Clearing the Air in U.S. Correctional Systems: Prison Smoking Policies More Defined, Comparable

• NCJ Number: 151443
• Journal: Corrections Compendium Volume: 19 Issue: 5 Dated: (May 1994) Pages: 3-5,16
• Author(s): J Lillis
• Date Published: 1994
• Length: 4 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Smoking policies in U.S. prisons have become more limited and clearly defined as the dangers of second-hand smoke emerged as a public policy issue.

Abstract

Federal regulations now restrict smoking in government buildings, leaving correctional institutions with the question of whether inmates could still be allowed to smoke. Some States have enacted laws calling for no smoking in government-owned or -leased buildings or other facilities, with the exception of permanent residences. In a few States, correctional administrators have deemed inmate cells to be permanent residences and have allowed inmates to continue smoking. Several States have adopted, or are in the process of adopting, total smoking bans, which are being challenged by inmates. Most jurisdictions follow a middle ground, choosing some combination of policies that deal with smoking breaks, designated areas, pod status, staff smoking, office limitations, and privilege manipulation.