NCJ Number
49144
Date Published
1975
Length
5 pages
Annotation
THE PURPOSE, METHODS, AND ATTITUDE OF STAFF IN THE DISCIPLINE PROCESS ARE CONSIDERED.
Abstract
DISCIPLINE IS DEFINED AS 'THAT INSTRUCTION, TRAINING, CORRECTION, GUIDANCE, AND SUPERVISION OF INDIVIDUALS WITH RESPECT TO BEHAVIOR, WHICH RESULTS IN A CONTINUING, ORDERLY, ACCEPTABLE WAY OF LIFE.' THE GOAL OF INSTITUTIONAL DISCIPLINE IN CORRECTIONS IS CONSIDERED TO BE THE DEVELOPMENT OF SELF-RELIANCE, SELF-CONTROL, SELF-RESPECT, AND SELF-DISCIPLINE, SUCH THAT CONFORMITY TO NORMATIVE STANDARDS FOR INDIVIDUAL AND COMMUNITY LIFE IS ENGENDERED. IT IS BELIEVED THAT THIS CAN BE REALIZED THROUGH THE MODIFICATION OF SYSTEMS OF BELIEF AND CORRESPONDING CHANGES IN ATTITUDES. WITHIN THE INSTITUTION ITSELF, IT IS CONSIDERED IMPORTANT THAT ALL EMPLOYEES AND INMATES BE INSTRUCTED IN THE POLICIES AND RULES OF THE INSTITUTION. POINTING OUT REASONS FOR A GIVEN RULE WITHOUT THREATENING PUNISHMENT FOR DISOBEDIENCE, WHILE CORRECTING BEHAVIOR WITHOUT DEMEANING THE VIOLATOR IS SUGGESTED AS THE BASIC APPROACH TO INSTITUTIONAL DISCIPLINE. SEGREGATION IS RECOMMENDED FOR SERIOUS OFFENDERS WHOSE BEHAVIOR DISRUPTS THE GENERAL PRISON POPULATION. OFFICER AND EMPLOYEE DISCIPLINE IS CONSIDERED A PART OF TOTAL APPROACH TO INSTITUTIONAL DISCIPLINE, AND TOWARD THAT END, IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT EACH SUPERVISORY EMPLOYEE HAVE A GUIDE TO ASSIST HIM IN COUNSELING, REPRIMANDING, AND REPORT WRITING IN THE AREA OF EMPLOYEE DISCIPLINE. (RCB)