NCJ Number
119100
Date Published
1988
Length
5 pages
Annotation
A closed prison system that does not permit community participation undermines the resocialization potential of prison life and tends to produce violations of inmates' rights.
Abstract
Trends in community participation in corrections are likely to be affected by political influences bearing upon the repressiveness of government policies. This has been evident in Poland. In the years 1980 and 1981, Poland witnessed the latest political and social crisis triggered by protests and strikes organized by workers. Simultaneous, well-organized protests in jails accompanied general demands for a less repressive system. In 1981 the prison regulations of 1974 were amended, allowing greater freedom of religious practice, more frequent family visits, and letters. The most important policy change, however, was the creation of two voluntary associations: Patronat and the Polish Penitentiary Association. These organizations were established to facilitate community involvement in prison and post-prison offender programs. The activity of these associations was disrupted by the proclamation of martial law on December 13, 1981. Currently steps are underway to reinstate independent organizations that will revive genuine community participation in corrections.