NCJ Number
185405
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 62 Issue: 6 Dated: October 2000 Pages: 88-90
Date Published
October 2000
Length
3 pages
Annotation
Success in the development and maintenance of professional programming partnerships between the jail and the community depends largely on two factors: (1) identifying a need for specific inmate programs, and (2) presenting programming ideas to develop a consensus between the jail and potential community resources on matters of ownership and authorship.
Abstract
The realities that jail operations are one of the more expensive local government expenditures and that most inmates will return to the local community indicate that local corrections is a community problem and not just a criminal justice system problem. Corrections managers need to examine the objectives and roles of current inmate programs if they are to promote significant and long-lasting community partnerships. They should then consider the types of programs that will best serve the larger inmate population, determine how many inmates will benefit from a program, and determine the necessary program resources. Most models for delivering jail programs require varying levels of interaction by the jail with an assortment of outside resources. The Licking County (Ohio) Jail is a model of how partnerships with the community can enhance professional presence and operational efficiency. Two-hundred forty-two staff and volunteers from community agencies and programs currently supplement the staff of this 162-bed facility and enable it to offer varied inmate programs. This experience underscores the need for the jail and community resources to hold a genuine belief that what is done for an inmate population ultimately benefits everyone and not just one segment, organization, or politician. Illustration