NCJ Number
121765
Date Published
1989
Length
3 pages
Annotation
Prison reforms intended to reduce the prison population, recidivism, and the social costs of imprisonment will not be effective without public education and support.
Abstract
Public awareness and education regarding imprisonment and the role of prison staff are essential aspects of prison reform, and any program to inform the public necessarily involves media cooperation. The public must be made aware of effective and positive ways of dealing with offenders which offer real prospects for reducing recidivism. Further, the public must realize that, while imprisonment satisfies the demand for retribution, it does not always address inmate welfare issues. Public education regarding the prison system must increase awareness and appreciation of prison staff roles and responsibilities. The importance of prison staff and the occupational stress under which they function are often overlooked. Public education on the true worth of prison staff, however, is not enough; more selective screening of prison staff applicants and greater commitment to training issues are needed. 2 references.