NCJ Number
225778
Journal
Corrections Today Magazine Volume: 70 Issue: 6 Dated: December 2008 Pages: 34-37
Date Published
December 2008
Length
4 pages
Annotation
After reviewing the history of the U.S. Navy’s correctional system from pre-World War II to the present, this article describes its current organization, philosophy, program components, and changes under the Base Realignment and Closure Commission findings in 2005.
Abstract
The current Navy correctional system stems from a 1985 study that reviewed the entire Navy disciplinary system from apprehension to release. The study recommended a three-tier correctional system. The Navy’s shore correctional program is composed largely of waterfront brigs (Level I); consolidated brigs (Level II); and the Army’s U.S. Disciplinary Barracks, Fort Leavenworth, KS, (Level III). Ship’s brigs, detention facilities, and pretrial confinement facilities are similar to small jails in providing pretrial confinement, post-trial confinement for short sentences (less than 30 days), and confinement while awaiting transfer to a longer term facility. Under the Navy’s correctional philosophy, inmates are treated with respect and positive encouragement. In times of war and threat to the Nation, the goal of Navy corrections is to restore a maximum number of inmates to duty. In peacetime, minor offenders are returned to duty, and most inmates who have committed serious crimes are discharged as part of their court-martial sentence. Navy corrections rehabilitation is based in the Navy’s core values of “Honor, Courage and Commitment.” Corrections program components include participation in meaningful work experiences that teach marketable skills and instill work values and ethics. Daily and weekly schedules include physical training, mandatory television news programs, weekly counseling, and personnel inspections, in addition to work. The grievance and disciplinary system is modeled on both civilian and military requirements. Under the findings of the Base Realignment and Closure Commission, the Defense Department correctional system was decreased from 17 correctional facilities within the continental United States to 6, with operations more standardized and facilities modernized.