NCJ Number
143576
Journal
Federal Prisons Journal Volume: 3 Issue: 2 Dated: (Fall 1992) Pages: 42-47
Date Published
1992
Length
6 pages
Annotation
The management of protective custody units is becoming more professional and systematic, although individual management strategies vary among institutions.
Abstract
The increase in inmate populations has been accompanied by an increased number of inmates requesting protective custody. The basic principles of effective management of protective custody units include the personal involvement of top staff in the oversight of the unit; the use of unit management if possible; full-time supervision by a mid-level manager in facilities where unit management is not used; and individual attention to intake screening, case reviews, and regular efforts to reintegrate inmates into the general population. Inmate classification is essential to decisionmaking regarding inmates in protective custody. Staff must fully document their decisions regarding placement or nonplacement in protective custody in case of a later complaint or litigation. Verified protection cases should be given top priority for program resources. Issues to be considered include racial concerns, homosexuality, inmate gangs, drug trafficking, and gambling. Detailed procedures, support services, and case monitoring are also needed. In addition, inmates in protective custody must have substantially equivalent access to inmate programs.