NCJ Number
68998
Date Published
1980
Length
0 pages
Annotation
A FORMER SUPERINTENDENT OF THE ARKANSAS CORRECTIONAL SYSTEM LISTS SOME CHANGES HE INITIATED IN HIS ATTEMPT TO REFORM THE SYSTEM, AND DESCRIBES THE PERSONAL CONSEQUENCES OF HIS BEING FIRED.
Abstract
THE CHANGES INCLUDED INITIATING INMATE INVOLVEMENT IN THE HIRING OF STAFF, IN DETERMINING THE LEVEL OF CUSTODY REQUIRED OF OTHER INMATES, AND IN DECIDING UPON DISCIPLINARY MEASURES. FURTHERMORE, VOCATIONAL TRAINING PROGRAMS, INMATE BANDS, AND MIXED INMATE DANCES WERE INTRODUCED. ALL OF THESE PROGRAMS WERE ABOLISHED WHEN THE SUPERINTENDENT'S ATTEMPT TO GAIN SUPPORT FOR A THOROUGH REFORM OF THE SYSTEM ALIENATED PUBLIC OFFICIALS WHO HAD BEEN BENEFITING FROM CHEAP OR FREE INMATE LABOR. THE EFFORT RESULTED IN HIS DISMISSAL. THEN, FOR 3 YEARS HE WAS UNABLE TO FIND EMPLOYMENT. A CASE HISTORY IS NARRATED TO ILLUSTRATE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE SPEAKER'S EFFORTS TO TEACH RESPONSIBILITY TO THE INMATES. THE AUDIO CASSETTE TAPE WAS PREPARED FOR A RADIO SERIES AND IS INTENDED FOR A GENERAL AUDIENCE. NO SUPPORTING MATEIALS ARE PROVIDED. THE FIRST AND SECOND PARTS ARE AVAILABLE UNDER NCJ 68996-97.