PROBLEMS OF CORRECTIONS - THE PRISON EXPERIENCE (FROM LAW AND CRIME, 1977 - SEE NCJ-52945)

• NCJ Number: 52949
• Author(s): I SWARTZ
• Date Published: 1977
• Length: 0 pages
• Corporate Author: Encyclopedia Britannica Educational Corporation
• Publication Format: Informational Packet
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: *This document is currently unavailable from NCJRS. THE KIT CONTAINS A FILMSTRIP AND AN AUDIOCASSETTE

Annotation

INTERVIEWS WITH PRISON INMATES INDICATE THAT PRISONS ARE TRAINING GROUNDS FOR CRIMINALS AND THAT BOTH LIFE QUALITY AND PROGRAMS ARE POOR IN PRISONS.

Abstract

DISCUSSION OF LIFE IN PRISONS IN THIS AUDIOCASSETTE AND FILM STRIP UNIT EXAMINES THE PRISONERS' PROPENSITY AND REASONS FOR FORMING AND MAINTAINING GANGS. THE GANGLEADERS ARE THE ACTUAL ADMINISTRATORS OF PRISON LIFE, AND PRISON OFFICIALS CONTROL ONLY THE GALLERIES AND OFFICES. COMMON COMPLAINTS ARE FOOD AND SANITATION QUALITY, PROBLEMS OF STIGMA AND LACK OF EMPLOYABLE SKILLS FACED BY EX-CONVICTS AS THEY RETURN TO SOCIETY, AND FAILURE OF PRISON INDUSTRIES TO TRAIN PEOPLE FOR EXISTING JOBS AND INMATE EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS TO IMPROVE ACADEMIC SKILLS. ONLY BY LUCK AND THROUGH PERSEVERANCE ARE OCCASIONAL INMATES ABLE TO PREPARE FOR A LIFE WITHOUT CRIME THROUGH THE ASSISTANCE OF PRISON PROGRAMS. PRISONS TEND TO BE RUN BY CUSTODIAL PERSONNEL WHO COME FROM THE BACKGROUNDS OPPOSITE THOSE OF THE PRISONERS AND WHO RESIST EFFORTS TO IMPROVE THE REHABILITATIVE FUNCTION OF THE INSTITUTION. THE AMERICAN PRISON EXPERIENCE CRIMINALIZES MANY INMATES, IS DEHUMANIZING, AND STIGMATIZES THE OFFENDER. NO REFERENCES ARE PROVIDED. (TWK).