Policy Corrections

Policy Corrections

Introduction

The US has nearly 2.3 million men and women incarcerated in federal, state, and local prisons and jails. Some of these inmates are litigious and have filed numerous lawsuits against Sheriffs, Administrators, Correction Officers and other staff. The threat of possible litigation is a concern for all corrections professionals. The inmates committed to the custody often knows the statutes and regulations as well if not better than the Officers supervising them, the Nurses providing medical care for them and the Program Staff providing them with services. Inmates who have filed lawsuits pro-se will mention past litigation to staff which leaves corrections professionals uneasy about carrying out their duties. Therefore, all the issues related to use of force in policy corrections will be discussed in detail.

Discussion

There are ways to minimize lawsuits and to reduce the chances of a judgment against corrections agencies and staff. Developing, disseminating and adhering to well written policies that are both operationally and legally sound is a good first step. Training curriculum should be reviewed, updated frequently and given to staff to ensure that they know how to handle inmate issues that arise in the course of their duties. All staff should document incidents thoroughly and keep copies of their reports. Housing units and inmate housing areas should be toured by supervisors and command staff frequently to ensure that the staff and the inmates know that people care about the working and living conditions that people face on a daily basis. Other ways to reduce the possibility of inmate litigation include a sound inmate grievance policy and an inmate legal service team that can make staff aware of and potentially defuse issues that may end up being litigated. Even taking these steps will not completely end inmate litigation. There are a number of areas that have been a frequent source of lawsuits. Corrections staff should be aware of these areas and be pro-active in ensuring that people do not violate inmate rights (Lombardo, 1989, 45).

Food /Special Diets

Inmates will sometimes request medical or religious diets. Having religious diet requests reviewed by a Chaplain is an effective way to ensure that legitimate requests are granted and that staff will be insulated against claims. If the religious leader denies a request for religious reasons, it will reduce the possibility of litigation. The medical staff should review all requests for medical diets. Having a nutritionist review the menu to ensure that it meets caloric and nutritional guidelines is also advisable (Palmer, 1999, 146).

Inmate Discipline

Inmates will often be dissatisfied with time in segregation and the loss of earned good time. All disciplinary reports should be well written and there should be a good appeal mechanism in place. Statistical analysis should be conducted to ensure that all discipline is warranted and defendable. The use of force at any time, that force is used on an inmate; there is a possibility of litigation. The agency's use of force policy should discuss the continuum of force and staff should be ...