Long-Term Offenders in the Pennsylvania Correctional System Findings and Recommendations - Final Report

• NCJ Number: 92247
• Author(s): C A Unger
• Date Published: 1983
• Length: 114 pages
• Grant Number(s): EU-0
• Sponsoring Agency: National Institute of Corrections
• Corporate Author: Correctional Services Group, Inc
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This project resulted in a descriptive study of criminal offenders who have and will serve a period of long-term confinement within the Pennsylvania Bureau of Correction.

Abstract

For data collection purposes, long-term confinement was defined as continuous confinement for a period of at least 5 years. The study was comprised of three interrelated components. Each segment of the study explored answers to similar questions from the perspectives of three distinct groups -- the inmates themselves, their families and friends, and correctional staff who work with long-term offenders. The study sought to identify problems imposed by long-term confinement on the offenders and their families and friends and to solicit suggested strategies for addressing these problems and to define, within the context of the Pennsylvania Bureau of Correction, what length of confinement distinguishes long-term offenders from their short-term counterparts. Four data sources were used to complete the study: a survey of long-term offender literature; assessment of Bureau statistical records, policy, and procedural documents; survey of national programs; and a survey of staff, inmates, and inmate familes and friends. Numerous recommendations to lessen the secondary effects of long-term incarceration and recommendations for future research are presented. Tables, figures, footnotes, and 23 references are supplied. (Author abstract modified)