Administrative Report-Ethics in Prison
Read the following scenario:
Correctional Officer Sandy Smiles was hired at Ferris State Prison on October 12 of last year. She completed her basic training in January of this year and began working as a correctional officer trainee on the evening shift (3:30 pm-12:00 am). Her work assignment was in an inmate housing unit. Specifically, she was assigned to Bravo unit. During the performance of her duties, inmates would approach her and compliment her regarding her appearance. She accepted the compliments and later began conversing with many of the inmates regarding their personal lives. Sandy enjoyed trying to help people with these very personal issues and felt that the inmates thought she was a good officer and easy to talk to. Inmate Baby Blue Eyes Brown, who was very good looking, recognized her willingness to talk to inmates about personal business and, therefore, began to spend a great deal of time talking to Officer Sandy (she encouraged the inmates to address her this way rather than Officer Smiles, which was required by policy). After a while, he began telling her how special she was as a person and hinted that she was the only officer that really understood the inmates. His interest and compliments flattered her and Sandy began to share with him her personal romantic feelings about him. During evening snack, Sandy began to give Brown two servings.
On March 14 of this year at 4 pm, inmate Brown approached Officer Smiles and asked her to mail a letter to his mom stating that he missed mail call because he was sleeping. Smiles knew this was against the rules (Policy-427), but told him she would do it this one time.
On April 20 of this year at 6 pm, Officer Sandy Smiles entered inmate Brown’s cell to conduct a routine cell search. While searching the cell, Officer Smiles found love letters from Brown written to her.
On April 27 of this year at 10 pm, Officer Smiles, while doing a routine block tour, stopped by Brown’s cell and told him she had read his letters and that her heart skipped a beat. Brown put his head down and said, “Well, now you know I am in love with you”. He then asked her if he could kiss her. Sandy, overcome with emotion, stepped inside the cell and complied.
On April 30 of this year, Officer Smiles texted her close friend Mary Smith writing “I am in love with the hottest man alive”. Mary texted back, “Who is that?” Sandy couldn’t hold back anymore and called Mary to tell her about Inmate Baby Blue Eyes Brown and all about the love letters and the kiss. As soon as the conversation was finished, Mary called her cousin, Sheriff Barney and told him about it. He immediately called his jail administrator, Captain King to report this incident.
Captain King asked YOU, the investigative lieutenant to interview both Inmate Brown & Officer Smiles. The interview with Officer Smiles occurred on May 1 of this year, where she denied any involvement with inmate Brown. On the same day, your interviewed Inmate Brown who stated that Officer Smiles forced herself on him, told him to write her love letters, and made him kiss her. Brown said he complied because Officer Sandy told him that her best friend was related to the Sheriff and they would throw the book at him in court. Brown was placed in administrative segregation pending an investigation of his inappropriate involvement with staff.
On May 4 of this year, YOU (the lieutenant) along with county prosecutor Tort, re-interviewed Officer Sandy Smiles. She continued to deny any involvement with Brown, until she was informed that she could be prosecuted for this incident. If she confessed, though, she would not face prosecution. Officer Sandy Smiles confessed to her involvement with Inmate Brown.
Ferris State Prison Correctional Ethical Standards
No employee shall become inappropriately involved with an inmate, former inmate, or any inmate’s family members.
No employee shall become involved in a conflict of interest or the appearance of a conflict of interest.
No employee shall become involved in an inappropriate relationship with a staff member under his or her supervision.
No employee shall show favoritism to any inmate or group of inmates.
No employee shall practice discrimination against another employee.
No employee shall violate the regulations or policies and procedures of the organization.
All employees shall fully cooperate during an official investigation.
No employee shall in any way obstruct an official investigation or try to alter the outcome of any inquiry of an official investigation.
All employees must remain honest and truthful while conducting their duties.
Assignment—You are the investigative lieutenant who interviewed Sandy Smiles.
Write an administrative report using the proper form Admin Report regarding this incident. Review Officer Smiles actions and what took place. Then, review the Ethical standards and discuss which actions violate which standards. Include your interviews and then provide a recommendation to Captain King concerning what action(s) should take place against Officer Smiles.
As with all administrative reports for your internship, this paper must be a minimum to 2-3 pages formatted in APA (The report should be typed, times new roman, 12 point font, 1 inch margins with page numbers in the top right hand corner, and double-spaced).
