NCJ Number
146513
Journal
Journal of Offender Rehabilitation Volume: 20 Issue: 1/2 Dated: (1993) Pages: 61-72
Date Published
1993
Length
12 pages
Annotation
A program designed and implemented by correctional guards in a southwestern prison to change inmate behaviors sharply reduced the frequency of violent and assaultive behavior for eight of the 10 offenders whose behavior was followed for this study.
Abstract
The program was a contingency-management work squad training program for inmates in the administrative segregation wing. Prior to joining the work squad, these inmates had histories of violent and assaultive behavior. Only inmates who display good hygiene, follow prison rules, and behave courteously to wing staff are eligible to be considered for the work squad. A team of social workers and security officers decides which inmates are allowed to take part. The work squad tasks include cleaning and painting walls on the wing, washing windows, and folding clothes. Inmates who do not maintain appropriate behavior are dismissed from the squad. Inmates earn one point per week; when three points have been accumulated, they may be exchanged for a warden's reclassification review. This review could result in the inmate's being moved from the administrative segregation wing. Table and 25 references