NCJ Number
185531
Date Published
January 2000
Length
48 pages
Annotation
This chapter examines the changes that have occurred in the
evolution of decision making among prison executives since 1975
and considers the implications of these changes for the
administration of prisons and prison systems.
Abstract
The author examines what new activities and topics must be
addressed by correctional officials today, as well as how
prisoners and staff have changed over the past two-and-a-half
decades. The chapter explores how technology and the use of
information have altered prison administration and to what extent
changes in free-world management practices have spilled over into
prison administration. The author examines the issues faced by
senior-level prison officials, who are responsible for running
prison systems (i.e., commissioners, directors, and secretaries
of corrections) and institutions (i.e., wardens and
superintendents). The author focuses on the administration of
public prisons, although the author describes how privatization
has influenced the administration of these publicly run
facilities. To set the stage, the chapter describes prisons in
1975 and explores the major events that have influenced prison
structure and operations since then. From this basis, the author
discusses the politicization of prison administration,
interorganizational relations, changes in both prisoners and
staff, the use of information, and the influence of technology.
The chapter's ultimate goal is to provide the necessary
groundwork to consider what is needed to operate prisons well,
what issues administrators must be prepared to address, and what
characteristics senior-level executives need. 4 notes and 40
references
Date Published: January 1, 2000