NCJ Number
76867
Date Published
1977
Length
31 pages
Annotation
Results and implication are reported from a survey of inmate attitudes toward a new temporary release selection method developed for the New York State Department of Correctional Services.
Abstract
The new selection process for temporary release was designed to remedy some of the problems of the old selection procedures, a system that relied on the judgment of a three-person committee in each correctional facility. Few explicit criteria aided the committees in their selections, such that inmates had no clear understanding of how to gain entry into the program. The new selection procedure involves the use of a point system consisting of 10 items, 6 based on the applicant's prior criminal history and the remaining 4 relating to behavior in the facility. The new selection process was implemented on a trial basis in four different types of facilities. To measure inmate attitudes toward the new procedure, structured self-administered questionnaires were given to 126 inmates in the pilot facilities. In addition to the questionnaires, 38 inmates participated in half-hour interviews. Results showed that inmates appeared to understand the concept of the point system, usually well enough to determine their scores unaided. Attitudes toward the system were largely determined by the respondent's score range and whether the respondent's application for temporary release had been approved or denied. Knowledge of the criteria of the selection process and the opportunity to appear before the committee generally influenced inmate approval of the system. It is clear that no matter how much the selection process is designed, modified, or explained to inmates, any system which denies inmates temporary release will be viewed with some hostility. Data and discussion on the multivariate analysis of attitudes are appended, along with questionnaire responses. Tabular data and footnotes are provided.