NCJ Number
117572
Date Published
1987
Length
103 pages
Annotation
This report presents findings and recommendations from a management study of the Caroline County Jail (Maryland).
Abstract
The study compiled and analyzed both factual and perceptual data on the major issues identified by county officials and the study team. Data and records -- such as jail budgets, staff turnover and salary data, State audits, and State legislation affecting local government -- were studied. State and county officials, jail employees, and jail inmates were interviewed to obtain their perceptions of the quality of jail management in the county. For comparative purposes, data from other Maryland counties, the Maryland Department of Correction, and the Delaware Department of Corrections were obtained and analyzed. The study recommends that Caroline County continue to prepare well for its State audits every 2 years and that the jail management objectively assess the adequacy and effectiveness of its current staffing levels. The report advises that the jail management should hire a deputy administrator or administrative assistant with expertise in planning, budgeting, financial management, and recordkeeping. Improvement in the supervisory performance of jail staff is needed, as is a raise in the starting salary of correctional officers to match the average level paid correctional officers in the State's other counties. A review of current policies and regulations is recommended for inmate visitation procedures, inmate opportunities to practice a religion of choice, and inmate training for self-improvement opportunities. 17 tables, appended supplementary information.