The importance of written ethics codes in corrections systems with leadership support

Ethics Code: Importance of Written Form

A written code of ethics is highly important for the corrections system, for the simple fact that it greatly assists in keeping corrections personnel both honest and forthright in the carrying out of their duties. Additionally, a written code of ethics is fairly significant to the carrying out of various jobs performed within correctional institutions because there are a number of disparate parties that have a vested interest in the fulfillment of the obligations of those working within corrections. Such people of interest within the ethical stewardship of responsibility within correctional institutions not only include inmates, but "the families of such persons, the general public, and…commercial and industrial firms, with whom the Department does business" (State of New Jersey, 1978). To that end, it is highly significant to have a written code of ethical standards to ensure to such different people and organizations that the carrying out of job functions within varying department of corrections adheres to some form of universal standards, which enables both those inside and outside of the system to be fairly confident in the system's ability to work with a sense of propriety. As stated in Andrew Olson's "Observations on Process and Organization," "A code of ethics is a means of uniquely expressing a group's collective commitment to a specific set of standards of conduct while offering guidance in how to best follow those codes" (1998).

Most ethical codes that members of corrections have to adhere to contain information that is not altogether different from ethical standards that can be found within other professions. Common components of such codes include employees not accepting any forms of bribes or gifts which might influence their work, or not undertaking any other sort of employment of formal interest which would conflict with the correct way of carrying out of one's job. The actual significance of having such a written code, of course, lies in its enforcement. According to guidelines approved by the Executive Commission on Ethical Standards and promulgated into effect on September 1, 1978, the violation of the written code was "cause for removal, suspension, demotion or other disciplinary action by the Department" (State of New Jersey, 1978). The value of the code, then, is in the disciplinary measures that may be taken to keep members of the corrections department honest in the performance of their respective jobs.