NCJ Number
64069
Journal
Corrections Magazine Volume: 5 Issue: 4 Dated: (DECEMBER 1979) Pages: 32-35
Date Published
1979
Length
4 pages
Annotation
A 1977 COURT RULING ORDERED RHODE ISLAND TO IMPROVE ITS MAJOR CORRECTIONS INSTITUTIONS BECAUSE CONDITIONS IN THE PRISONS AMOUNTED TO UNCONSTITUTIONALLY CRUEL AND UNUSUAL PUNISHMENT.
Abstract
THE SPECIFICS OF THE COURT ORDER REQUIRED CLOSING DOWN THE SQUALID MAXIMUM-SECURITY FACILITY AND BRINGING ALL OTHER ADULT FACILITIES UP TO MINIMUM PUBLIC HEALTH STANDARDS. MOREOVER, ALL INMATES WERE TO BE RECLASSIFIED, THE RECLASSIFICATION SYSTEM WAS TO BE REVAMPED, PRETRIAL DETAINEES WERE TO BE SEPARATED FROM SENTENCED INMATES, MENTAL PHYSICAL HEALTH PROGRAMS WERE TO BE EXPANDED, EVERY INMATE WAS TO BE EMPLOYED, AND A LONG LIST OF PHYSICAL IMPROVEMENTS WAS TO BE IMPLEMENTED BY SPECIFIC DEADLINES. WITH THE EXCEPTION OF UPGARDING AND CLOSING THE MAXIMUM-SECURITY FACILITY, ALL THESE REQUIREMENTS WERE MET WITHIN A 2-YEAR PERIOD. THE EFFORT WAS ESPOUSED BY THE STATE'S GOVERNOR THROUGH A SPECIALIZED 'IMPLEMENTATION TEAM.' LEAA FUNDING WAS PLEDGED TO MATCH THE STATE APPROPRIATION. ANOTHER IMPORTANT MOVE IN THE PRISON REFORM PROGRAM WAS THE APPOINTMENT OF A NEW DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS DIRECTOR, WHO EMBARKED ON A VICTORIOUS POWER STRUGGLE WITH THE INMATES. STILL, DESPITE RENOVATIONS AND EXTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS, INMATES COMPLAIN THAT THE CHANGES HAVE NOT GONE FAR ENOUGH IN THE AREA OF PROGRAM IMPROVEMENTS FOR REHABILITATION AND VOCATIONAL TRAINING. A BALANCED PROGRAM OF COMMUNITY CORRECTIONS, HALFWAY HOUSES, AND VIABLE PRISON INDUSTRIES STILL REMAINS TO BE INSTITUTED. ILLUSTRATIONS ARE INCLUDED. (MRK)