NCJ Number
197286
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 64 Issue: 6 Dated: October 2002 Pages: 130-133
Editor(s)
Susan L. Clayton M.S.
Date Published
October 2002
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article presents a brief overview of the various issues covered in the Resource Guide for Newly Appointed Wardens written by the National Institute of Corrections, those critical issues for new wardens as outlined by focus groups, and the attitudes and feelings of correctional administrators regarding preparatory training and experience.
Abstract
With the explosive growth in the Nation’s incarcerated population, the need for competent correctional administrators has become critical. The Resource Guide for Newly Appointed Wardens published by the National Institute of Corrections (NIC) was designed to assist new wardens or correctional administrators succeed in their first year, as well as to prepare those aspiring to be wardens. NIC developed the Guide with input from focus groups consisting of State directors, deputy directors of correction, and experienced and new wardens. These focus groups helped in defining the relevant issues to be covered which include: culture, internal environment, external environment, managing yourself, the first 90 days, and preparing to be a warden. Few new wardens feel competent or prepared in correctional operations or management. Successful wardens are seen has having a variety of experiences such as a balance of experience with security, programs and administration, supervisory experience, and labor relations experience. Professional leadership was attributed to specific education and training such as a bachelor’s or master’s degree, training in cultural sensitivity, management and leadership, and experience as a deputy warden in several facilities. The Resource Guide provides checklists for new wardens and correctional administrators to aid in their everyday duties and leadership role. These checklists include: determining institutional culture, central office relations, community culture, fiscal, human resources, public and media relations, working with State legislators, preparing to be a warden, and the first 90 days. Each chapter explores the issues and provides insight into new and experienced wardens. The Resource Guide is an integral part of NIC’s revised curriculum for Executive Training for Newly Appointed Wardens.