NCJ Number
129648
Journal
American Jails Volume: 5 Issue: 1 Dated: (March/April 1991) Pages: 80-83
Date Published
1991
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article discusses problems in correctional personnel management with particular focus on Bucks County Correctional Facility in Doylestown, PA.
Abstract
Their management styles still adhere to the traditional model of a paramilitary organization with a direct chain of command with policies and directives moving in a downward direction. In contrast, the new generation conception of inmate management is typified by a democratic participative approach. Correctional officers perceive management as a major cause of stress, because of lack of job description and program planning. To relieve this stress, training of supervisors and senior management, completion of a job analysis, use of a selection process based on objective job-related criteria, and implementation of a program of employee participation in the policy-making process are recommended. Competent personnel management must include senior management support, participation of personnel in policy making decisions, a concordance of personnel goals with agency goals, and flexibility of personnel staff as well as high employee morale and the cooperation and support of supervisors and management. For a jail to be in step with the new generation concept, both inmate and personnel management must follow this approach. 5 footnotes