A Prison Officer - Problem Areas Inscribed in the Social Role

Abstract

The prison officer is a profession invariably enveloped in an aura of mystery, and is often underrated and socially stigmatized. In order to familiarise prison space, overturn myths and stereotypical views, and social awareness, surveys were conducted among retired prison officers from Torun, Poland. The data gathered, which was related to the role of professional people working behind the wall, having an enormous responsibility for the safety and peace of the outside world, helped map the characteristics desired for the profession of prison officer, as well as finding specific ways of understanding and interpreting social role and its facilitation, barriers and dilemmas.