Correctional Officer Culture in Canada: Proving Oneself for In-Group Acceptance

Abstract

Correctional officers (COs) work in a unique climate of continual carceral care, balancing interpersonal relationships, prison dynamics, with organizational and occupational duties. Drawing on semi-structured interviews with COs (n = 72) employed in federal penitentiaries in Canada, we explore factors influencing CO culture and peer acceptance. Using a constructed semi-grounded approach, we analyze how CO behaviors and values shape CO culture and illustrate how proving oneself is fundamental to in-group acceptance. Findings support the importance of proving oneself to CO acceptance, through developing trust, putting in time, performance, work ethic, showing respect, and by having each other's backs on the job.