NCJ Number
164544
Journal
American Jails Volume: 10 Issue: 4 Dated: (September-October 1996) Pages: 35-37
Date Published
1996
Length
3 pages
Annotation
Managing direct supervision jails needs to ensure the safety of correctional personnel inmates while avoiding the common pitfalls revealed in the author's professional work and in a study funded by the National Institute of Corrections Jail Center and entitled Comparing Three Podular Direct Supervision Jails.
Abstract
These pitfalls must be considered within a changing context that includes tighter budgets, increasing inmate populations, a tougher philosophy regarding conditions, the shifting orientation of inmate programs, and a tougher group of inmates. One pitfall is the blanket acceptance of direct supervision as a management approach without real management understanding or staff involvement in the decision. Increased crowding also produces conditions such as increased noise and stress levels and overcrowded disciplinary units. Crowding has also caused staffing shortages and inadequate supervision. Staff and management training is often inadequate as well. Changing policies and procedures and shortages in inmate programs can also reduce the effectiveness of direct supervision. Nevertheless, the three facilities studied have largely overcome these issues are dealing with some of them.