NCJ Number
74431
Date Published
1980
Length
5 pages
Annotation
The history of the role of correctional administrators is briefly reviewed, and the skills and training required for contemporary correctional administrators are discussed.
Abstract
During the 1970's, correctional administrators had inherited the inadequate institutions, of the past with the additional problem of massive inmate populations that had become uncontrollable because the courts, rightfully, had undermined the autonomous, authoritarian administrative styles of the previous era. Correctional administrators had to develop a new style of corrections management that would conform to court mandates for inmate treatment while incorporating enlightened correctional policy. To date, the training of correctional administrators need training in the following areas: (1) legal training to prepare the administrator for interaction with the courts; (2) training in the politics of corrections to prepare the administrator to deal with funding issues; (3) training in research, evaluation, and planning; (4) training in computer science that will enable administrators to guide programmers and researchers in accordance with correctional needs and policies; (5) training in abnormal psychology, group dynamics, and communications skills to aid the administrator in dealing with the inmate subculture; and (6) training in correctional architerctural design and engineering, so that the institutions constructed may be manageable and safe. Administrators are responsible for working with criminal justice educators and management trainers to develop training curriculums that prepare them to meet the demands of their contemporary role. No references are given.