Conflict Resolution Corrections/Police - Criminal

Conflict Resolution

Corrections/Police - Criminal Justice

Conflict Resolution in a Prison Setting

As Warden, there are several key aspects to thoroughly consider in a situation, such as the division of staff and its inclusive influence with the division of the prison population. Foremost, the altercations of each identity as purported by each sect of separated staff members or groups, must allocate correctly toward the directive of the outset restrictions upon prisoner and corrections staff. There must be a very clear and definitive line drawn between the staff and the prison population. These restrictions must be outwardly and directly adhered to in order for any further substantiation of addressing the problems surrounding the staff subculture (Gould, 2005).

In taking an interactive approach to addressing this issue, one becomes susceptible to the inclinations that surround superior authoritative perception. Interacting on a personal level with inmates dissolves the concept of higher authority by delineating the characterization of the person over the role (as warden). It is in this concern that the approach of a human relations model will ensure the priority and authority of superiority over constituents is utterly bolded and outlined as a strong inclusion to the relationship of the warden over the staff. The staff needs to understand that they must adhere to the regulations set by the warden rather than the fears induced by the racially motivated potentials set out by the prison population and their interactions.

Though the stages of conflict are depicted in several labeled phases, primarily five stages, there are several differing names that are associated with each phase. The common essentials of these stages consist of an initial; Conflict Emergence, which details the beginning of the obvious conflict. In terms of the prison scenario, this would apply to the initial segregation of races and the onward momentum of rioting and lost control over the inmates as both a population and as an ordinance of disciplined units. The next stage of conflict is typically referred to as the Conflict Escalation. In terms of the prison scenario, the Conflict Escalation pertains directly to the momentum of the physical altercations, formed alliances and determent of the staff in light of these occurrences. The next phase is referred to as Stalemate, which is often the point at which the conflict has either reached a climatic point or its peak in escalation. The only aspect of the prison scenario that may be considered to be at this stage would be the position where the warden (in this case, myself) begins the process of determining the proper course of action against the previous escalation of conflict. De-Escalation (or Negotiation) and Dispute Settlement are the next and final stages of conflict in the process of five stages (U of C, 2006). Again, in terms of our prison scenario, we see the apparent and pertinent aspects through the direct definitions of each stage; de-escalation (likely after some resolve has been implemented) and settlement (likely involved with the repercussions of the implemented course of action).

An imperative move in resolving the racial divides that are undoubtedly formed within the model and infrastructure of this dilemma would exist in the sought counsel of a professional in terms of this issue. Whether that is some form of psychologist, anthropologist or other appointed and qualified expert in the field of group interactions and conflict, the expertise of such an individual, or group for that matter, may dictate the progression of resolution and the timeframe by which it will follow toward settlement. It may also prove effective to completely restructure the confined orders that permit any form of social development as a whole. The meal schedules, the meals themselves, the exercise allowance and those permitted to it, showering, working, etc. These are all aspects that must be dissected, analyzed and revised in a way suitable with the necessary changes that the prison seeks.