NCJ Number
169010
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 59 Issue: 4 Dated: (July 1997) Pages: 94-96
Date Published
1997
Length
3 pages
Annotation
A Systems Inspection Program, also called a security audit, is one type of quality program inventory that can be used in corrections to ensure a program's success and is in operation in the security-by-design program developed by the Kansas Department of Corrections.
Abstract
A thorough Systems Inspection Program includes assessment of physical security, operational security, inmate management, emergency preparedness, facility management, administration, unit team management, fire safety, health and sanitation, and systems monitoring. The Kansas program began in the early 1990's. It includes security by design, in which correctional facilities are designed around operations instead of operations around the facilities. The 27 elements of its security-by-design program include systems index performance analysis, process modeling improvement, glass-house research and development, a process acceptability program, and reengineering. The security audit manual originally contained 1,411 standards and was designed as a comprehensive assessment tool. It was revised in 1996. The agency's goal is to computerize the policy review, accreditation, and systems inspection manual into one program. The benefits of the security audit process include reduced deficiencies in facility operations, the standardization of policies and procedures, increased efficiency, and improved interaction between staff and inmates. The process enables correctional agencies to give more staff time to positive and constructive improvements that make quality management the ideal philosophy in changing the way corrections operates. Checklist