Inmate Custody and Control in Correctional Facilities - Essay Example

Inmate Custody and Control in Correctional Facilities Assignment) Inmate Custody and Control in Correctional Facilities The widespread increase of violence and crimes make inmate custody and control an important correctional facility across the globe. The inmates and prison staff often confront with many challenges as well as threats to their safety. It is important to consider the essential aspects which can make inmate custody and control more effective. One of the main issues often observed in prisons is the paucity of healthy relationship between inmates and officers.

To begin with, effective administrative measures offer better services to inmates and a peaceful ambiance in prison that would enhance the relationship between the inmates and officials to certain extent. Inmates usually belong to different cultural backgrounds with varying criminal intensity. This diversity itself may give rise to further disputes or violence within prison. Violence and indecent behavior within the institution could be reduced by initiating various disciplinary actions under strict supervision of responsible individuals.

On the other hand, correctional officers and other concerned officials have to be given proper training to address the unexpected issues effectively through emergent strategies. As Barnhart (2006) reminds, training includes providing information regarding the planned strategies of the organization and various techniques to execute them successfully while maintaining of security and control in the prison. The physical layout of the facilities provided to inmates is an important matter of concern.

Most of the time, jails are part of other buildings which often get overcrowded. Better infrastructure easily ensures the basic amenities and healthy environment for inmates’ stay. Furthermore, inmates tend to form gangs uniting themselves with intent to engage in various criminal activities in jails. Gang control is an essential part of prison management to ensure the safety of both officials and inmates. To meet this task, inmates’ crime records must be screened prior to their admission so that the authority can assess the associated risks.

In order to prepare the individual profile of each inmate, medical and mental health screening can also be done along with analyzing inmates’ social background, education, work history, health etc (Assigning inmates to prison, n.d.). The profiles would help authorities to classify the inmates accordingly before assigning them to the right custody. The inmates are then assessed for their behavior during the stay in prison. Under most of the inmate control systems, prisoner’s conduct is assessed to determine their term of sentence.

Moreover, humane institutions play vital role in inmate diversion programs. Various humane institutions organize several promotional activities for prisoners during their stay and also undertake rehabilitation programs. The programs they conduct include counseling to meet the grievances of the inmates both prior to and after the imprisonment. Finally, with regard to the applicability of force in inmate control, if any deviation from the policies or disciplinary procedures is identified, the jail authorities have to exert force to ensure the safety of all.

The use of force would help to control aggressive behavior and thereby violence to a great extent. References Barnhart, T. E. Cornelius, G. F. (Oct 26, 2009). Officers outnumbered inmates unpredictable. Corrections.com. retrieved 16 Feb 2011 from http://www.corrections.com/articles/22581-officers-outnumbered-inmates-unpredictable Assigning inmates to prison. (n.d.). North California Department of Correction. Retrieved 16 Feb 2011 from http://www.doc.state.nc.us/dop/custody.htm