NCJ Number
93196
Date Published
1983
Length
10 pages
Annotation
Assessments of inmate opinions, measured by a graffiti board and spontaneous first impressions, indicated an overall positive response to the Sacramento (Calif) jail's newly equipped recreational facility.
Abstract
In response to a Federal Court Consent Decree, the Sacramento jail began an extensive campaign to bring its recreation program to an above average level, equipping a new indoor facility with exercise equipment, video games, ping-pong table, and table games and offering jazzercise and individual exercise workout programs. The staff designed evaluation feedback methods to assess reactions to the new program. Each time a group entered the facility, inmates were asked to write their immediate impression of the facility on large sheets of butcher paper placed on the wall. Staff members recorded the first statements of comments each inmate made upon entering the recreation room for the first time. A total of 297 inmates participated in recreation for the 7-day study period. Analysis of the graffiti showed 71 general positive statements of satisfaction, 56 statements of need, 4 negative comments, and 7 categorized as miscellaneous. The need statements were primarily requests for more time and more video games, which were the most popular activity during the observation period. Of the 61 verbal statements recorded by the staff, 59 were positive and 2 were statements of need. The feedback exercise improves the rapport between staff and inmates and provides guidelines for program improvements. Tables and an exhibit are included.