Jail Overcrowding: Effects on the Workforce of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology

This research investigates the impact of jail overcrowding on the number of personnel assigned to the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP). Overcrowding in jails is a persistent issue worldwide, raising concerns about safety, security, and rehabilitation. The study explores how exceeding jail capacity strains BJMP resources, focusing specifically on staffing and allocation levels. It examines how overcrowding affects the workload of jail personnel, analyzes the strategies employed by officers to manage their workload in overcrowded facilities, and identifies the challenges encountered in handling such conditions. The study employed convenience sampling to select jails from the BJMP, ensuring each facility has an equal probability of inclusion and avoiding selection bias. A total of 40 jail officers participated as respondents, providing insights into the effects of overcrowding on personnel assigned to the BJMP. It aims to identify potential correlations between overcrowding and staffing deficiencies within the BJMP. By understanding this relationship, the research contributes to the development of strategies to address both overcrowding and personnel shortages, ultimately improving the overall effectiveness and safety of the jail system. This research aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages, and Goal 16: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels. Addressing jail overcrowding and its impact on personnel ensures the health and wellbeing of both inmates and staff while fostering accountability and inclusivity in justice systems.