SURVEY OF LINE OFFICER EDUCATIONAL NEEDS - A SELECTIVE INQUIRY AMONG COLLEGE AND CORRECTIONAL PERSONNEL

• NCJ Number: 10281
• Author(s): J JOHNSON; B C CARR
• Date Published: 1973
• Length: 20 pages
• Sponsoring Agency: American Assoc of Community Colleges
• Corporate Author: American Bar Assoc.
• Publication Format: Document
• Note: COORDINATION BULLETIN NO 15

Annotation

DISCUSSION OF THE RESULTS OF FOUR SURVEYS ADMINISTERED AT REGIONAL WORKSHOPS FOR CORRECTIONAL PERSONNEL.

Abstract

THE WORKSHOP PARTICIPANTS AGREED THAT INTRODUCTORY COURSES IN A TWO YEAR COLLEGE CORRECTIONAL PROGRAM SHOULD BE OFFERED TO THE COLLEGE'S ENTIRE STUDENT BODY. THE INDIVIDUALS INTERVIEWED FELT THAT SUCH COURSES SHOULD BE OPEN TO BOTH INMATES AND CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS AND THAT THE CURRICULUM SHOULD DIFFER SUBSTANTIALLY FROM THAT ADMINISTERED TO LAW ENFORCEMENT STUDENTS. THE SURVEY RESPONSES FURTHER DISCLOSED THAT MANY CORRECTIONAL LINE OFFICERS HAVE DOUBTS ABOUT THEIR ABILITY TO DO COLLEGE LEVEL WORK. THERE WAS GENERAL AGREEMENT THAT TWO-YEAR COLLEGE INSTRUCTORS IN CORRECTIONS COURSES SHOULD HAVE PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE - EITHER AS CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS OR IN SOME OTHER CAPACITY AT A CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION. IN ASSESSING THE IMPORTANCE OF CERTAIN SKILLS AND AREAS OF KNOWLEDGE FOR THE LINE OFFICER, THE FOLLOWING WERE RANKED MOST FREQUENTLY AS VERY IMPORTANT-DEVIANT BEHAVIOR, SECURITY PROCEDURES, INMATE RIGHTS, COUNSELING SKILLS, AND PHILOSOPHY OF CORRECTIONS. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT MODIFIED)