Three mantras:

1) "The more I give, the more I can take away"
2) "Security begins with programming"
3) "Re-entry begins at intake"

Clear and Cole - Chapter 14: Institutional Programs

How do inmates "manage time?" Programs are one way.

A prison program: "Any formal, structured activity that takes
prisoners out of their cells and sets them to instrumental tasks."

Prison programs are constrained by:
  1) Security
  2) Resources
  3) Public opinion
  4) Politics

PRINCIPLE OF LEAST ELIGIBILITY: The doctrine that prisoners ought
to receive no goods or services in excess of those available to
persons who live within the law.


But, prison programs serve many functions. Arguments FOR programs:

   1) Control (a power chit)
   2) Reduces tensions
   3) Humanitarianism
   4) Rehabilitation/reduce recidivism (eg, education)
   5) Facilitates return to society

Prisoners ARE NOT given, or assigned to, programs just for the
asking. There are generally classification and other criteria
to be met prior to placement.

There are different types of programs:

REHABILITATION

   1) Psychological (psychological or behavioral therapy)
   2) Vocational
   3) Educational
   4) Religious

RECREATIONAL

   1) Athletics
   2) "Self-help/expression" (music, art)
   3) Outside programs (eg, JAYCEES)

INSTRUMENTAL

   1) Prison Industry
   2) Prison maintenance

Questions:

1) Do prisoners really NEED programs?
2) Are programs effective?
3) What would prisons (or prisoners) be like WITHOUT programs?

Return to Jim Thomas's homepage

Page maintained by: Jim Thomas - jthomas@math.niu.edu