NCJ Number
97510
Date Published
1985
Length
194 pages
Annotation
The impact of organizational structure on the management and of violent incidents in small jails in the United States was examined through a telephone and mail survey of a random sample (269) of 10 percent of the Nation's jails with average daily populations under 250.
Abstract
The central hypothesis considered was that the greater the independence of the jail from law enforcement and other court services, the more likely it would be to have control over its own boundaries and to have more effective management. A scale of basic organizational structures was created, ranging from the traditional sheriff-run jail to the independent jail reporting directly to a county board. Factors examined included the quality and availability of staff resources, external management, and internal management. A total of 209 interviews were completed. It was not possible to analyze boundary control and its relationship to organizational structure and jail incidents because little boundary control existed. However, the correctional training of the jail manager showed significant relationships to most of the internal management scales as well as to the reduction of such jail incidents as assaults, property damage, escapes, deaths, and fires. The size of the jail did not affect these relationships. Data tables, a 229-item bibliography, and appendixes outlining State jail standards and presenting the study instrument are supplied. For an executive summary, see NCJ 97511. (Author abstract modified)