NCJ Number
26247
Journal
Corrections Magazine Volume: 1 Issue: 2 Dated: (NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 1974) Pages: 31-44
Date Published
1974
Length
14 pages
Annotation
AN OVERVIEW OF THE HISTORY, FACILITIES, PROGRAMS, AND REFORMS OF THE WASHINGTON STATE CORRECTIONS SYSTEM.
Abstract
THE HISTORY OF THE REFORM MOVEMENT IN WASHINGTON CORRECTIONS IS FIRST EXAMINED. THESE REFORMS INCLUDED REORGANIZATION OF THE CENTRAL ADMINISTRATION OF THE CORRECTIONS SYSTEM, CONSTRUCTION OF NEW FACILITIES, AND LIBERALIZATION OF POLICIES TOWARD INMATES. INMATES WERE GIVEN A VOICE IN PRISON AFFAIRS, MAIL CENSORSHIP WAS ENDED, AND DISCIPLINING OF INMATES WAS MADE TO CONFORM MORE CLOSELY TO THE RULES OF DUE PROCESS. PROBLEMS OF STAFF MORALE AND LEADERSHIP CAUSED BY THESE REFORMS AND THE EFFORTS TAKEN TO ALLEVIATE THESE PROBLEMS ARE DESCRIBED. THE FACILITIES AND ENVIRONMENT OF EACH OF THE ADULT INSTITUTIONS ARE OUTLINED. FINALLY, PROGRAMS IN JUVENILE CORRECTIONS AND PROBATION AND PAROLE OPERATIONS AND PROGRAMS ARE REVIEWED. ONE SUCH PAROLE PROGRAM IS THE WEEKLY STIPEND PROGRAM. MODELED AFTER UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION. THE PROGRAM PAYS PAROLEES 55 DOLLARS A WEEK FOR A MAXIMUM OF 26 WEEKS, SO THAT THEY CAN SUPPORT THEMSELVES WHILE LOOKING FOR A JOB.