Disciplinary discretion, interaction and compassion: Transports between prisons from the perspective of the transporters

This study examines the interactions between correctional officers and prisoners during transport between prisons, from the staff’s perspective, based on a thematic analysis of 14 interviews with transport officers in Sweden. The three central themes in their stories regarding their work – namely, d...

Full description

Saved in:  
Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Markezic, Ottilia (Author)
Contributors: Svensson, Kerstin
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
Published: 2024
In: Criminology & criminal justice
Year: 2024, Volume: 24, Issue: 3, Pages: 690-705
Online Access: Volltext (kostenfrei)
Journals Online & Print:
Drawer...
Check availability: HBZ Gateway
Keywords:
Description
Summary:This study examines the interactions between correctional officers and prisoners during transport between prisons, from the staff’s perspective, based on a thematic analysis of 14 interviews with transport officers in Sweden. The three central themes in their stories regarding their work – namely, disciplinary discretion, interaction and compassion – were analysed by following the process of picking up the prisoner, interacting during the ride, and reflecting on the core components of the work. Correctional officers aim to work stepwise in building alliances, understand the prisoners’ perspective and use discretionary discipline in verbal interactions to avoid physical violence. This facilitates a calm environment and smooth execution of the task, while also ensuring the officers’ well-being. The results are in line with what is known from prison work and also reflect differences due to the limited space and time spent in transport.
ISSN:1748-8966
DOI:10.1177/17488958231181994