NCJ Number
182141
Date Published
September 1997
Length
59 pages
Annotation
This study identified strategies for the successful management of long-term inmate populations within the Iowa Department of Corrections.
Abstract
The need for this study stemmed from new State legislation directed at reducing "good time" parole incentives for selected Iowa inmates and the combined effect of previously enacted mandatory sentencing plans. Under this legislative regime, Iowa faces the challenge not only of managing the potential for overcrowded conditions within its correctional institutions, but also of managing the behavior of young, long-term sentenced felons who have little or no incentive to follow institutional rules. The focus of this study is on the management of inmate behaviors; the study concludes by offering five major management recommendations for Iowa. The primary data source for this study was the mailed survey of the "Truth-in-Sentencing" States. The objective of this survey was to identify common issues and strategies associated with "Truth-In-Sentencing" sanctioning schemes among States that have adopted such legislation. Based on survey findings, this report recommends that Iowa continue to take a proactive approach to reduce the severity of prison population growth and negative inmate behaviors. First, the State should implement an earned privileges behavioral management philosophy. Second, efforts should be made to replace inmate idleness with individual management plans. Third, the State should implement a systematic method to control gangs. Fourth, the current classification system should be augmented; and fifth, the choice of alternatives to incarceration should be expanded. 4 charts, 23 references, and appended survey instrument and responses