Structural Approach to Inmate Management: Orange County's Inmate Management System

• NCJ Number: 141426
• Journal: Large Jails Network Bulletin Volume: 1 Issue: 1 Dated: (April 1989) Pages: 9-13
• Author(s): T L Allison
• Date Published: 1989
• Length: 5 pages
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Program/Project Evaluation
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

The Inmate Management System (IMS) of the Orange County Division of Corrections in Orlando, Florida, is based on the staff's immediate reaction to positive or negative behavior of the inmate population.

Abstract

The IMS stresses controlling the collective behavior of inmates and attempts to provide an atmosphere that encourages individual change. Further, the system is integrated into the concept and principles of direct supervision. Positive control of inmates is achieved through various incentives that inmates may choose if their behavior warrants rewarding. These incentives include enhanced amenities, such as housing areas, color television, unlimited telephone use, educational programs, and contact visitation. The IMS allows optimum use of staff and resources, and the provision of incentives to inmates results in a better working environment for correctional staff. The IMS should provide as many programs to inmates as possible. Most of these programs can be provided by local volunteers and agencies at minimal cost to the jail facility. Programming provides two distinct opportunities for inmate management: privileges of inmates may also be taken away, and rehabilitative programs give inmates re- entering the community an opportunity for change. Programs in Orange County that prepare inmates for return to the community include general and adult basic education classes, along with advanced programs that train inmates in computer programming, blueprint reading, and basic electronics. Four stages in Orange County's IMS are based on levels of confinement that encourage positive and productive behavior and discourage inappropriate behavior. Level I is the most restrictive custody level. At Level II, the only privileges afforded to inmates are those contained in Chapter 33-8 of Florida's Administrative Code. Level III houses inmates assigned to the general population, while Level IV places inmates in direct supervision status. Implementation of the IMS in Orange County has reduced the average number of jail days for inmates and decreased facility construction costs by promoting deinstitutionalization.