NCJ Number
188612
Journal
Crime & Justice International Volume: 17 Issue: 49 Dated: February 2001 Pages: 5-6,24,25
Date Published
February 2001
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article describes the modernization of Japan's prison system in 1993 and its impact to date.
Abstract
Unlike other westernized countries, Japan does not assign security staff and treatment staff separately. The same staff assume both roles as security officers and treatment officers. Under such a job description, staff assigned to living quarters or workshops may undertake various functions; sometimes they behave as counselors to hear inmates' personal concerns or undertake rehabilitation or resocialization, while simultaneously enforcing prison rules and dealing with inmate misconduct. One of the basic elements in Japanese corrections is the individualization of treatment, which is based in a classification system that focuses on the problems and needs of individual inmates. Most treatment programs for prisoners are held in closed institutions; however, some prisoners can be better rehabilitated and resocialized through treatment in an open environment. Rehabilitation and reintegration programs include a prison industry designed to provide inmates with vocational knowledge and skills, as well as to enhance mental/physical health and the will to work; academic education; and living skills. This article also provides information on inmate living conditions, the daily inmate schedule, order and discipline in prison, and data on prison incidents. 2 tables