Introduction

In this chapter the editors outline the main focus of in the book, introduce each of the four book sections, and provide a synthesis of each of the chapters in turn. Highlighting existing research in relation to prison officers internationally, the new and original contribution that this collection makes to the field is emphasised. The culmination of three years’ work, the aims of this book are to advance knowledge and understanding of the role of prison and correctional officers within penal systems and enable the analysis of connections, comparisons, and tensions between the daily working lives of prison officers around the world. The collection presents a unique and expansive exploration of various key aspects of prison officer work, providing a broad overview and exposition of the work of prison/correction officers through accessible scholarly interpretations. The introduction provides empirical context within which each of the chapters that follow is located.