This 1985 study identifies issues and practices related to the handling of 'special-management' inmates (those inmates who consume a disproportionate share of the prison's human and physical resources).
Questionnaires were sent to 51 directors or commissioners of corrections and to 105 managers of medium-security and maximum-security institutions. Information on 63 of these facilities and their systems was used to determine nationwide issues and practices in managing vulnerable inmates, troublemaking inmates, and mentally abnormal inmates. Fourteen institutions were selected for site visits. Issues identified in the management of vulnerable inmates include whether to minimize protective custody or provide it on demand and whether to segregate the 'predators' or the 'prey.' Issues related to troublemaking inmates include whether to make the prison environment more harsh or more humane for such inmates and whether to segregate such inmates readily or as a last resort. Elements of both a successful protective custody program and an effective disciplinary program are identified. Issues in managing mentally abnormal inmates include whether to treat onsite or transfer such inmates and whether to manage them under a corrections or mental health philosophy. Elements of an effective mental health program are described. Directions for change in the handling of 'special-management' inmates are indicated. 31-item annotated bibliography.