NCJ Number
11154
Date Published
1973
Length
31 pages
Annotation
ROLE OF LEGISLATION IN STRENGTHENING AND UPGRADING CORRECTIONAL LINE STAFF AND PROPOSED MATHEMATICAL MODELS AND ANALYSIS TECHNIQUES FOR ACHIEVING SUCH LEGISLATION.
Abstract
LEGISLATION IS SELDOM GIVEN PRIORITY CONSIDERATION AS A PANACEA FOR OPERATIONAL PROBLEMS OR LIMITATIONS OF RESOURCES. THIS DOCUMENT DISCUSSES LEGISLATION AS A MEANS FOR PROVIDING EDUCATION AND TRAINING PROGRAMS TO UPGRADE CORRECTIONAL LINE PERSONNEL. LEGISLATION CAN AFFECT STAFF RECRUITMENT AND DEVELOPMENT IN FOUR WAYS - (1) CREATE A CLIMATE IN WHICH QUALIFIED STAFF ARE RECOGNIZED AND ALLOWED TO UTILIZE THEIR EXPERTISE, (2) INSURE COMPENSATION FOR AN EMPLOYEE'S QUALIFICATIONS, (3) SET QUALIFICATIONS FOR HIRING AND ELIMINATE POLITICAL APPOINTMENTS, AND (4) PROVIDE JOB SECURITY. THIS WORK CONSIDERS THE ROLE OF THE LEGISLATURE IN STRENGTHENING THE CORRECTIONAL STAFF AND ANALYZES SOME APPROACHES WHICH ARE CURRENTLY IN USE IN SOME STATES. MODEL OR ALTERNATIVE APPROACHES ARE PROPOSED, AND STRATEGIES AND TACTICS, (WHICH CORRECTIONS ADMINISTRATORS, EDUCATORS, BAR GROUPS, AND OTHERS MIGHT FIND USEFUL IN OBTAINING APPROPRIATE LEGISLATIVE RESPONSE), ARE SUGGESTED. CONSIDERABLE ATTENTION IS GIVEN TO CURRENT LEGISLATIVE APPROACHES WITH DISCUSSIONS ON STATUTORY QUALIFICATIONS, MERIT SYSTEMS, DEPARTMENTS OF CORRECTIONS, CREATION OF CORRECTIONAL OFFICER STANDARDS AND TRAINING COMMISSIONS, AND UPGRADING OF LOCAL JAIL PERSONNEL. A SECTION IS DEVOTED TO ISSUES WHICH SHOULD BE CONSIDERED IN APPROACHING THE INDIVIDUAL LEGISLATORS AND THE LEGISLATURE IN GENERAL. A LIST OF INDIVIDUALS OR GROUPS WHICH MIGHT BE CONTACTED FOR AID ARE INCLUDED. THE APPENDICES CONTAIN STATUTORY PROVISIONS GRANTING TRAINING PROGRAMS FOR MASSACHUSETTS, MINNESOTA, ILLINOIS, MARYLAND, AND CALIFORNIA.