NCJ Number
168825
Journal
American Jails Volume: 10 Issue: 1 Dated: March/April 1996 Pages: 9-15
Date Published
1996
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This article provides guidance for jail managers in how to address jail tensions that arise due to the racial and cultural diversity of inmates and staff.
Abstract
There is now and has been historically a disproportionate percentage of African Americans and other people of color incarcerated in America. Jail staffs must recognize that racial and cultural differences among inmates and among staff is the cause of tension in a jail and should be specifically addressed. Appropriate responses pertain to staff training, policy development, recognition of the issue, an assessment of jail tensions related to racial and cultural differences, recruitment for staff of color, and involvement of the community in addressing jail problems. Regarding the latter issue, jail managers should meet regularly with minority and majority community leaders to explore options and alternatives that relate to employment opportunities at the jail for persons of color. Further, the jail manager can take several steps to address the issues of disproportionality among races in the jail and associated racial tensions. These include learning more about other racial/ethnic groups; encouraging fair/equitable hiring, promotion, and assignments of staff; seeking out information and training assistance; establishing organizational recruitment policies and procedures; training staff in the methods and principles of cultural awareness; and involving all levels of staff in a continuous system-wide racial-tension assessment process.