NCJ Number
70311
Date Published
1967
Length
40 pages
Annotation
The Wyoming Department of Probation and Parole and the State's correctional institutions were surveyed in order to develop recommendations for improving their quality and efficiency.
Abstract
Interviews with official staff and with offenders provided the basis for the report. Each of its 12 sections begins with a statement of a problem and concludes with recommendations. One recommendation is to improve personnel training and development. A systematic personnel exchange program among the agencies in the correctional system and provisions for educational leaves at reasonable intervals could also be effective. In addition, the administrative mechanisms could be improved through the establishment of a central agency that would have responsibility for the administration of all correctional services in the State. For juvenile delinquents, separate detention shelter care facilities and community-based group homes in major population centers are suggested. At correctional institutions, sound prison industries programs should provide inmates with skill training for future employment in the community. Indeterminate sentences for most adjudicated offenders are recommended, and a Receiving and Diagnostic Center should be established for such commitments. An educational program is suggested for the State Penitentiary, which might also serve as the headquarters for the State Printing Office. The reintegraion of ex-offenders into gainful employment in the community could be facilitated through the establishment of a Statewide Trade Advisory Council which would negotiate with trade unions in order to legitimatize training in correctional facilities. To aid the rehabilitation of offenders, probation and parole officers should be required to systematically visit their institutional clients. The supervision and in-service training of these personnel could be improved if regular montlhly staff meetings were conducted at a central location in the State. Footnotes with references are included.