Counteracting Workplace Mobbing in the Polish Prison Service

Abstract

The paper deals with the problem of workplace mobbing in the Polish Prison Service. The introduction points out to the multifaceted character of mobbing behaviours. It also mentions their harmful effect on the victim’s personal, family and professional life. Further on, the issue is analysed from the perspective of the Polish labour law by reference to relevant provisions on these matters. Then, the basic issue of the paper is discussed, i.e. mobbing among prison personnel, pointing out that uniformed services are an emanation of the society and can be affected by the same phenomena, including negative ones. To this end, the procedures that are in force in the Prison Service with regard to reacting to mobbing behaviours are described; also, light is cast on appropriate preventing measures, including trainings for management staff, officers, and other personnel of correctional facilities. Finally, reference is made to the criticism formulated against the abovementioned procedures and relevant recommendations are presented, mentioning that counteracting mobbing should take place within the scope of internal regulations of the institution, the practice of management, and the accepted ethics and culture.