Page 1 of 14 Prison Officer Job Satisfaction and Support for Rehabilitation in Belize Central Prison Kevin Whiteacre, PhD Associate Professor and Chair Department of Criminal Justice University of Indianapolis 1400 East Hanna Avenue Indianapolis, IN 46227 USA whiteacrek@uindy.edu Abstract Correctional staff’s perceived social distance from inmates can affect their support for rehabilitation, job satisfaction, and other variables important for institutional effectiveness. Staff, moreover, often underestimate colleagues’ support for rehabilitation and social distance preferences. This can further influence job satisfaction, institutional effectiveness, and management. The current study seeks to understand preferences for social distance and rehabilitation among prison officers in Belize Central Prison, their perceptions of their colleagues’ preferences, and how these relate to job satisfaction. Initial findings suggest relatively high job satisfaction and support for rehabilitation among officers. The findings offer suggestions for enhancing the work environment and prison operations.