Cross-Gender Supervision

Cross Gender Supervision What assumptions are commonly made about male staff-female offender interaction? That there is fraternization between female offenders and male staff What assumptions are commonly made about female offenders and female staff? That female staff members overly identify with the female offenders Female staff members get involved in competitiveness with offenders

Male v Female Treated differently at ____________ Women are more __________ focused Men often lead more _________ lives Working on improving communication help accomplish tasks BIRTH PROCESS LINEAR

How can you dispel these assumptions Strive for professionalism Maintain Professional Distance

What is professionalism? Clear job expectations Defined levels of control and authority Fraternization policies Consistency

Maintain Professional Distance Monitor Self-Disclosure Avoid Over-Personalization Maintain Consistent Policies on Touching Stress Accountability in Sexual Situations Use Force when necessary Conduct responsible searches Be a good role model

Female Inmates Treat female inmates the same as male inmates Female inmates are prone to emotional outbursts Avoid being alone with female inmates Always be aware of female charm Watch your language Avoid touching or over sympathy

Female Inmates Women traditionally have been given more privacy than men Women usually show their feelings more readily than a man Be a good listener Have human compassion and understanding Be a positive role model Avoid getting too familiar Be fair, firm and consistent

Female Officers supervising male inmates Establish credibility with male inmates Maintain a professional image Be prepared for mixed reactions Expect vulgar/crude remarks Being flashy is not recommended Do not over react Do not be taken in by the silver tongue Be FAIR, FIRM, and CONSISTENT