NCJ Number
76575
Date Published
1981
Length
18 pages
Annotation
This chapter deals with the development, current status, and role of the corrections ombudsman.
Abstract
There are two types of ombudsman offices operating in prisons: one in which the ombudsman stays behind the desk, and one in which the ombudsman ventures into the field. Although ombudsmen have not reduced inmate litigation, which mainly focuses on postconviction appeals and challenges to conditions of incarceration, they do assist in the screening process. The first American State ombudsman office began operation in Hawaii in 1969, followed by Iowa (1970), Nebraska (1971), and Alaska (1975); all four offices include jurisdiction over prisons. The development of specialized prison offices has clearly been the most significant innovation in the transfer of the ombudsman institution to the United States. Six correctional ombudsman offices are now in existence: Minnesota (1972), Connecticut (1973), Iowa (1973), Kansas (1975), and Oregon (1977). The ombudsman system in Minnesota is described and compared to those in other States and countries. Presence on the premises defines the work of prison ombudsmen and distinguishes their work from the prison work of other ombudsmen. There are four main types of statutory ombudsmen in the country: general purpose offices (Alaska, Hawaii, and Nebraska); general purpose offices with specially designated prison deputies (Minnesota and Oregon), the legislature (Michigan), a special board (Kansas), and a private philanthropic institution (Connecticut); and inmate grievance commissions with an executive director who functions as a correctional ombudsman (Maryland and North Carolina). Two tables and 48 notes are provided.