Security and Violence
Inmate custody and control are important in a correctional facility. This is because when an inmate is put under custody his/her behavior can be easily monitored. Their movements are monitored and it is easy to correct them when they make mistakes. Custody isolates inmates from the outside environment where they were committing the offenses. Here they live for some time without being in a place where they are tempted to commit crimes; sometimes crimes are habits to them and the continued stay away from the habit prone environments can change their character. By controlling their behavior at long last may lead to shun away bad habits and learn to live better lives in the society. Inmate custody and control can be used to administer the punishments well to them. (Crouch & Marquart, 1989).
There are different ways to maintain inmate custody and control in correctional facilities
Administration and leadership
The administration should be sound. This means that there should be stability in the administrative system. The administration should ensure that there is uniformity in the operation done in the correctional facility to enable understanding between the inmates and the officers.
Disciplinary procedures
The discipline administered to the inmates should be reasonable and proportional to the crimes they committed. Punishments should also be in line to the rulings made by the judges. For example when an inmate is to serve a jail term of certain period the period should not be extended for this will seem to be unfairness and may lead to misunderstanding and anger. Punishments given to inmates should also be human to avoid violation of human rights.
Physical layout of the facility
The correctional facilities should be located in areas where they are spacious. This will help reduce crowding and the inmates’ privacy will be taken care of. Overcrowding may also lead to idling which may lead to bad behaviors in the facilities. (Mark, 1990).
Gang control
Inmates usually form groups which could be considered to be gangs and at times may cause trouble. These gangs should be controlled by the institution to ensure that those in custody uphold the legislation governing them. Gangs can be controlled by first not recognizing them and by separating the gang members from one another.
Grievance procedures
Incase the inmates are not satisfied by one issue or the other they should be given audience. This should be done in a procedural manner by possibly choosing a leader who will be responsible for airing of the inmates’ views and claims. This will help reduce trouble which results from misunderstanding may be amongst the inmates or between the inmates and the administration.
Humane institutions
Inmates are entitled to be treated in a human manner. The basic services should be availed to them depending on the set out rules and regulations. Their rights should not be violated in any way and should be given access to whatever they are entitled to. Correctional institutions should have adequate space to avoid overcrowding which is not healthy. (John, 1980).
Screening and classification
Thorough investigation should be conducted to establish the type of inmates in a correctional facility. This will help to group inmates of the same type together which will make them feel more comfortable. For instance insane and disable inmates should not be mixed with the others.
Staff training and education
The staff in correctional facilities should be given the necessary training in order for them to deal with inmates effectively. They should be equipped with skills to they can use to quell trouble without causing more trouble and help them relate with inmates cordially.
Use of force
Use of force should be minimal and should only be applied when necessary and when unavoidable. Excessive force on inmates may cause misunderstanding and trouble in the correctional institutions.
Reference
Crouch, B.M. & Marquart, J.W. (1989). An appeal to justice: Litigated reform of Texas Prisons. Austin: University of Texas Press
John, I. (1980). Prisons in Turmoil. Boston: Little Brown publishers
Mark, C. (1990). From accommodation to riot: The penitentiary of New Mexico in crisis:Albany: State University of New York Press.
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