NCJ Number
80843
Date Published
1978
Length
125 pages
Annotation
Arguments in favor of compensating inmates in West German prisons for work accomplished during imprisonment are presented.
Abstract
Given the sociological importance of work in modern industrial society, not allowing prisoners to work in return for a reasonable wage is the equivalent of additional punishment which increases the risk of further offenses by that particular individual. According to the corrections law of 1977, every incarcerated individual is entitled to a job, activities for professional advancement, work therapy, or some type of activity. A job or activities for professional advancement are preferred, but if these fail the other alternatives can be substituted. This provision is meant to assure that the inmates are not penalized beyond the sentence imposed, that they learn a means of self-support after release, and that they are able to develop capabilities, to meet family obligations, and to pay compensation for damages. Before 1977, pay for work was calculated according to the amount of work performed, the quality of work, the difficulty of the work, and diligence. Unfortunately, the average wage per month usually amounted to only 80 to 100 German marks, with the maximum under 450 marks. Since introduction of a new system for calculating wages, the average wage has been under 65.40 German marks a month, and top earners cannot receive more than 124 marks. A number of new systems have been recommended for calculating wages, but none has as yet been accepted. The author proposes that earnings be brought at least to the 400 to 700 German mark level paid in France. Work must be made into a means for the inmate to achieve status and social prestige. Unions and corporations should be encouraged to involve prison inmates in the real world of work. Training in work useful outside the prison environment should be provided. Programs to encourage normal working circumstances must be developed. Finally efforts must be made to normalize the prison living situation and to reorganize the bureaucratic prison administration. Tables, notes, and an extensive bibliography are supplied.