Challenges facing Current Correctional Administrators and Their Correction
Administration of correctional facilities in the United States lays a lot of emphasis on order, control and facility standards as the primary focus. These are seconded by allocation of resources, time and implementation of effective development plans. However, there exist immense challenges as a result of poor economic performance which affects correctional facilities in a number of ways. Running these facilities require people with bold ideas and this paper seeks to address three of the most current issues specifically overcrowding, mental health and budget cuts.
Prison overcrowding presents serious problems such as security, low morale, failure of rehab and occurrence of conflict and violence. It not only leads to a limited area but also hold other problems for the prison administration. Overcrowding arises due to prisoner transfer following closure of another (Hans-Joerg, 2012). Expanding prisons can lead to a reduction of overcrowding, but prison administrator powers do not include this decision. By organizing paralegals and volunteer lawyers to assist in preparing bail hearings, prison administrator speed up the release. Administrators can also review cases through lawyers and prosecutors with a desire to reduce un-sentenced prisoners. Alternative community based punishment can also be arranged through negotiations with judges, lawyers and politicians. An administrator can obtain political and legal authority to approve some trustworthy prisoners leave prison during weekends and for community service. House arrest and residential confinement can be recommended and a team with better management skills established (Seiter, 2011).
Budget cuts present a significant challenge to administrators who must come up with new ways to accomplish their goal. Budget cut implies facilities cannot afford to hire new employees so they must shut down. The state faced with budget pressure also delay opening of new prison facilities while states with fiscal cuts close down some prisons. Inmates in these prisons get transferred to another prison creating a problem of overcrowding. Budget cuts lead to dangerous prisons and the abolishment of rehabilitation and mental health facilities. Inadequate resources also make it difficult to check for mental health issues (Lurigio and Swartz, 2005). Alternative of state budget cuts can be through reforms that allow release of nonviolent offenders. However, releasing offenders before rehabilitation does not reduce crime. As an administrator, one can bring in personnel with better money management skills and develop strong problem solving skills. Staff and prison population reduction also lead to a reduction in the prison budget. Administrators should conduct strict management of overtime and reduce some services.
Mental health issues challenge agency leaders following their increased volume in prisons. More mentally ill prisoners get sentenced to prison since mental health facilities also close down due to lack of funding. Mentally ill prisoners require extra attention and more space so the budget should be increased (Lurigio and Swartz, 2005). Attention should be paid to mentally ill inmates to avoid incidences of self harm as a result of stress. To deal with this challenge, prison administrators should comprise a team of people who understands clearly mental health issues. Inmates need tools for dealing with stress so workshops can be organized. Management should develop plans for the provision of mental services and engaging outside experts. Prison staff should be educated on the importance of mental issues. A review of medication formula and provision of mental health services to all inmates is essential. Conclusively, correctional administrators should identify and address key issues that must be overcome to ensure effectiveness and efficiency in these facilities. Addressing challenges ensures excellent outcomes when policy and practice are implemented.
References
Hans-Joerg, A. (2012). Prison Overcrowding-Finding Effective Solutions. Strategies & best practices against overcrowding in correctional facilities. 1-39.
Lurigio, J.A., & Swartz, J.A. (2005). Screening for serious mental illness among criminal offenders in Stephanie W. Hartwell. The organizational response to persons with a mental illness involved in criminal justice. System (Research in social and the public policy). Emerald Publishing Limited. 137-161
Seiter. R. P. (2011). Correctional Administration: Integrating Theory and Practice. Prentice Hall.
