MIDTERM

LESSON PROPER

ORGANIZATIONS, PROCESSES AND PROGRAMS IN A

CORRECTIONAL SYSTEM

T h e s u c c e s s
leadership of the warden or director. It is therefore important that he
should be a man of unusual capacity, not only in the general field of administration but
also in the more specialized aspects of correctional administration. A head of the
Institution, should have a minimum of five years of experience in a subordinate position
of responsibility in a similar organization. The five important responsibilities of the head
of an institution are as follows:

1. Decision Making – It is important in the prison setting. The superintendent or

warden limits his role to considering policy matters and major problems. He
delegates with confidence, to well trained subordinate executives, sufficient
authority for management of daily operations line with established policy.
2. Control prison operations and activities – It has always been important to
insure that the program and policy are carried out and avoid mismanagement by
incompetent personnel or by individual or group of inmates getting into positions
of power. The warden depends more on sound organizational planning, written
manual policies and procedures, and an effective communications system that
controlling operations by constant personnel inspection of all areas and frequent
contact with all personnel and a large number of inmates.
3. Public Relation – The superintendent or warden should provide leadership to
involve all personnel in a program aimed at gaining public understanding,
goodwill and community acceptance.
4. Personnel Program – It is the superintendent or warden’s responsibility or
warden’s responsibility to provide leadership and assign responsibility for
recruitment, selection, training and supervision of personnel.
5. Executive Leadership – must be constantly demonstrated by the administrative
head. He must offer leadership and motivation to his staff in his personal drive,
knowledge and sincerity of purpose and must tie together all programs or
discipline in cementing a meaningful administrative course.

Organizational Subdivision

The institution should be managed by organizing like functions under major

administrative subdivisions. However, the grouping should be based on the functions
and number and kinds of inmates, and the nature of the institutional program. The
programs should direct both the custody and treatment thus better coordination and
integration of all functions are possible when within one division under one manager.
Besides, the personnel, both custodial supervision of inmate groups of a practical
size, thus personnel really know the inmates for control and treatment purpose.

Typical Organizational Structure

The organizational structure should be based on principles of sound

management. The typical prison or correctional institution has five distinct
subdivisions, commonly are administrative, custody, classification and treatment,
production and medical.

The Administrative Division – is charged with the function of personnel

including the recruitment and training of personnel. It is also responsible for the
procurement of supplies and materials, plant maintenance and other administrative
services of the institution.

The Custodial Division – takes charge of all matters pertaining to the custody of
prisoners and security of the institution. This unit is headed by an assistant
superintendent. The custodial group constitutes the bigger number security prison.
There are five or six levels of rank in the custodial force.

The Physical Plant – the study of the structural designs of prisons since the first
prison was established reveals the physical plants of institutions have changed in
accordance with the changing philosophy of penal work. The early prisons were
constructed as strong and as escape proof as could be suit the purpose of
imprisonment which was then penitence. Modern trends of correctional
administration encourage the use of open institutions in line with the present concept
of rehabilitation as the objective of the correctional system.

Diversification Process- whenever a single institution is planned the entire

needs of the state system for correctional institutions should be re-examined and
studied. It is not possible to set up specific standards with respect to the
diversification of institutions by types of inmate which are applicable to all state
correctional systems. Different countries have vastly different needs because of size,
composition of population, economic status of the state and financial resources and
similar factors.

Effective diversification of institution within a correctional system is based upon

some system of classifications, as follows:

1. Diversification by Age
2. Diversification by Sex
3. Diversification by Degree of Custody

Assessment Task:

Grow your mind box, fill it up! For your first assessment task, you need to
research the following:

1. Diversification by Age
2. Diversification by Sex
3. Diversification by Degree of Custody
To be submitted via online: email – jeand3gollado@gmail.com or
printed depending on what is favorable and accessible to your
situation. Short size bond paper will do.

