NCJ Number
77123
Date Published
1981
Length
76 pages
Annotation
This text provides students and instructors of correctional administration with 25 problem solving exercises designed to give practice in applying textbook theories and concepts to practical situations in correctional administration.
Abstract
The 25 case problems are based on actual incidents, although the names of the institutions have been fictionalized. Each problem is open to a number of possible solutions, any one of which may be valid. Students should assume the role of correctional administrators and explore all options before choosing a specific course of action. The manual describes a six-step problem solving process in which students identify the objectives, identify the problem, collect and analyze data, identify alternatives, choose an alternative, and implement and evaluate the chosen course of action. The cases' general subject areas include administration, control and treatment, personnel administration, and developmental planning. A case involving a State adult system is designed to produce awareness that increases in staff or salary structure are not sufficient to assure good morale and retention among personnel and that broader aspects of staff development policies need attention. A case involving a county adult correctional system focuses on the identification of the essential subject areas that must be included in written regulations. Other cases cover budget preparation, policies and regulations, project evaluation, personnel policies, training programs, job analysis for security personnel, and revision of treatment programs. Still others focus on use of volunteers, improving the visiting area security to stop the flow of contraband, personnel selection, investigation of incident reports, and planning. For each case, background information, description of the immediate problem, and a list of questions to be answered are provided. Figures, tables, and a bibliography listing 52 references are provided.