BEYOND CLASSIFICATION - TOWARD AN IMPROVED CORRECTIONAL KNOWLEDGE (FROM AMERICAN CORRECTIONAL ASSOCIATION PROCEEDINGS OF THE 106TH ANNUAL CONGRESS OF CORRECTIONS, 1976 - SEE NCJ-49145)

• NCJ Number: 49149
• Author(s): J B BOGAN
• Date Published: 1976
• Length: 7 pages
• Corporate Author: American Correctional Association
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: *This document is currently unavailable from NCJRS.

Annotation

SHORTCOMINGS OF TRADITIONAL THEORIES OF INMATE CLASSIFICATION AND TREATMENT ARE NOTED, AND SUGGESTIONS FOR ADDING TO KNOWLEDGE REGARDING HOW TO CREATE A POSITIVE CORRECTIONAL ENVIRONMENT ARE OFFERED.

Abstract

ONE OF THE ESSENTIAL TASKS OF THE CORRECTIONS PROFESSION IS TO INCREASE AND IMPROVE THE BODY OF CORRECTIONS-RELEVANT KNOWLEDGE. WHILE THE PURPOSE OF THE PRISON IS SOCIAL CONTROL, ITS FUNCTIONAL OBJECTIVES ARE TO PROVIDE OFFENDERS WITH A SAFE, HUMANE, SECURE ENVIRONMENT WITH MAXIMUM OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE IN REHABILITATIVE PROGRAMS. KNOWLEDGE REGARDING HOW TO ACHIEVE THESE OBJECTIVES IS LACKING. TRADITIONAL THEORIES OF CLASSIFICATION AND TREATMENT ARE CHARACTERIZED BY OVERRELIANCE ON A TREATMENT MODEL THAT MINIMIZES OR NEGATES THE ROLE OF THE OFFENDER IN THE CORRECTIONAL PROCESS, AND BY INADEQUATE CONSIDERATION OF THE CORRECTIONAL CONTEXT OR ENVIRONMENT. THERE IS A CALL FOR EMPIRICAL STUDIES, CASE REPORTS, AND THEORETICAL DISCUSSIONS IN THESE AREAS. THERE IS A NEED TO STUDY HOW CORRECTIONAL STAFF CAN HELP THE INMATE MAKE THE BEST OF AN UNDESIRABLE YET UNAVOIDABLE SITUATION, AND HOW THE INMATE'S COOPERATION IN REHABILITATION CAN BE GAINED. ENVIRONMENTAL OR CONTEXTUAL VARIABLES REQUIRING INVESTIGATION INCLUDE THE PHYSICAL STRUCTURE OF THE INSTITUTION; THE SOCIAL CLIMATE OR CULTURE; ACTIVITIES; RULES, REGULATIONS, AND POLICIES; AND THE NATURE OF THE INMATE POPULATION. REFERENCES ARE PROVIDED. (LKM)