Regaining the Corrections Policy Initiative - Quo Vadis? (From American Correctional Association - Proceedings, August 16-20, 1981, P 165-169, 1982, Julie N Tucker, ed. - See NCJ-85341)

• NCJ Number: 85362
• Author(s): J M Burns
• Date Published: 1982
• Length: 5 pages
• Sale Source: American Correctional Association; National Institute of Justice/
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Available on microfiche as NCJ-85341

Annotation

The courts appear to be backing off from intervention in the conditions and programs of correctional facilities except where conditions are clearly 'cruel and unusual' in inflicting suffering on inmates, so the legislative and executive branches should seize policy initiatives by striving for conformity to set standards.

Abstract

The U.S. Supreme Court is saying to lower court judges, to wardens, and to others concerned about corrections, that courts are not returning to earlier days of complete hands off, but they are pausing to consider carefully before they intervene in correctional enterprises that are the primary responsibility of the legislative and executive branches of government. The time is ripe for those responsible for corrections systems to become informed about the American Correctional Association's standards and move to implement them. Priority should be given to that sizable percentage of standards which cost little or nothing to achieve. Regarding those standards which require additional facilities and personnel, everything possible should be done to educate legislators, governors, the media, and the public of the importance of increased spending for corrections. Further, grievance mechanisms should be established for the airing of minor as well as serious inmate grievances. Such mechanisms can reveal how inmates are reacting to the prison environment and routine and indicate how various policies are being received.