NCJ Number
112984
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 50 Issue: 5 Dated: (August 1988) Pages: 164,166,168,194
Date Published
1988
Length
4 pages
Annotation
Because what correctional staff do potentially affects the constitutional rights of inmates and because inmate litigation has begun to deal with liability issues, sound training in correctional legal issues is needed.
Abstract
Training should cover fundamentals of the U.S. Constitution, court organization, the criminal justice system, and pertinent law and judicial decisions. Participatory training methods are preferred, including discussion, brainstorming, and role-playing. Trainers should have a solid knowledge of the facility and be aware of the differing perspectives of officers and line personnel, as well as those of inmates. The correctional attorney can serve as a consultant in developing training programs that are legally accurate and complete. An outstanding training model, developed by the National Institute for Citizen Education in the Law, includes resource materials and a curriculum that emphasizes preventive law and problemsolving based on practical knowledge and skills. The curriculum covers use of force, the duty to protect inmates' rights, due process rights of staff and inmates, and the role of staff in typical civil lawsuits. In their entirety, the materials provide a comprehensive 18-hour program suitable for correctional personnel and attorneys. In New York City, attorneys systematically present special reviews of legal issues during operational training sessions. To meet the need for trainers, an attorney-instructor team carefully screens applicants for education, experience, knowledge of the law, and instructional skills. Those selected are observed and evaluated during corrections training, and those receiving the highest evaluations qualify to instruct novices.