In jails and prisons across the United States, there is one often overlooked factor in the behavior of incarcerated individuals; the conduct of the correctional officers.
While the public focuses on sentencing laws and parole policies, the daily environment inside correctional facilities is shaped largely by correctional staff. And in the event that those staff members lead with hostility, disrespect, and dehumanization, the ripple effect can be dangerous.
The Power Dynamic Inside the Walls
Correctional officers hold immense power over incarcerated people: they control access to food, recreation, visitation, education, even basic hygiene products. This power can be used to foster stability and dignity, or it can be abused to instill fear, humiliation, and resentment.
Unfortunately, many correctional facilities have normalized a culture of aggression and contempt. Some officers may refer to people in custody as “inmates” or “bodies” instead of by name. They may mock, ignore, or antagonize those under their supervision. Over time, this creates an environment of institutional hostility, not rehabilitation.
The Psychology of Dehumanization
Social science is clear: when people are consistently treated as subhuman, they often begin to internalize and mirror that treatment. The Stanford Prison Experiment famously demonstrated how quickly power imbalances can lead to cruelty and rebellion in confined environments.
Additional research studies find that harsh staff attitudes contribute to increased incidents of violence and rule violations. In contrast, facilities where officers were trained in trauma-informed care and respectful communication saw lower rates of misconduct and improved mental health outcomes for both staff and residents. They can also be pivotal in reducing post-incarceration recidivism.
Real Consequences for Everyone
Correctional officers who dehumanize don’t just affect the people they supervise; they poison the workplace. Staff working in high-conflict, disrespectful environments have higher rates of PTSD, depression, and burnout.
For incarcerated individuals, the effects are even worse:
- More disciplinary infractions
- Higher rates of mental health decline
- Reduced chances of successful reentry after release
By treating people like they’re disposable or dangerous no matter what, correctional institutions often create the very behaviors they claim to be preventing.
The Alternative: Leading with Dignity
Studies show that respectful, fair, and consistent interactions with correctional staff improve facility safety and outcomes.
In Norway’s prison system, often cited as one of the most humane, officers receive extensive training in communication, conflict resolution, and rehabilitation. They eat meals with residents, call them by name, and help prepare them for reentry. The result? Significantly lower rates of violence and recidivism.
A study on Flint, Michigan’s IGNITE program found that custody officers who interact with more IGNITE participants are twice as likely to see educational programs for incarcerated individuals as worthwhile compared with officers who do not regularly interact with IGNITE participants.
The U.S. has begun to experiment with similar approaches in pilot programs focused on trauma-informed care and restorative practices. Early results are promising, but widespread change will require a cultural shift in how correctional officers are trained and supported.
A System That Reflects Its Leaders
Correctional officers are not just guards; they’re frontline representatives of the justice system. If we want incarcerated individuals to return to society as stable, accountable citizens, we have to create an environment that reflects those values. That starts with treating every person with dignity; even behind bars.
You can’t punish someone into becoming better. But you can model what better looks like.
