NCJ Number
93731
Date Published
1983
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This paper argues for the importance of corrections staff training as the basis for inmate rehabilitation in Tonga's prisons and includes information on recruiting procedures and standards as well as the training curriculum.
Abstract
Corrections in Tonga is centered in the philosophy of rehabilitation. The rehabilitation scheme is heavily dependent on the proper selection, training, supervision, and periodic review of staff. The selected officers must have a high school diploma with passing grades in English and math. They must also pass rigorous physical fitness and mental tests as well as background and character checks. A comprehensive and lengthy training course must also be completed. On being accepted as a recruit warder, the recruit must live in prison quarters (whether single or married) for the first 2 years. Further, the recruit must pass a training course (8 months) and all subsequent police promotion courses (3 months) when required to do so. Following completion of the recruit course, inservice training on prison administration and duties is required (3 months). After the inservice training, the recruit is assigned duty in a prison for 12 months under close supervision, after which he is declared a 'trained warder.' Promotion courses are required every 18-24 months until the rank of chief warder is achieved, a rank equivalent to that of police inspector. The appendix contains the curriculum for recruit constables and warder, with the time periods noted for each study area. The general areas covered are physical skills, further general education, law, and administration.