NCJ Number
94140
Journal
Canadian Journal of Criminology Volume: 23 Issue: 4 Dated: (October 1981) Pages: 459-468
Date Published
1981
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This study assesses a Canadian community-based correctional program from the perspective of participating community members. Participants were Southwestern Ontario tobacco farmers who, after being contacted by correctional authorities, decided to employ inmate crews during the harvest.
Abstract
A second group, neighboring farmers not using the crews, also participated. Each group consisted of eight farmers (all of those using inmate crews, and their immediate neighbors to the north). Each farmer took part in informal interviews conducted on his farm. In the case of the neighbors, the questions focused on their perceptions of the disadvantages and advantages of hiring prison inmates for harvest. Questions for participants sought actual experiences. In the open-ended part of the interview, farmers focused almost exclusively on the utilitarian aspects of using inmate work crews. They were less concerned with the program's impact on the community, the inmates, or general social issues. One half of the neighbors thought inmates would be good for filling in with labor shortages. Participants liked the way the program was organized, the fact that available reserves always guaranteed a full crew, long-term arrangements, and freedom from the responsibility of housing and feeding the crews. Respondents felt working in the fields was a better punishment than mere confinement. Work problems associated with the inmates included lack of cooperation, motivation, or responsibility with regard to their work. The major negative concern of both participants and neighbors was that the inmates needed transportation and supervision beyond what other crews required. Both neighbors and participants were very positive about the programs benefits. Four tables and 20 references are included.