CORRECTIONS OMBUDSMAN - A LEGISLATIVE NOTE ON THE OHIO PLAN

• NCJ Number: 14753
• Journal: Capital University Law Review Volume: 3 Issue: 1 Dated: (1974) Pages: 77-104
• Author(s): J W LEWIS; G R SMITH
• Date Published: 1974
• Length: 28 pages
• Corporate Author: Capital University Law Review
• Publication Format: Article
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

AN EXPLANATION OF THE PLAN, INCLUDING A CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF ITS ADMINISTRATIVE FUNCTION WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT OF REHABILITATION AND CORRECTION AND ITS POSSIBLE APPLICATION IN OTHER CORRECTIONS SYSTEMS.

Abstract

IN THE OHIO PLAN THE OMBUDSMAN OPERATES WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT OF REHABILITATION AND CORRECTION TO PERFORM FOUR DISTINCT FUNCTIONS - PROCESS COMPLAINTS AND INQUIRIES, CONDUCT FACTFINDING AUDITS AND INSPECTIONS OF THE STATE'S CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES, ADVISE THE DIRECTOR AND STAFF ABOUT CHANGES IN ADMINISTRATIVE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES, AND OFFERS INFORMATIONAL SERVICE FOR STAFF, INMATES, AND THE PUBLIC. IT IS CONCLUDED THAT THE EFFECTIVENESS OF AN OMBUDSMAN DEPENDS ON THE EXISTENCE OF A VIABLE GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE TO SERVE AS A CONTEXT FOR HIS SERVICES. ADMINISTRATORS AND LEGISLATORS ARE URGED TO ESTABLISH OR IMPROVE SUCH PROCEDURES WITHIN PENAL INSTITUTIONS BEFORE ESTABLISHING THE OFFICE OF OMBUDSMAN. AN OMBUDSMAN, WHETHER EXTERNAL OR INTERNAL TO THE CORRECTIONAL PROCESS, IS CONSIDERED AN IMPORTANT ADVOCATE OR COUNSELOR FOR INMATES IN CASES OF ABUSE OF ADMINISTRATIVE DISCRETION WITHIN THE GRIEVANCE PROCESS.