Institutions for Medical or Mental Conditions

Numerous medical and mental conditions among an unselected prison
population call for specialized housing and program. Examples of these are the
psychotics, the extreme psycho-neurotics with psychotic episodes, the sex
offender or sex deviate, the tuberculosis prisoners, and others requiring
continued long-term treatment for chronic conditions.
The custodial features of an institutions for the medically infirm prisoners
should be varied to meet the needs of the different types of prisoners to be
accommodated. There will be at least one maximum security building, various
grades of medium security, and some minimum. The general tone of the
institution will be that of a hospital with medium security features.
 Inmates and Program Relationship
Generally, prison administration has attempted to fit a program as best
they can into an existing facility, and for tailoring the program to these facilities.
Careful analysis of the types of inmates and the appropriate program for each
type should be considered. The plan should consider the following:
1. Selection of the site – location of an institution is an important aspect of
prison planning. A prison located in uninhabited area may in a few years be
completely surrounded by city development. This makes expansion and
remodeling difficult, so that congestion will inevitably be the outcome. Also,
the institution will become a hazard to the surrounding area. Care, therefore,
should be exercised in the selection of a site, taking into consideration the
area, agricultural land, topography, foundation conditions, transportation
facilities, climate, water supply, electrical supply and nearness to a
community with adequate resources for supplies and for the advantages of
community living for the personnel.
2. Size of Institution – the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the
treatment of offenders prescribes that penal institution should not exceed
1,200 inmates. Smaller institutions should however not be too small as to
make operating cost too expensive. There are institutions which population
exceeding 5,000. The per capita cost of operation is less when the institution
is big, but the negative effects of overcrowding and impersonal relationship of
personnel and inmates, though not easily discernible, is great. If it is not
possible, to establish smaller institutions because of lack of funds, a
compromise arrangement can, be made so that big institutions may be
divided into smaller units, all units still operating under the superintendent or
warden of the institution.
3. Custodial Characteristics of the Institution – there is controversy of
opinion as to how secure an institution should be. Some person
administrators think that prisons should be sufficiently secure as to ensure no
escapes. The sufficiently secure as to ensure no escapes. The more
progressive-minded administrator, public attitude regarding escapes cannot
just be ignored. Escapes cannot be prevented or minimized by strong and
escape-proof institutions only but by careful classification and good personnel
management. The criteria therefore in planning a new institution should be
based on the type of prisoner to be housed. The physical plant should be as
strong as is necessary to prevent the number of escapes which will draw
public censure and the kind of escapes which really threaten the public
welfare.
4. Segregation – ideally, a prison system should be diversified by institution.
This arrangement provides proper segregation of groups by institution. There
are few prison systems that come up to this standard. Since this arrangement
requires a big budgetary outlay, a compromise can be made so that bigger
institutions can be broken into smaller units. The purpose of segregation is to
prevent moral or physical contamination of one group by another, and to
prevent unnecessary custodial risk.

The Classification Process

The rehabilitation program of the prisoner is carried out through the process of
classification. Classification is more than placing prisoners into types or categories. It is
a method by which diagnosis, treatment, planning, and execution of treatment program
are coordinated in the individual case. The objectives of classification are development
of an integrated and realistic programs of the prisoner arrived at, through the
coordination of diagnosis, planning, and treatment activities; and an informed continuity
of these activities from arrival to release of the prisoner.

The first two phases of the classification process namely, diagnosis and
treatment planning, take place in the reception center, which is a special unit separate
from the prison, or in the classification clinic of the prison. The third phase which is the
execution of the treatment program takes place in the operating institution or prison.

The Reception Diagnostic Center

In line with the latest approach to treatment – the individualized or casework

method, it is necessary that prisoners must undergo a diagnostic examination, study
and observation for the purpose of determining the program of treatment and training
best suited to their needs and the institution to which they should be transferred. These
processes take place in the Reception and Diagnostic Center within the first 60 days of
their commitment to prison.

The Reception and Diagnostic Center makes possible the careful study of
offenders by a professional staff, the segregation of prisoners based on scientific
methods; the treatment of inmates based upon careful study of the individual inmate at
the time of commitment; the improvement of institutional programs based on close study
of inmate’s characteristics and needs made at the Center; and the development of
research concerning the causes and treatment of delinquency or crime.

The Reception Center is a specialized diagnostic institution designed to service a

big correctional system. It is not a treatment center. In order that the center can
accomplish the purposes of which it is intended, the following basic elements must exist
in the correctional system:

1. There must be a sufficient member and variety of institutions or treatment

facilities available to permit placement of each individual in accordance with his
treatment and training needs.
2. There must be an integration of plan and program, including the reception center,
treatment facilities in the prison, and parole placement and supervision.
3. The public must be educated to accept the basic concept of treatment as
opposed to mere punishment.
4. There must be a sound philosophy of treatment and training throughout the entire
correctional system.
5. There must be good physical facilities and personnel.

