NCJ Number
176710
Date Published
1997
Length
86 pages
Annotation
Findings are presented from a survey of the training needs of Maryland's juvenile justice and correctional personnel.
Abstract
A total of 540 surveys were distributed to the members of the Maryland Criminal Justice Association, the Maryland Correctional Administrators' Association, and the Maryland Association of Resources for Families and Youth. A total of 108 questionnaires were returned. A spreadsheet summarizes the survey results for all the training topics identified by respondents with respect to the three primary questions asked: How important is this topic? Is training regarding this topic available? For whom is this training relevant? The top 10 topics mentioned by the respondents included several variables related to working conditions and personal safety. This was indicated in the priority given to bloodborne and airborne pathogens, conflict resolution, first aid, and avoiding assaults. There was also concern with several variables that pertain to the interactions between staff and offender as indicated by the concern for communication skills and problem-solving. Findings show that many respondents believed training was unavailable in some categories considered to be of the most importance, including confidentiality, writing and verbal skills, and security in the institutions. 43 references and appended survey form, assessment grid, qualitative results, and a list of potential training resources