POLPEN-XXI First survey of prison police in Lombardy
November 1st, 2022
The PolPen-XXI study is the first survey conducted in Italy on Prison Police Personnel, a professional category that has received little academic attention in the country. This research explores prison officers’ perceptions of various aspects of their professional experience, including their emotional well-being, workplace relationships, institutional (de)legitimization, professional orientation, management of critical incidents, attitudes toward the use of force, and the impact of the Covid-19 emergency.
As highlighted by international literature, understanding the perspective of prison police officers is essential not only for gaining insight into daily life within correctional facilities but also for improving their working conditions by identifying potential challenges and strengths. With this aim, the PolPen-XXI survey collected responses from a sample of 845 Prison Police agents in Lombardy through an anonymous, closed-ended questionnaire.
The study revealed valuable insights into the dynamics of relationships – both with inmates, in terms of authority and fairness, and with colleagues and superiors. It also highlighted a low level of institutional recognition perceived by prison staff, providing a deeper understanding of officers’ attitudes toward the use of force and the management of critical incidents. This pioneering research has shed light on the work of prison police in Lombardy, uncovering areas of ambiguity that warrant further investment in training and professional development.
The research was led by Professor Roberto Cornelli and the University of Milano-Bicocca’s School of Law, in collaboration with the Regional Directorate of the Prison Administration for Lombardy. The research report was authored by Chiara Chisari, Roberto Cornelli, Alessandra Sacino, and Laura Squillace.
A summary of the research findings has been published in Italian on sistemapenale.it (click here).