The Correctional Officer - Staff Inmate Relations Part 2

Year Published: 1978

Creator: Charles Cahill

Description: Dating to 1978 and shot in the Lompoc federal institution and other California prisons, "The Correctional Officer / Staff Inmate Relations Part 2" is a correctional officer training film. The premise of this film is that the relationship between staff and inmates must be consistent and objective, the inmates must not be just bodies and numbers. The film challenges officers to reflect on their behavior and attitudes toward inmates. It begins by emphasizing the principles of being firm, fair, consistent, and objective, then explores how some staff fail to uphold these standards, often becoming detached, cold, or inconsistent in their treatment. Through examples and scenarios, it highlights issues such as avoiding work, officers tuning out inmate concerns, showing bias or hostility, becoming overly suspicious, and allowing personal feelings or favoritism to influence interactions. The film also warns against overfamiliarity — sharing personal information, seeking inmate approval, or joking about staff and institutional issues — as these behaviors can undermine authority and security. Ultimately, it encourages correctional workers to examine whether their conduct truly reflects professionalism and integrity, asking them to consider if there is room for improvement in how they relate to inmates. The film was directed by James Skidmore with camera by Frank Harris. 0:00 – Titles. Subject of the film: how correctional staff behave with inmates. Staff are reminded of the rules: be firm but fair, consistent, and objective. 0:54 – The narrator points out that while most staff know these principles, some fail to follow them. Inmates and colleagues notice each officer’s behavior, even if it’s not openly discussed. 2:16 – Repeated violations of fair treatment harm morale, reduce cooperation, and endanger institutional security. The program aims to help staff reflect on their own effectiveness. 2:52 – The film depicts how constant inmate requests can wear staff down, leading some to avoid work or “pass the buck.” The narrator asks whether officers have become too detached or cold. 4:08 – Staff are urged to consider whether they have changed negatively, seeing inmates as numbers instead of people. 5:01 – The issue of listening is raised—many inmates want to talk, but staff may tune them out. Do officers truly hear them or dismiss complaints automatically? 5:50 – Dislike and bias: staff and inmates often dislike each other, but showing hostility undermines objectivity. 6:16 – Staff are asked if they can accept inmate improvement or if they stay cynical, assuming inmates never change. 7:02 – Suspicion is addressed: some officers treat all inmates as troublemakers, which frustrates those who aren’t. 7:19 – Subtle cues—tone, body language, and expression—can reveal true feelings about inmates, race, or intimidation. 8:01 – Staff may overcompensate by getting too close to certain inmates, offering personal advice or spending extra time with them, which can cross professional boundaries. 8:32 – The film questions whether officers act differently around peers, noting inmates observe such inconsistencies closely. 9:00 – The narrator explores the desire to be liked by inmates, warning that seeking popularity or sharing personal experiences can lead to manipulation. 10:25 – Discussion turns to overfamiliarity: joking about staff or institutional problems with inmates blurs professional lines and invites complications. 11:02 – Officers are reminded to say “no” firmly and consistently, avoiding softening or apologizing for enforcement. Doing otherwise risks overfamiliarity. 11:25 – Fairness, firmness, consistency, and objectivity are essential to maintain order and respect within the institution. 12:02 – The film closes by repeating the opening question: What are you really like with inmates? and challenges staff to reflect on whether there’s room for improvement. 12:11–12:37 – The end.

Online Copy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQB6loCREMQ

Metadata Source:YouTube