NCJ Number
49150
Date Published
1976
Length
8 pages
Annotation
THE EVOLUTION, ESSENTIAL FEATURES, AND STATUS OF INMATE CLASSIFICATION ARE REVIEWED, WITH REFERENCE TO SOCIAL FORCES ACTING TO LIMIT THE EFFECTIVENESS OF CLASSIFICATION PROGRAMS.
Abstract
CLASSIFICATION IS DEFINED AS AN ADMINISTRATIVE DEVICE DESIGNED TO PROVIDE OPTIMUM ALLOCATION OF AVAILABLE TREATMENT RESOURCES TO INMATES WHO CAN BEST PROFIT FROM THESE RESOURCES. THE FIRST FORMALLY ORGANIZED CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM IN THE UNITED STATES RESULTED FROM STUDIES BY THE NEW JERSEY PRISON INQUIRY COMMISSION IN 1917. FORMALIZED CLASSIFICATION SYSTEMS EXIST, WITH VARYING SOPHISTICATION, IN ALL JURISDICTIONS OF THE UNITED STATES. FORCES THAT PLACE INMATE CLASSIFICATION IN A 'CRUNCH' INCLUDE THE ECONOMICS OF SUPPLY AND DEMAND IN COMPETITION FOR SOCIETY'S RESOURCES; THE HIERARCHY OF SOCIAL URGENCY WITH REGARD TO TAX-FINANCED PROGRAMS; PUBLIC OPINION AS REFLECTED IN MORALITY AND POLITICAL POLICY; THE IDEA THAT OFFENDERS SHOULD HAVE NO MORE THAN LAW-ABIDING CITIZENS; THE VALUES OF VENGEANCE AND COMPENSATION; THE FRUSTRATIONS OF CORRECTIONAL WORKERS WHOSE HEAVY WORKLOADS HAVE MADE THEM 'CASE-HARDENED'; AND HOSTILE OFFENDERS AND CITIZENS WHO, RIGHTLY OR WRONGLY, PERCEIVE THEMSELVES AS PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN WRONGED. THERE IS A TENDENCY TO DENOUNCE PROGRAMS AS FAILURES WHEN THEY HAVE NEVER BEEN ADEQUATELY FUNDED AND PROPERLY IMPLEMENTED. THERE IS ALSO A TENDENCY TO FORGET THAT PEOPLE, NOT PROGRAMS, PROVIDE TREATMENT. WITHOUT PSYCHIATRISTS, PSYCHOLOGISTS, AND SOCIAL WORKERS -- THE TREATMENT RESOURCES -- CLASSIFICATION IS MERELY A PROCESS. FOOTNOTES ARE PROVIDED. (LKM)