Correctional institutions are unique work environments due to the unpredictable nature of their physical environment and clientele. Correctional officers are responsible for supervising people held against their will. The primary goal of the correctional officer is safety within the institution and for the community. However, they are generally faced with a limited amount of resources and therefore have to take on these responsibilities without adequate support. The relationship between job resources and job stress indicates that correctional work environments that emphasize involvement, cohesion among coworkers, and managerial support can reduce stress levels (Waters, 1999). Unfortunately, this is a rather rare event, leaving correctional officers facing stressors without adequate intervention for fear of stigmatization. Within law enforcement, individuals who access “mental health” services are labeled and treated similarly (Aredondo, Shumway, Kimball, Dersch, Morelock, 2002). However, research on effective ways to prevent or reduce the physical and psychological effects of the high levels of stress that correctional officers face on a daily basis is limited and represents a rather new phenomenon. This literature review examines the reasons for prison officer stress, the implications of that stress, and the interventions that are put in place to combat the consequences of that stress. Stress for Correctional Officers Working in correctional facilities has been associated with higher rates of stress due to the unpredictable nature of the field (Parker, 2006). Correctional officers are forced into dangerous situations without adequate protection due to the prison environment, which can further lead to physical...... amidst documents ...... hidden behind the badge. Corrections Today, 63(6), 9-105. Rogers, J. B. (2001). FOCUS I survey and final report: a summary of the findings: family officials and correctional institutions understanding stress. United States Department of Justice. Tewksbury, R., & Higgins, G. (2006). Prison staff and work stress: the role of organizational and emotional influences. American Journal of Criminal Justice, 30(2), 247-266.Tracy, S. J. (2003). Corrective contradictions: A structural approach to addressing officer burnout. Corrections Today, 65(2), 90-95.Waters, J.E. (1999). The impact of job resources on job stress among prison staff. Journal of Addictions & Offender Counseling, 20(1), 26-34.Whitecare, W. K. (2006). Measuring job satisfaction and stress in a community correctional center: An evidence-based study. Corrections today, 68(3), 70-73.