NCJ Number
166713
Journal
American Jails Volume: 10 Issue: 3 Dated: (July/August 1996) Pages: 33-35,38
Date Published
1996
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article presents a compilation of data on incidents of sexual contact between inmates and correctional staff around the country, with particular attention to Michigan; offers some speculation as to the cost to corrections systems for such behavior, and identifies possible solutions.
Abstract
A survey of such incidents in Michigan found several criminal prosecutions since 1990, a few terminations that went to arbitration and resulted in reinstatement, and a number of terminations with no further administrative action. In Michigan there was no reported civil rights case law to review. A review of relevant court cases summarizes rulings from inmate class action lawsuits and inmate individual litigation that involved allegations of sexual abuse. Two cases of court intervention for criminal actions by corrections staff are also reviewed. A section on Michigan State legislative action in response to corrections personnel sexual contact with offenders notes that such contact is now fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct. Relevant Michigan Department of Corrections administrative rules are provided, followed by a discussion of the importance of training corrections staff in the seriousness of sexual contact with offenders and the consequences that can follow. 5 notes