NCJ Number
84906
Date Published
1969
Length
16 pages
Annotation
The integration of the administration of all related correctional services in a single agency can result in the most effective delivery of service, the elimination of duplication, and the most efficient use of available resources.
Abstract
While the trend in the consolidation of correction services under single-agency administration will continue as the field of corrections becomes more professionalized, there are problems involved in the administration of a large multipurpose corrections agency. One problem is the preparation of a budget request for presentation to fiscal planning and legislative bodies. The planning, programming, budgeting system provides an excellent vehicle for the preparation and presentation of a large budget in understandable terms. Also, a multipurpose agency serves many masters, and unless there are stringent controls, it is possible to become inundated by reports, forms, and copies. The solution to this problem is an integrated records management system with a central authority having strict control over the paper work of all subordinate units, so as to eliminate duplication of effort and ensure that forms and data are purposefully prepared and collected. In a large multipurpose agency, it is also important that all personnel be aware of the agency organization, its mission and philosophy, and the interrelationships of the various program units, so that the employee may not be confused about or feel alienated from a role in the organization's mission. Good communications and a well-planned, continuing training program are means through which this problem can be approached.