NCJ Number
83486
Date Published
1974
Length
999 pages
Annotation
This analysis of New York State correctional industries consists of an industry skills market analysis, a correctional industries analysis, and the presentation of conclusions and recommendations.
Abstract
In the industry skills market analysis, surveys and interviews of business and industry were conducted in the various regions of the State, with special attention to New York City and the surrounding downstate area. Business and occupational growth and trends were analyzed, and an assessment survey was made of companies receptive to hiring ex-offenders. There was also an analysis of the information available on State purchases. In the correctional industries analysis, all current correctional industries were visited by a field team, and interviews were conducted with institutional and industrial personnel, as well as inmates working in industries. The industry analysis found (1) production below normal for similar outside industries, (2) quality material and supplies, (3) a wide range of variability in quality control, (4) few jobs above menial labor, (5) generally adequate facilities, (6) wages unrelated to worker production, (7) good equipment, and (8) little relation between inmate occupational interests and work performed. Recommendations are offered in the areas of legislation, overall organization, management, general operations, training, placement and job development, evaluation and research, and new industries models. In the area of new industries models, it is recommended that several experimental models of correctional industries be initiated and that outside industries be established that will employ both offenders and nonoffenders. Further, it is recommended that female inmates be provided with new industries modules and nontraditional work training opportunities. Appended are study instruments and data on specific aspects of the study.