mentally ill and personality-disordered inmates present treatment and security challenges in correctional facilities. Sharp increases in the number of individuals with mental health problems entering the legal system have created various institutional concerns and have altered the way staff, especially correctional officers, execute daily responsibilities. Research regarding correctional officers' perceptions of inmates without mental illness indicates that officers view this population as manipulative and dangerous and that they view mentally ill inmates as unpredictable, dangerous, and stressful to manage. The current research design assessed correctional officers' perceptions of inmates who have been diagnosed with one of five mental illnesses or personality disorders. Additionally, data was collected regarding perceptions of mental health treatment for inmates and training for officers. Inmates displaying symptoms of psychosis were viewed as the most problematic. Officers view training regarding mental illness as insufficient and expressed favorable views toward treatment. Implications for mental health treatment are discussed.