Staff in the Reception and Diagnostic Center and their Functions

The Psychiatrist – examines the prisoner and prepares an abstract of his

findings. The abstract includes a brief statement of the mental and emotional make-up
of the individual with particular reference to abnormalities of the nervous system and the
presence psychopaties, neurotic tendencies, paranoid trends and other special
abnormalities. The psychiatrist makes a recommendation with regard to custody and
transfer and calls attention to any special condition which limits or indicates special type
of work, educational training, recreation or disciplinary treatment.

The Psychologist – interviews the man and administers tests. The

psychologist’s findings with regard to the mental level, general and special abilities,
interests and skills of the prisoner. The outstanding factors contributing to the
maladjustment of the individual are pointed out. A prognosis for institutional and parole
adjustment based on the inmate’s attitudes, characteristics and peculiarities is included.
In this abstract, the psychologist makes his recommendation with regard to custody,
transfer and general education and further study and treatment of the man.
 The Sociologist – the prisoner is interviewed by the sociologist. Additional
information is obtained through correspondence with the prisoner’s friends, relatives,
and social agencies. The objective facts of the personal history of the inmate are
recorded in the social abstract, which also includes an analysis and interpretation of the
individual’s social situation and relationships.

The Education Officer or Counselor – the prisoner is interviewed by the

educational officer in order to determine his educational strengths and weakness and to
recommend suitable educational program for him. He conducts orientation classes in
general education in order to change the inmate’s attitude toward education. He gives
counsel to inmates found wanting in educational needs. He prepares a report of every
inmate on general education as part of the case summary of the inmate.

The Vocational Counselor – the vocational counselor, by interview, obtains a

record of the man’s former employment and tests the man to determine his general and
special abilities, interests and skills. The results comprise the vocational abstract and
recommendations are set forth with regard to the types of vocational training which
should be made available to the inmate during his incarceration.

The Chaplain – the inmate is interviewed by the chaplain and he is encouraged

to participate in religious worship. The Chaplain’s abstract states the religious affiliation
of the prisoner and gives his opinion as to the significance of the inmate’s religious
attitudes in determining his conduct. The Chaplain makes recommendation with regard
to the further religious training.

The Medical Officer – a complete physical examination is given each inmate at

which time his medical history is obtained. The examination covers the major organs of
the body, such as the lungs and the heart, and includes tests of the blood and sense
organs. The doctor correlates the patient’s previous health history with present findings
in the medical history and physical examination, plus recommendation for medical
treatment.

The Admission Procedures – new prisoners are received either in the reception
center or in a prison and later to transfer to the center. The new prisoner usually comes
from a provincial or city jail where he is immediately committed upon conviction by the
court. He is transferred to the National Prison escorted by guards of the committing jail.

Receiving – on arrival at the Reception Diagnostic Center, the receiving officer

checks the commitment papers if they are in order. A commitment paper is in order if it
bears the signature of the judge or if it has the signature of the Clerk of Court and seal
of the court. The next step is to establish the identity of the prisoner in order to be sure
that the person being committed is the same person named in the committed order. The
identity is established through the picture and the fingerprint of the prisoner appearing
on the commitment order.

Searching the Prisoner – after the commitment papers are checked and the
identity of the prisoner established, the new prisoner is “frisked” and his personal things
searched. Weapons and other items of contraband are confiscated and deposited with
the property custodian. Money, watches, rings and other pieces of jewelry are deposited
with the trust fund officer under proper recordings and receipts.

Issuance of Clothes and Equipment – from the receiving office, the new
prisoner goes to the supply room where he receives his prison uniform, mosquito net
and beddings.
 Assignment to Quarters – after the prisoner is issued his clothing’s and
beddings, he is sent to the quarantine unit. The quarantine may be a unit of the prison
or a section of the Reception Center.

The Quarantine Unit

The new prisoner spends from seven’ to ten days in the quarantine unit. During
this period, he is given thorough physical examination including blood test, X-rays, and
vaccinations. One purpose of the quarantine is to insure that prisoner is not suffering
from any contagious disease. The results of the examination are submitted to the Chief
of the Center in written form. This report forms part of the diagnostic record of the
prisoner.

The Orientation Procedures

The initial contacts of the prisoner with the Center are very meaningful. The first
impressions received by him may affect his entire institutions adjustment.

The orientation of the prisoners takes place within the first few days in the
Center. It consists of giving them a booklet of rules and regulations and explaining the
rules to them; conducting group meetings of Center inmates to explain the purposes of
the treatment programs; holding sessions with the Chief and individual members of the
Center and what the inmates should do in order to profit from their experiences.

