NCJ Number
169360
Journal
American Jails Volume: 9 Issue: 3 Dated: (July-August 1995) Pages: 38-40,42-44
Date Published
1995
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article explains five of the principles of direct supervision: (1) effective control, (2) effective supervision, (3) competent staff, (4) safety of staff and inmates, and (5) a manageable cost-effective operation.
Abstract
The components of a manger's effective control include total control, sound perimeter security, modules divisible into controllable groups, easily surveillable areas, and a maximization of inmates' internal controls. Effective supervision is associated with an appropriate ratio of staff to inmates, empowering officers to be in control of the units or modules, the officers' leadership roles, frequent supervision by management, and staff knowledge of the techniques of effective supervision. Competent staff result from recruitment of qualified staff, effective training, effective leadership by management, and deployment of competent staff. The safety of staff and inmates is crucial to mission and public expectations. Safety requires attention to life safety codes, personal liability, inmate and staff responses to unsafe surroundings, and understanding of the fear-hate response. A manageable cost-effective operation is the result of reduced construction costs, wider ranges of architectural options, reduced vandalism, anticipation of basic inmate needs, and sanitation and orderliness. 12 references