NCJ Number
70081
Date Published
1973
Length
10 pages
Annotation
An LEAA-funded project designed to increase the number of correctional officers undertaking educational programs in junior and community colleges and to develop innovative training approaches is discussed.
Abstract
The primary project goal was to improve the quality of line personnel working in adult and juvenile penal institutions through educational efforts. Activities conducted under the project, undertaken by the American Association of Community and Junior Colleges from January 1972 through August 1973, consisted primarily of field visitations, surveys, conferences, consultation and technical assistance services, and preparation and dissemination of materials on activities. Meetings with correctional officers and State commissioners of corrections focused on such issues as characteristic profiles of future correctional officers, mobilization of community college resources, and attracting new personnel to corrections. Interregional conferences and workshops were held in Utah, Missouri, Connecticut, and Alabama. Assistance was made available to agencies, professional organizations, and individual colleges to initiate and strengthen linkages among respective principals in correctional officer education and training. Corrections officials and educators agreed that line officers must understand the fundamentals of deviant behavior, security procedures, inmate rights, counseling skills, and the philosophy of corrections. In 1972, 110 community and junior colleges offered courses relevant to the correctional officer's duties. Despite the increasing availability of such courses, there continues to be little recognition of associate degree or certificate attainment in line officer hiring qualifications. Nevertheless, enrollments in corrections educational programs have increased from 6,000 at the beginning of the project to 15,000 in mid-1973. It is suggested that future programs focus on establishment of a national data bank on manpower corrections needs, curriculum design, faculty improvement, and establishment of national standards for corrections educational programs.