The Testing Programs

In order that-each staff member can profit from psychological test results, group
testing of inmates should be scheduled one or two weeks after arrival. Psychiatric-
examinations should also be given early during the stay of the inmate because the
psychiatric analysis of the personality of the inmate is very valuable to the rest of the
staff.

Program of Activities

After undergoing quarantine and orientation, the inmate is ready to go into a

regularly scheduled program which will continue until his last day in the Center. Some of
these activities are as follows:

1. The Educational Program – the inmate attends literacy and citizenship classes
and group therapy sessions. The objectives of the educational classes in the
center are to determine the educational possibilities of the inmate which may be
pursued or encourage in prison, and to encourage, through group sessions, the
individual to talk out his problems, to lend him to recognize desirable goals and
ways of attaining them.
2. Vocational Program – the inmate is given on-the-job training and observation to
determine his vocational interests and abilities and to determine his attitude
toward work.
3. Physical Training and Recreation – this program is aimed at building the
morale as well as helping maintain the well-being of the prisoners. Also, it affords
an opportunity for supervisors to observe how the inmate reacts to various
situations which are very revealing of the personality of the prisoner.
4. Staff Interviews – it is desirable that all members of the staff interview every
inmate on whom they are required to render a report. Each staff member should
plan his interviews so that his questions are pointed toward securing the
information which will help him analyze the phase of the study for which he is
responsible.
5. The staff conference – when the prisoner is through with all tests, interviews
and examinations, he is ready “for the staff conference, sometimes called
“guidance conference, sometimes called “guidance conference, or “case
conference”. The – inmate appears before the center’s staff in conference to plan
out with: him his-tentative program of treatment and training.

The Admission Summary

The written reports submitted by the staff, of the center regarding their findings
on-the prisoners are compiled, and form the admission summary. The admission
summary becomes the nucleus of the cumulative case history of the prisoner. The
admission summary consist of the following:

a. An account of the legal aspects of the case. In addition to citations from the
summaries of the reports, of law enforcement, judicial and other officials, this
may contain an explanation by the inmate of how he got into trouble.
b. A summary of the man’s earlier criminal history. If he has previously been in a
juvenile or an adult correctional institution, reports from these places contain
information regarding his program therein and related facts about his attitudes
and behavior;
c. Social history, or the man’s biography as a person, based upon probation report
or field investigation, staff interviews, tests, examinations, and other staff
observations. This may also be provided or amplified by his family or friends,
former employers, and others who may assist through interviews or answers to
questionnaires;
d. Physical Conditions
e. Vocational interests, competence and experience;
f. Educational status;
g. Religious background and interest
h. Recreational interest
i. Psychological characteristics evaluated by the psychiatrist and the psychologist;
j. Behavior in the Reception Center, reported by the custodial staff;
k. Initial reaction to group psychotherapy or group counseling or other forms of
treatment.

Transfer Out of the Center

When the admission summary is completed, it is forwarded to the Director of

Prisons for approval of the tentative program prepared for the prisoner, after which
the prisoner is then transferred to the operating institution.

The Operating Institution

The prisoner is transferred from the reception and diagnostic center to the
operating institution with a tentative plan of treatment already prepared. The
treatment plan is contained in the Admission Summary which is sent to the
Classification and Treatment Division of the prison for the implementation.

On his arrival in the operating institution, the prisoner goes to the General
Service or Orientation Unit where he is temporarily quartered pending his permanent
residence assignment by the Classification Board. The stay of the prisoner in the
general service unit is a sort of orientation period for him. He is given lectures on the
rules and regulations; and he is assigned to different work projects to afford him
various experiences which will guide him in the choice of a permanent vocational
program.

The Classification Committee

1. Warden or Superintendent – chairman

2. Dep. Warden for custody – Asst. Chairman
3. Dep. Warden for Classification Treatment Member
4. Production Manager – Member
5. Chief, Medical Services – Member
6. Chaplain – Member
7. Psychologist or Psychiatrist – Member

Assessment Task:

Research the following:

1. Admission Classification Meeting

2. Reclassification
3. The cumulative Case Summary
4. Classification Procedures
5. The treatment Programs
To be submitted via online: email – jeand3gollado@gmail.com or
printed depending on what is favorable and accessible to your
situation. Short size bond paper will do.
Tip: You can research on the internet this is included in the
Organizations, Processes and Programs in a Correctional System.
Or borrow book from the Library; Corrections and Restorative
Justice by R.K. Manwong