Chapter 16

The Future Landscape of Corrections

1

Dealing with Change

Correctional administrators have little control over sentencing policy, costs, and the failure of crime control

What takes places in community corrections and prison, however, is their responsibility

Looking for humane and respectful treatment of offenders as they prepare for reentry

2

Dealing With Terrorism

Terrorism is a growing concern as facilities deal with an influx of inmates from military facilities

Terrorism is the premeditated, politically motivated violence perpetrated against noncombatant targets

Can include those who seek to achieve economic or social change

3

Terrorists in Prison Ability for terrorist inmates to communicate

freely with the outside world Effective monitoring of high-risk inmates

verbal communications, which include telephone calls, visits with family and friends, and cellblock conversations

Special Administrative Measures (SAMs)

Terrorists in Prison

Using torture Most people abhor torture, while others subscribe

to a “ticking bomb scenario” Dershowitz recommends implementing a “torture

warrant” The waterboarding controversy

Technocorrections: Maintaining Correctional Populations Technology-driven security to supplement staff

monitoring of correctional populations and increased efficiency in most stages of inmate management

6

Technocorrections: Maintaining Correctional Populations Information technology (IT) now used in:

Reception and commitment Sentence and time accounting Classification Caseload management Security Discipline Housing-bed management Medical

Technocorrections: Maintaining Correctional Populations Information technology (IT) now used in:

Grievances Programs Scheduling Investigations/gang management Property Trust accounting Visitation Release and discharge Community supervision

Technocorrections in the Community Community corrections has used technology such

as electronic monitoring (EM) for some time New tools to deal with large caseloads include

Sleep pattern analysis Infrared spectroscopy Driver monitoring Surveillance

9

Technocorrections in Secure Facilities Widely used in jails such as through automated

fingerprint identification system (AFIS), retinal scanning, and barcode and photo embedded inmate wristbands to track inmate movement

Ground-penetrating radar, heartbeat monitoring, nonlethal electrified fences, backscatter imaging, body-scanning, transmitter wristbands, personal health status monitor, All-in-One drug detection spray, and many others

10

The Dangers of Technocorrections

Increasingly sterile and isolated environment for inmates

Overreliance on technology for security False sense of security

Potential for net-widening of those under correctional supervision in the community

Issues of privacy and civil rights

11

Corrections in the Community

Community-based programs keep offenders out of facilities

More humane than long-term institutionalization More economical than facilities May be more effective in reducing recidivism More risk management in probation and parole Continuation of restorative justice Increased emphasis on reentry issues

12

Glimpses of Reform

Some experts believe the get-tough era has peaked Legislation that encourages diversion and scales

back mandatory sentencing Economic concerns in the use of retributive

approaches Current practice still leans toward get-tough

and the effects this has on prison management

13

Development of Professionalism

The Development of professionalism is a compelling goal for staff and administrators in community corrections and correctional facilities Staff development and training Emphasis on ethics and integrity The implementation of standards and accreditation

14

Evaluation of Present Practices

There are many signs of professionalism in correctional service

Officers must see themselves as individuals of integrity

The no-frills, get-tough climate can make discussions of professionalism difficult

What Remains to be Done

There are a number of approaches that can be taken to increase professionalism in corrections: Advocate reform for who is sent to prison and sentencing

practices Agencies must develop clarity of purpose Increased use of accreditation Improve quality of prison construction and operations Eliminate any staff-sanctioned mistreatment of inmates Improve salaries Emphasis on ethics and integrity

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