NCJ Number
113326
Date Published
1988
Length
7 pages
Annotation
A nationwide survey of 268 jail managers (72 percent return rate) was conducted to examine perceived needs in the areas of jail crowding and staffing.
Abstract
Crowding remains the major problem in jails, with nearly 55 percent of managers reporting that their jails are filled beyond rated capacity. Increased arrests, increased sentences for driving under the influence, increased sentence lengths, deinstitutionalization of mental patients, and increased use of facilities for sentenced felons were cited as factors contributing to overcrowding by 50 percent or more of respondents. Approaches to solving the overcrowding problem included work release, pretrial release, new construction, and improved organization and management. Staffing shortages followed overcrowding as a key problem for managers. A need for more correctional officers was cited by almost 69 percent. Low salaries and the poor image of jail work were cited as problems in recruiting staff. Jail managers identified training needs in each of nine areas rated. A majority reported high training needs in stress management, handling special problem inmates, crisis intervention, interpersonal relations, and liability issues. Increased salaries and benefits were most frequently mentioned as solutions to staff shortages and recruitment and retention problems. Additional needs were identified in the areas of inmate classification; management information; and recreational, drug abuse, and vocational education programs. 8 exhibits and 11 notes.