NCJ Number
74353
Date Published
1980
Length
6 pages
Annotation
Focusing on corrections in Western Samoa, this paper supplies an overview of prison admissions, alternatives to imprisonment, parole, and rehabilitation, with emphasis on how the law enforcement system incorporates traditional customs.
Abstract
A marked increase has been noted over the past 3 years in the crimes of theft, assault, and burglary. Accordingly, the number of admissions to prisons has also increased. However, since judges and magistrates prefer probation sentences to imprisonment, the prison population may decline in the future. Western Samoa has adequate prison facilities and no problem of overcrowding is foreseen. Only two alternatives to imprisonment are available in the country -probation or the suspended sentence. Problems are connected with overuse of the probation system, in that Western Samoa lacks employment opportunities, and probation officers frequently cannot find work for their clients. Proposals are underway to institute government rehabilitation centers where offenders on probation could work and participate in rehabilitation programs. Traditional authority structures in Samoan villages continue to be of great help to the police in the enforcement of sanctions against lawbreakers. In addition, the Parole Act was instituted in 1972 and provides for release of offenders exhibiting good behavior after a portion of the prison sentence has been served. Samoan law also provides for the weekend release of inmates showing good behavior; the conditions require that prisoners go directly to their home villages on Saturday mornings, submit to the authority of the clan chieftain, partake in no entertainment or sporting activity, and return to the prison facility by Sunday afternoon. This system has worked well because of its reliance on Samoan customs and traditions. Other rehabilitation programs include a cattle farm, poultry and piggery projects, and a carpentry course taught by an inmate. Inmates below age 21 live separately from older prisoners. Those attending evening classes prior to their imprisonment are allowed to continue their studies. Escapees are usually returned to the correctional authorities by the village chiefs. Two tables are supplied.