Custody & Current Control Methods of Inmates

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A different way to keep inmate violence to a minimum is making facilities more civilized by dealing with overcrowding, mental health, and sanitary issues. Also providing adequate services to inmates. (Bartollas, 2008) Correctional Ombudsman is there for prisoners to investigate complaints and serve as a go-between to relieve some of the tension and prevent violence.

Most victimization in these facilities happens in the indefensible area where there is no guard control or view. Institutions can make minor changes in the structure of the facility to provide increased contact and view of prisoners by the staff like opening up closed spaces.

Screening of inmates more thoroughly, to determine vulnerability or violent tendencies is also used to deter violence. A classification system is also used, to prevent violence. The less violent inmates are separated from, the more violent prone prisoners. They can range from minimum security classifications to maximum and super- maximum ratings where the worst offenders are separated from everyone through isolation. (Bartollas, 2002)

Controlling gang violence can be achieved through four methods, punitive segregation, transferring inmates to other institutions, denying them recognition and lockup. Segregation or lockup is the first step, however, keeping prisoners secured in their cells is not a permanent fix, eventually they need to be let out. However, it can immediately diffuse violent situations. Transfers can diffuse problems in an institution as well, but transferring the inmate, only results in spreading the problem to other institutions. Gangs operate out of state correctional facilities and in the Federal Bureau of Prisons. The most efficient option they are using today denies gang recognition. (Bartollas, 2002)

The inmate and staff safety is a top priority In the correctional facilities today. Violence can get out of control quickly with prisoners. The Department of Corrections (DOC), tries to mitigate this problem by providing more humane conditions. Having more experienced administrations, the better screening/ classifications of inmates, and more secure institutions, like supermax facilities for the problematic offenders. The application of these means is a start to solving correctional problems. Working to fix these problems permanently, will take much work on punishments, policies, and inmate programs. (Bartollas, 2002)7

References

Prisons, Jails & Probation - Overview | Drug War Facts. (2015). Retrieved from http://drugwarfacts.org/cms/?q=node/62#sthash.Qx1MlR8V.dpbs

Siegal, L. J., & Bartollas, C. (2014). Corrections Today. Retrieved from https://online.vitalsource.com/#/books/9781285945262/content/element/4709?locs[]=335-10&q=prevention

USDOJ: CRM: OCGS: Prison Gangs. (2015). Retrieved from http://www.justice.gov/criminal/ocgs/gangs/prison.html

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