Effectiveness of the National Institute of Corrections' Planning of New Institutions (PONI) Program

• NCJ Number: 129113
• Journal: American Jails Volume: 4 Issue: 5 Dated: (January/February 1991) Pages: 68-82
• Author(s): W E Osterhoff; A Permaloff; C Grafton; M J Gilbert; N R Cox Jr
• Date Published: 1991
• Length: 15 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Program/Project Evaluation
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

The effectiveness of the National Institute of Corrections' Planning of New Institutions (PONI) Program is examined with particular focus on the training of program participants and changes in their jail planning knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Abstract

Eight hundred and eight program participants in PONI II from 1981-1988 were mailed survey questionnaires examining their perception of the jail planning process used in their jurisdictions as well as their own experiences in the program. Major issues included the necessity, benefits, and relevancy of the program to the jurisdictions jail planning needs, perception of PONI affecting the overall jail planning process, effect on participants, relevancy of information, and program strengths and weaknesses. Results from the 252 respondents show that the PONI program serves as a valuable source of information and knowledge for local jail, criminal justice, and public officials. In addition to individual benefits, PONI reduces spending of tax dollars, enhances the understanding of the role of jails in a community, and initiates a process which produces a facility for community service of many years. 4 figures, 6 tables, and 2 references