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PEN1503 Study NotesProfessionalism in Corrections
Professionalism Defined
- A profession- an organized undertaking characterized by a body of
specialized knowledge acquired through extensive education and training
and practical judgment
- Noetic authority- the power that results from knowledge
- Professionals provide an expert service of value to society
- Professionalism- the manner in which mangers in correctional centers
and their subordinate officials behave, and to the fact that this conduct is
evaluated according to standards unique to the activities of all officials
- Professionals are subject to a legally enforceable set of internal standards
and ethical guidelines that hold members of the profession accountable to
one another, and to society (a code of conduct)
- Code of conduct also describes ethical values which will characterize a
true professional
- Characteristics of a profession (NB)
o An understanding of the worthiness of the public service
o A conviction to serve society honestly and well
o Adherence to a code of conduct
o Accumulated knowledge made available to the various members
o The setting of standards of competence for admission to and
promotion in the service and continuous effort to bring about the
general acceptance of these standards
o Responsibility for the development of training opportunities for
present and future members
o An institution specifically created to realize the above-mentioned
goals
- Correctional officials required to serve the best interest of the general
population
- Outstanding characteristic of professionalism is adherence to a code of
conduct
Professional Codes of Conduct and Codes of Ethics
Professional Codes of Conduct
- Codes of conduct are mechanisms employed to inform and guide the
morality and discretion of public officials
- Written, enforceable standards of conduct
- The punitive aspect of codes of conduct is NB
- E.g. displaying positive attitude, genuine interest in needs, fairness and
reasonableness etc.
- Code of conduct focuses on ethical standards
, - Establishes an ethos of professionalism
- Public service should entail the following
o A high standard of professional ethics
o The efficient, economic and effective use of resources
o Sound human resources management and career development
practices
o Broad representation of the South African people
o Employment and personnel practices based on ability, objectivity
and fairness
- Substantial and affordable quality service should
o Be development oriented
o Be impartial, fair and equitable
o Be responsive to peoples needs
o Entail public participation in policy making
o Entail accountability
o Entail transparency, timeliness, accessibility and accurate
information
Professional Codes of Ethics
- Consist of a set of principles and standards that serve as a guide for
behavior of public officials
- Guiding norms
- Recommendatory nature
- Include ethical values and principles that form the basis of the
organization they govern
The Necessity for Codes of Conduct and Codes of Ethics
- Guide correctional official in rendering services, safeguard him against
unsatisfied claims from the community and improve the image of the
public service
- Help official to not give in to unethical requests
- Makes him aware of malpractices that may occur
- Promotes and maintains responsible conduct by officials
- Serves as a guideline to officials in their relationship with fellow public
officials, political office bearers and the community
- Serve as a guideline for the exercise of discretionary powers in an
acceptable manner
The Code of Conduct of the South African Department of Correctional
Services (NB)
- 7 sections of the South African Department of Correctional Services’ code
of conduct
1. Relationship with the legislature and the executive
o Professional relationship
o Emphasis on loyalty and accountability
2. Performance of duties
o Values associated with the performance of duties
o Honesty, efficiency, accountability, transparency etc
3. Personal conduct and private interests
, o Responsible behavior and integrity
o Provides guidelines for counteracting bribery
4. Relationship with the public
o Impartiality, fairness and respect in the delivery of services
5. Relationships among members
o Cooperation, effectiveness and integrity
6. Relationship with stakeholders
o Continuous promotion of the vision, mission and core values of the
department
7. Relationship between members and prisoners
o Interact with offenders in a respectful and dignified manner
o Adherence to policy directives and practices
Ethics of Public Service
- Commitment and dedication to public service
- Unquestionable priority of public interest above the interests of
practitioners
- Cant choose who to serve, must serve everyone equally
- Obligation to the interests of the society as a whole
- The manner in which correctional officials control their temper and
deflect provocations by inmates
- Officials are expected to be knowledgeable, conscientious, compassionate
and wise
- Should act as positive role models
- Maintain a calm and stimulating atmosphere in any area where
rehabilitation and the development is facilitated
- Officials behavior reflects on the morality of the institution they serve,
and on the dignity of the corrections profession
Ethics of Professionalism
- Professional behavior characterized by
o Self-discipline rather than amateurism
o Reasoning rather than erraticism
o Maturity rather than egoism
o Principled behavior rather than unbridled passion
- Emphasizes ones obligation to work for public gain, no prejudice or
hatred etc
- True professionalism is “being good” not just “looking good”
- Being good involves commitment
- Two general approaches to achieve true professionalism
o Administrative approach
Institutional ethics are derived from the job description
stated in hiring contract
Ultimate goal of professionalism is to build effective and
efficient performers who obey agency rules
Agency rules are value-free statements that have no bearing
on the moral character of workers
Workers maintain absolute loyalty to their supervisors
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