NCJ Number
142949
Date Published
Unknown
Length
99 pages
Annotation
These booklets explore the multifaceted California Department of Corrections, and the emphasis is on secure prisons, inmate employment, planned re-entry, supervised parole, new construction, community relations, environmental protection, and meeting special needs.
Abstract
Secure prison rankings range from minimum custody through maximum custody; the rank depends on the prison's structure, security devices, and assigned staffing. Inmate work offers many advantages, and factories, dairies, and service industries in California prisons are run by the Prison Industry Authority. Inmate work programs include vocational training, support services, academic classes, and volunteer activities. Planned re-entry is an option available to selected nonviolent offenders who are within 6 months of parole. Planned re-entry involves work furlough programs, community-based facilities for female inmates and their children, return to custody centers, substance abuse treatment, and restitution. Although the amount of time spent on parole depends on the crime and parolee behavior, most parolees serve from 1 to 3 years on parole. To keep up with the increasing inmate population, California's Department of Corrections has several projects underway to add more than 18,000 new prison beds. Public service functions of the department encompass community partnerships, the prison conservation camp system, environmental protection (fire prevention, flood control, and public land improvements), and meeting special needs of those who have visual impairments or abuse drugs. Factsheets on supervised parole, the HIV program, the mother infant program, and State correctional facilities are included.