NCJ Number
95282
Date Published
1978
Length
92 pages
Annotation
This 1977 annual report of Iowa's Citizens' Aide/Ombudsman (CA/O) recounts the ombudsman's work and cases in corrections as well as the actions taken and recommendations offered.
Abstract
During the 1977 fiscal year, the CA/O made a concerted effort to become more visible to the general public throughout the State. The CA/O distributed materials and made radio, television, and personal appearances. In addition, the CA/O became involved in a three-phased investigation of the Iowa Women's Reformatory at Rockwell City. The investigation concluded that inmates could well develop the feeling that disciplinary actions are racially motivated, because there are no black staff members at the institution. CA/O recommended that minority staff members be hired. While investigating a complaint concerning the use of informants and the contract release program, CA/O learned that a superintendent had sexual intercourse with an inmate and provided her with alcohol and money. CA/O recommended that the use of informants be avoided. Finally, CA/O dismissed as inaccurate an allegation that homosexual activity was occurring at the reformatory. CA/O's success in resisting a Federal subpoena to testify in the matter of Remmers, et al. v. Brewer is reported. CA/O was thus able to protect the confidentiality, credibility, and physical safety of the prison ombudsman and other CA/O staff. CA/O's legislative proposals, including three amendments to Chapter 601G, the Citizens' Aide/Ombudsman Act, are included. Also provided are summaries of approximately 75 cases. Appendixes contain a profile of the Center for Governmental Responsibility and CA/O correspondence.