“…Some studies suggested that POs’ esprit de corps could be instilled during their professional training, when recruits establish enduring bonds with one another, with a sense of pride, camaraderie, and group cohesion (Arnold, 2008). Once on the job, esprit de corps can play a key role in promoting a strong and positive self-image among POs (Jacobs, 1978; Vianello, 2018), even contributing to the prevention of conflicts among incarcerated people, critical events such as riots, and the formation of gangs in prison (Useem and Reisig, 1999). Studies on POs’ esprit de corps have largely tended to focus on the concept of group solidarity, which – as Blumer pointed out (1951: 207) – is one of its effects.…”