NCJ Number
93203
Date Published
1983
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This study of inmate reactions to change in the recreation scheduling and the variety of offerings in the Sacramento County main jail indicated that inmate enthusiasm for and participation in recreation periods was greatest when the periods were occasional and unpredictable, while regular scheduling of recreation led to a decline in inmate interest and participation.
Abstract
Prior to the construction of a new indoor recreation facility and the provision of new recreation equipment, the Sacramento County main jail offered inmates recreation periods irregularly, usually on the whims of the floor or recreation officer. Recreation was therefore viewed by the inmates as a special privilege that was not a part of the regular routine of the jail. With the new indoor recreation area and the new recreation equipment, inmate participation in recreation increased from 75 percent to 85 percent. In response to the surge of inmate interest in recreation, the recreation staff planned activities and programs for a regular inmate recreation schedule. With the inclusion of recreation in the regular schedule of the jail, inmate participation levels declined from 95 percent in March 1983 to 72 percent in May 1983 and then to 65 percent in June 1983. Inmate responses to staff inquiries about the lowered interest in recreation indicated that they took for granted that recreation would be there on a regular basis, so they felt less of an urge to take advantage of it. Besides weightlifting and basketball, expectation levels for a continuous recreation program should be 25-35 percent participation for the duration of the activity; should participation fall below 10 percent, the activity should be terminated.