Chapter Fourteen Institutional Programs

Learning Objectives Describe how correctional programs help address the challenge of managing time in the correctional setting. Describe the ways that security acts as a constraint on correctional programs offered in institutional settings. Know the meaning of the “principle of least eligibility” and illustrate its importance. Understand the importance of the classification process and how “objective classification” works.

Learning Objectives Describe the major kinds of institutional programs that are offered in correctional institutions. Analyze recent developments in the field of correctional rehabilitation. Describe the main types of correctional industries and define how each works. Understand the current pressures facing correctional programming policies.

Learning Objective 1 Describe how correctional programs help address the challenge of managing time in the correctional setting.

Managing Time Mitigate the oppressiveness of time Provide opportunities for prisoners to improve their lives Keep prison time from becoming dead time More programs offered, the less likely inmates’ boredom will translate into hostility toward the staff Work programs typically occupy daily hours.

Managing Time Prison program: Any formal, structured activity that takes prisoners out of their cells and sets them to instrumental tasks. 5 types: Rehabilitative Medical service Industrial Daily facility maintenance Recreational

Learning Objective 2 Describe the ways that security acts as a constraint on correctional programs offered in institutional settings.

Constraints of Security No matter how beneficial a program is, it must not conflict with security Whenever a program requires sharp tools, heavy security prevails. Security requires tool counts, searches, and detailed accounting of materials. Security requirements make maintenance and industrial programs inefficient. Interactions with inmates are closely observed for security purposes.

Learning Objective 3 Know the meaning of the “principle of least eligibility” and illustrate its importance.

Least Eligibility The doctrine that prisoners ought to receive no goods or services in excess of those available to people who have lived within the law. General public often quite hostile to create programming. Public does not want to reward criminal activity. Prison programs frequently represent weak versions of free-society programs. The disbanding of the Pell Grant program in 1994 is an example of this principle.

Learning Objective 4 Understand the importance of the classification process and how “objective classification” works.

Classification Process by which prisoners are assigned to types of custody and treatment. This typically is a 3 to 6 week process. Sentenced felon introduced to the new status of prison Depersonalize the inductee Serves as management tool to ensure inmates are assigned to units appropriate to their custody level: Separated from those who might victimize them Grouped with members of their work assignment

Classification Objective classification: Predictive model: Designed to distinguish inmates with respect to risk of escape, potential misconduct, and future criminal behavior. Statistical techniques Equity-based model: Use only a few explicitly defined legal variables reflecting current and previous criminal characteristics, not used: Race Employment Education

Learning Objective 5 Describe the major kinds of institutional programs that are offered in correctional institutions.

Institutional Programs Rehabilitative programs: Aim is reforming the offender’s behavior Programs vary: Psychological (Psychotherapy/Reality Therapy) Behavioral Social (Developing a Prosocial Environment) Educational (GED programs) Vocational (Vocational Rehab) Substance abuse Sex offender (Help overcome a variety of sexual issues) Religious programs

Learning Objective 6 Analyze recent developments in the field of correctional rehabilitation.

Correctional Rehabilitation Martinson’s 1974 study indicating prison rehabilitation is ineffective. New vision: Prison is a place that should provide safe and secure custody while punishing offenders. Criminogenic needs: Needs that when successfully addressed by treatment programs result in lower rates of recidivism.

Correctional Rehabilitation Six conditions identified by researchers under which treatment will be effective: Directed toward high-risk clients. Responds to offenders’ problems that caused the criminal behavior Take into account offenders’ psychological maturity Providers are allowed professional discretion on how to manage offenders’ progress in treatment Are fully implemented as intended Offenders receive follow-up support after completing the treatment programs

Correctional Rehabilitation Cost-benefit ratio: A summary measure of the value of a correctional program in saving money through preventing new crime.

Learning Objective 7 Describe the main types of correctional industries and define how each works.

Institutional Programs Prison industry: Way to manage the restlessness and idleness of prison time Viewed as part of the reformative process Prison maintenance programs: Typical prison must provide every major service available in a community: Fire department Electrical and plumbing Janitorial maintenance Mail delivery Restaurant Drug store

Correctional Industry The contract labor, piece price, and lease systems: A contractor provides raw materials and agrees to purchase goods made by prison inmates at a set price. The public account system: A prison buys machinery and raw materials that inmates manufacture into a salable product.

Correctional Industry The state use system: A labor system under which goods produced by prison industries are purchased by state institutions and agencies exclusively and never enter the free market. The public works and ways system: A labor system under which prison inmates work on public construction and maintenance projects.

Prison Maintenance Programs The typical prison is similar to a town based on the array of services available. The higher the power/prestige of the job the more desirable the job. Jobs that provide access to contraband goods are also highly popular.

Prison Maintenance Programs Constitute an elaborate pecking order of assignments Choice of jobs involve access to power Essential to managing the prison: Lower the cost of operations by eliminating the need to hire outside labor. Job hierarchy provides rewards and punishments to enforce discipline.

Institutional Programs Recreational: Two primary functions: Integral to prison social life Can be rehabilitative in several ways: Teach social skills as cooperation and teamwork Provide a means for prisoners to grow in experience and enhance their self-image Serve as a productive counterpoint to the general alienation of prison

Learning Objective 8 Understand the current pressures facing correctional programming policies.

Current Pressures Most rehabilitative programs have serious shortcomings and limited effectiveness. Large number of inmates are not considered to need educational, vocational training, or drug/alcohol rehabilitation. Services provided in prison settings are substantially less effective than the same programs in community. Many believe participation in rehabilitation efforts should be voluntary.