CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

Prisons and jails serve the dual purposes of punishment and housing for those who

have been convicted of crimes, and those who are awaiting trial. Operating a jail is a

tremendous responsibility. A jail’s duty to protect is constant, beginning when an inmate

is admitted and continuing until release. Caselaw clearly establishes the responsibility of

jail officials to protect inmates from a “risk of serious harm” at all times, and from all types

of harm-- from others, from themselves, from the jail setting, from disease, and more. As

prisons become more crowded and internal problems arise, it is important to keep control

and stability inside and outside of the prison. Although there are many security measures

that can be put into place, it is hard to say whether it is the physical design of the prison or

the skilled officer that makes the difference in safety and security. As the prison population

grows so does the need for heightened security.

The laws change every day and the officer must be quick and efficient when it comes to

handling problem situations in the system. This requires extensive training and education

by the correctional officer and flawless design in physical security. No one aspect is more

important than the other, but each has its own duty and responsibility for protecting the

institution, inmates, officers, and the community. The answer to the question of which is

more significant in security-the internal or physical factor-is neither.

Problems with security can have crucial, deadly impacts on society. One

malfunctioning wire can cause a nationwide alert. A guard who is not paying attention may
be responsible for putting the entire institution in jeopardy. Although the physical design

and inmate categorization are key elements in security, they are not complete without

officer protection services.

There are many problems that can occur within a prison system. Some include faulty

detection systems and some result from inadequate training and education on the part of

the officer. Also, some officers may be involved in scandals inside the prison. "All people-

staff included-who move into and out of the institution must be considered possible

avenues of contraband movement" (ACA, 1998).