NCJ Number
78630
Date Published
1981
Length
41 pages
Annotation
Prepared for students and practitioners in the corrections field, this monograph contains four papers on contemporary problems, reform strategies, information systems, and future trends in corrections.
Abstract
The present era of disenchantment with American corrections presents administrators with new opportunities for change. This point is emphasized throughout the first article, which examines factors critical to implementing change successfully, such as linkages among correctional organizations, systematic planning, citizen participation, and standards. Effective use of power and attitude change are explored as important strategies in achieving innovative programs. Methods of promoting reform are also discussed in the second paper, which concentrates on formulating goals and measuring performance. Using the goal of adequate medical care in a prison as an example, performance indicators that management can collect and analyze are detailed. The role of performance measures in the accreditation process and common difficulties encountered in using these techniques are also considered. The third paper outlines general suggestions for administrators embarking on projects to develop information systems for decisionmaking and then describes kinds of decisions for which information can be developed. The present status of information systems at the State and national levels is reviewed. The final paper begins with an overview of current problems facing correctional managers and then describes types of offenders that can be expected in the postindustrial revolution prison population. Research efforts which evaluate experimental correctional programs are recommended. Biographical information about contributors and references are provided. For individual articles, see NCJ 74443, 74449-50, and 78631.