NCJ Number
149092
Journal
Corrections Compendium Volume: 19 Issue: 2 Dated: (February 1994) Pages: 1- 3,5
Date Published
1994
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article describes the design, components, staff training, and evaluation results for South Carolina's shock incarceration program for women.
Abstract
In 1990, South Carolina corrections officials were given the authority to select sentenced offenders for the new shock incarceration program. The 29-bed shock incarceration unit for women is at the Women's Correctional Center. Although the unit is part of a larger facility, the shock inmates do not mix with the general inmate population. Program components include daily physical training, military drill to develop teamwork and cooperation, 3 hours daily of structured classroom instruction, treatment programs, and discipline in every aspect of daily activities. Upon successful completion of the mandatory 90 days, inmates are automatically paroled and supervised in the community for the remainder of their sentences. The women entering the correctional facility are screened for program eligibility. Eligibility requirements are that they be less than 30 years old, eligible for parole in 2 years or less, and without any convictions for violent offenses. They must also have no prior incarceration, be physically and mentally capable of program participation, and have no major detainers. Unit staff members are specially trained for the unit's activities. The training focuses on the rehabilitative needs common among women, such as low self-esteem, abuse, and drug addiction. The evaluation found that the program did achieve its goal of a true reduction in the length of time offenders spend in prison. Since 1990, only 27 of the 278 women who completed the program have been reincarcerated.