NCJ Number
185018
Date Published
2001
Length
79 pages
Annotation
This chapter gives a brief review of the history of prisons in the United States that includes sections on the first State prison, the Pennsylvania system, the Auburn State Penitentiary, the Elmira Reformatory, and other early prison developments.
Abstract
An overview of State and Federal prison systems contains sections on the Federal Bureau of Prisons, State prisons and prison administration, and the total institution concept. A profile of prisoners in U.S. prisons focuses on sociodemographic characteristics of State and Federal prison inmates, the inmate population growth, and offense characteristics and sentence lengths. A description of types of prisons and their functions distinguishes prisons by their security classification. A review of inmate classification systems considers risk assessment and institutional placement, the functions of classification, types of risk prediction, and the accuracy and effectiveness of risk assessment devices. Following a listing of the distinctions between prisons and jails, the chapter then turns to a summary of prison functions, which include societal protection, punishment, rehabilitation, and reintegration. A discussion of prison culture focuses on inmate jargon and "pecking orders." The chapter concludes with brief discussions of the following selected prison issues: overcrowding; prison riots, inmate violence, and disciplinary measures; prison design and control; sexual exploitation; and inmates with communicable diseases. 7 tables, key terms, questions for review, and 5 suggested readings