U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government, Department of Justice.

NCJRS Virtual Library

The Virtual Library houses over 235,000 criminal justice resources, including all known OJP works.
Click here to search the NCJRS Virtual Library

VOCATIONAL TRAINING IN PRISON: A CASE STUDY OF MAXIMUM FEASIBLE MISUNDERSTANDING

NCJ Number
146509
Journal
Journal of Offender Rehabilitation Volume: 20 Issue: 1/2 Dated: (1993) Pages: 1-20
Author(s)
D Craig; R Rogers
Date Published
1993
Length
20 pages
Annotation
This case study focuses on the benefits of a vocational training program in a medium-security prison in a southern State.
Abstract
The program trains 15 barbers at any given time, paying them while they take part in the program. Information was collected by means of interviews with participants in the barber training program and with prison officials, along with a review of the records of past and current inmates. The analysis focused on the effectiveness of the program, the effects of participation, and post-release effects. Findings indicated that program effects were minimal as a result of misperceptions of the program. None of its students have been employed as barbers after release. Completion of the program is punished by nonrelated work assignments. The institution does not track program effects on discipline or try to shape programs to meet institutional work needs. Table and 25 references