NCJ Number
101569
Date Published
1985
Length
27 pages
Annotation
This study examines staff and resident attitudes toward the South Carolina Department of Youth Services' new policies for the disciplinary use of maximum security units and analyzes incidents of resident misconduct before and after the initiation of the new policies.
Abstract
The new policies, begun in the spring of 1984, restrict the use of maximum security for crisis stabilization to emergencies in which residents pose a security risk, are a danger to self or others, or have committed 1 of 15 specified serious offenses. The policies also establish 10 progressive levels of action for dealing with resident misconduct, with the first 3 being alternatives to maximum security. A total of 102 residents discharged from the 3 involved institutions between September and October 1984 were interviewed about their views of the new policies, and 82 percent of 378 staff returned questionnaires that solicited their views of the new policies. Resident misconduct incidents were examined 6 months before and 6 months after implementation of the new policies. Residents viewed the new policies as 'fair' but 'hard.' Staff had mixed feelings about the policies. Most affirmed the policies to be fair and helpful; however, many noted an increase in aggression and disrespect since the initiation of the policies. Incident data support the latter view. The study recommends a reassessment of the adequacy of lockup policies for dealing with severe and repetitive misconduct. 3 tables and 3 figures.