NCJ Number
61924
Date Published
Unknown
Length
42 pages
Annotation
IN BOOKLET SEVENTEEN OF THIS 17-PART, SELF-INSTRUCTIONAL SERIES FOR CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS, THE METHODS AND PRINCIPLES DISCUSSED IN THE SERIES REGARDING BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION ARE ILLUSTRATED THROUGH A SAMPLE PROBLEM.
Abstract
TO STOP CRIME, CRIMINAL BEHAVIOR MUST BE CHANGED TO LAWABIDING BEHAVIOR. THE MODERN DAY CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION IS SET UP TO BRING ABOUT SUCH BEHAVIORAL CHANGES, LARGELY THROUGH THE WORK OF CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS. IT IS IMPORTANT FOR THE OFFICER TO REINFORCE OR TEACH BEHAVIORS SUCH AS GOOD WORK HABITS, GOOD GROOMING, SOCIAL SKILLS, OBEDIENCE TO RULES, AND PARTICIPATION IN ACTIVITIES; EACH OF THESE BEHAVIORS INCREASE THE LIKELIHOOD THAT THE EX-OFFENDER WILL FUNCTION EFFECTIVELY IN THE FREE WORLD. IN THIS SAMPLE CASE, THE CORRECTIONAL OFFICER WANTS INMATES TO PAINT TWO BEDS PER MAN PER HOUR. HE FIRST USES THE CONTINUOUS RECORDING METHOD TO DETERMINE HOW MANY BEDS ARE CURRENTLY BEING PAINTED, AND GRAPHS THE RESULTS. HE DETERMINES THAT THE NUMBER OF BEDS NOW BEING PAINTED IS FAR BELOW WHAT HE CONSIDERS TO BE A REASONABLE GOAL. HOWEVER, RATHER THAN EXPECTING A LARGE STEP, HE SETS A SMALL INCREASE FROM PRESENT OUTPUT AS THE GOAL, AND REINFORCES GOAL FULFILLMENT WITH BREAKS (FREE TIME). IN TIME, THE MEN MEET INCREASED GOALS AND ARE ACTUALLY PROUD OF THEIR WORK. FINALLY, THE OFFICERS PROVIDE A SPECIAL BONUS WHEN THE ULTIMATE GOAL IS REACHED, SUCH AS A DAY OF LEISURE TO FISH OR TO SWIM. SKETCHES, GRAPHS, AND PROBLEMS ARE INCLUDED IN THE TEXT. (LWM)