The officer proceeds to make sure that the proper procedure is done, and the offender goes to the hospital. The mess is properly cleaned in the cell and things go back to business as usual.

No one stops to ask the officer if he is ok or if he needs anything as he sits and tries to work calmly and remembers that his wife just miscarried only one month ago.

In correctional facilities, where order is maintained through persistence and authority, there is a silent struggle that is not spoken of often: correctional officer wellness. Correctional officers deal with countless challenges that threaten their mental and physical health. From the harsh stress of the job to the stigma surrounding mental illness in law enforcement, the issue of correctional officer wellness demands our attention.

The Burden of Duty

Correctional officers bear the responsibility of overseeing incarcerated individuals, ensuring their safety and maintaining order within the facility. Each day brings forth challenges, from managing unpredictable situations to navigating the dynamics of jail life. The constant attention required in such an environment takes a toll, both mentally and physically, as officers confront the harsh realities of their profession. Research conducted by One Voice United found that 31% of COs experience depression, compared to 9.1% of the general population, and 34% of COs experience post-traumatic stress disorder, compared to just 3.5% of the general population.

One of the greatest challenges correctional officers face is the invisible burden of stress. Correctional officers experience extreme work stress because they are exposed to the most violent and antisocial individuals (Gould et al., 2013). The nature of their work exposes them to an innumerable number of stressors. Correctional officer stressors include role conflict, authoritarian and firm management styles, work overload, workload irregularity, and lengthy shifts (Stevens, 2005). There are also environmental stressors, which include gang violence, danger, disease, conflict, and crowding (Stevens, 2005). The cumulative effect of such stress can lead to burnout, compassion fatigue, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), yet the toll it takes often goes unnoticed. PTSD can cause increased alcohol and drug misuse, which are often used as coping mechanisms. In addition, CO stress can compromise job safety in the workplace creating job turnover and employee absenteeism.

The Stigma of Silence

In addition to the challenges essential in their work, correctional officers must contend with the stigma surrounding mental illness in their professions. The expectation of strength and resilience can discourage officers from seeking help or speaking openly about their struggles, fearing judgment or consequences from their peers and managers. This culture of silence only serves to worsen the issue, continuing a cycle of suffering and isolation.

Doing Our Part

The Davidson County Sheriff’s Office where I have worked for over 20 years is doing its part in correctional officer wellness. We offer a range of support services for correctional officers, including access to mental health counseling, peer support groups, training on stress management and resilience, employee assistance programs, and opportunities for professional development and advancement. The sheriff does an amazing job addressing all the needs of our correctional officers and is open to new innovative ways if it can help make our agency healthy and safe.

Conclusion

The issue of correctional officer wellness is a concern that demands our attention and action. By acknowledging the challenges they face and taking proactive steps to support their mental and physical health, we can ensure the welfare of these dedicated professionals and contribute to the safer and more effective operation of correctional facilities. It is time to unlock the truth and shine a light on the hidden struggles of correctional officer. Only then can we begin to enact meaningful change and create a system that values and prioritizes the well-being of those who serve on the front lines of justice. Correctional officer wellness is important to correctional facilities because it directly influences staff performance, safety and the overall functioning of the facility. Supported officers are better equipped to handle the demand and stress that comes with their roles, leading to job satisfaction, reduced turnover, and ultimately safe and more effective correctional environments.

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Dr. Lolita Johnson is an S.O.A.R Counselor at the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office where she assists severely mentally ill offenders with disability and reentry needs. She has been working for almost 20 years at the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office. She has a doctorate in education and working on her second doctorate in criminal justice. For more information, she can be reached at Lolita.johnson@nashvillesheriff.gov