NCJ Number
176799
Journal
Sheriff Volume: 49 Issue: 4 Dated: July-August 1997 Pages: 10-11-59
Date Published
1997
Length
3 pages
Annotation
The direct inmate supervision management style is one in which correctional officers are in direct and continuous contact with inmates, and the first direct inmate supervision paradigm was first documented by the National Institute of Corrections in 1982.
Abstract
The original eight principles of the direct inmate supervision philosophy addressed effective control, effective supervision, competent staff, staff and inmate safety, manageable and cost-effective operation, effective communication, classification and orientation, and justice and fairness. The basic objective of direct inmate supervision is to have staff rather than inmates control correctional facilities. Inmates are continuously and directly supervised by staff, rewards and punishments are structured to ensure compliant inmate behavior, open communication is maintained between staff and inmates, and inmates are advised of expectations and rules. Empowerment is also a significant component of direct inmate supervision, the goal being to give staff the authority and responsibility of controlling and making decisions. In order to make direct inmate supervision work, staff must buy into the concept and must understand what direct inmate supervision means and how it is implemented. The effectiveness of direct inmate supervision is assessed, and examples of correctional facilities in which the technique has been employed are cited. 5 references and 2 photographs