NCJ Number
30076
Journal
Corrections Magazine Volume: 2 Issue: 1 Dated: (SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 1975) Pages: 25-32
Date Published
1975
Length
8 pages
Annotation
THE UNSATISFACTORY AND UNLAWFUL CONDITIONS WHICH EXISTED IN THE NEW ORLEANS PARISH PRISON ARE DESCRIBED, AND THE PROGRESS AND MONETARY LIMITATIONS ON CORRECTIONAL REFORM EFFORTS ARE OUTLINED.
Abstract
A FEDERAL DISTRICT COURT JUDGE FOUND IN 1972 THAT THE ORLEANS PARISH PRISON SUBJECTED INMATES TO 'CRUEL AND UNUSUAL PUNISHMENT IN VIOLATION OF THE US CONSTITUTION.' HE CITED FOUR BASIC PROBLEMS AS GROUNDS FOR HIS RULING: THE PRISON'S POPULATION WAS DOUBLE ITS RATED CAPACITY OF 450 INMATES; IT WAS IN TERRIBLE PHYSICAL CONDITION; IT WAS POORLY STAFFED AND BADLY MANAGED; AND IT PROVIDED VIRTUALLY NO MEDICAL CARE. NEW MEDICAL FACILITIES HAVE BEEN ESTABLISHED FOR THE PRISON. REMODELING OF THE FACILITY HAS BEEN INITIATED, AND A NEW PRISON FACILITY IS ALSO BEING BUILT. ACCORDING TO THE AUTHOR, MORE INMATE REHABILITATION PROGRAMS HAVE BEEN INSTITUTED, THE WORKRELEASE PROGRAM HAS BEEN EXPANDED, AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES HAVE BEEN INCREASED.