NCJ Number
127324
Journal
Corrections Compendium Volume: 11 Issue: 9 Dated: (March 1987) Pages: 9-13
Date Published
1987
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article reports on the results of a survey of 46 prison systems throughout the United States to determine the nature of their inmate grievance procedures.
Abstract
Forty-one of the respondents provided data on the number of grievances filed during calendar year 1985 or the corresponding fiscal year. Twelve systems had at least as many grievances filed as they had inmates. Four systems reported more grievances than inmates. Fifteen systems use an ombudsman (or equivalent) to investigate grievances. Nine systems have a committee that includes inmate representatives. Several systems noted that they provide for inmate input in grievance policy, although inmates do not hear individual cases. Twelve systems have outside review of grievances, using citizen advisory boards, autonomous commissions, and a nonprofit agency. Having an ombudsman investigate grievances or providing outside review did not affect the percentage of grievances resolved in the inmates' favor. Inmates on a grievance committee, however, did apparently correlate with positive outcomes for inmates. Four systems with inmate representatives on a grievance committee and able to provide data on grievance resolution average 45-percent resolution in favor of inmates. This article provides a chart that includes respondent information on the number and ratio of grievances, features of grievance procedures, and percentage of grievances resolved in favor of inmates.