NCJ Number
146997
Journal
Corrections Compendium Volume: 16 Issue: 7 Dated: (July 1991) Pages: 1,4-7
Date Published
1991
Length
5 pages
Annotation
Leavenworth, Kansas is the site of the United States Disciplinary Barracks, the only maximum-security prison in the United States Department of Defense.
Abstract
It holds more than 1,400 inmates from all the military services and offers a good example of how modern corrections systems can work. The facilities appear to be well-funded and well-staffed, facilities are not crowded, and inmate populations better reflect the racial makeup of the armed services than civilian prisons do the entire population. The facility received full ACA accreditation in 1988. The atmosphere is disciplined but not harsh, and assaults rarely occur. Employment programs are emphasized. Education is paid for through the junior college level. The mental health program includes 35 mental health professionals and is the largest such program in the Department of Defense. One hundred of the prisoners are serving life sentences, and five have death sentences for murder. Inmates recognize that they receive better treatment and are more secure than they would be in civilian prisons.