NCJ Number
128214
Journal
Prison Journal Volume: 80 Issue: 1 Dated: (Spring-Summer 1990) Pages: 115-120
Date Published
1990
Length
6 pages
Annotation
Statutory changes and enhanced law enforcement efforts have led to a rapid rise in the New York State prison population and a concurrent increase in the number of inmates serving long prison terms of five years or more. Two basic problem areas appear to apply more to long-term than short-term offenders: initial adjustment to the idea of a long period of confinement and development of activities or interests to cope with the confinement.
Abstract
While there is a period of initial adjustment, New York corrections officials have found that most long-term inmates accept the fact of their confinement fairly quickly, and that individuals experiencing major problems can be helped through existing mental health services. Two long-term inmate organizations demonstrate several coping techniques: one is a support group for female offenders that also performs some community services, while the other group focuses on issues relevant to inmates serving life sentences. The statewide Industries Program allows long-term offenders an opportunity to engage in a work environment that approximates the outside world as much as possible.