ΣΩΦΡΟΝΙΣΤΙΚΟΙ ΥΠΑΛΛΗΛΟΙ

Prison Officers

Alexandros Arfaras,

Sociologist, PhD in Criminology

Abstract: The present study examines, firstly, the role of prison officers in the

smooth operation of Greek prison institutions. Secondly, it examines their ef-

fectiveness in the functioning of prison policy, regarding prisoners’ reintegra-

tion into society after their release. Thirdly, it examines the perceptions of the

prison staff of their duties and their daily routine. Prison officers are not only

the largest and the front-line group of prison staff, but also those spending the

most of their time with and among prisoners. Therefore, prison officers are at

the heart of any prison reform and prisoners’ social reintegration programs.

Taking into account that the prison organisation is a part of a wider social

environment which supports its dynamic and from which it also draws its

potential for survival and continuation of its activities, our goal is to pinpoint

the extent to which prison officers’ attitudes towards the prison population is

the outcome of their socio-economic background or their professional sociali-

zation and the conditions they experience in prison facilities and prisoners’

demands. This study is based on data gathered from a sampling survey which

we carried out from a sample of 454 prison officers, who work for 63% of

Greek prison institutions (2001-2002).

ISBN 978-960-562-500-9

COPYRIGHT

a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, without the

prior permission of NOMIKI BIBLIOTHIKI S.A., or as expressly permitted by

law or under the terms agreed with the appropriate reprographic rights organi-

sation. Enquiries concerning reproduction which may not be covered by the

above should be addressed to NOMIKI BIBLIOTHIKI S.A. at the address below.

DISCLAIMER

The content of this work is intended for information purposes only and should

not be treated as legal advice. The publication is necessarily of a general na-

ture; NOMIKI BIBLIOTHIKI S.A. makes no claim as to the comprehensiveness

or accuracy of the information provided; information is not offered for the

purpose of providing individualized legal advice. Professional advice should

therefore be sought before any action is undertaken based on this publication.

Use of this work does not create an attorney-client or any other relationship

between the user and NOMIKI BIBLIOTHIKI S.A. or the legal professionals

contributing to this publication.

23, Mavromichali Str., 106 80 Athens Greece

Tel.: +30 210 3678 800 • Fax: +30 210 3678 819

• e-mail: