published_or_final_version / Politics and Public Administration / Master / Master of Public Administration

A review of the literature indicated that critical skills needed by educators to work with adjudicated youth in correctional settings had not been sufficiently identified or analyzed. Research efforts using survey instruments appeared to offer a method for gathering data in order to develop and study a comprehensive list of critical skills of correctional educators. A survey instrument was developed in bifurcate format that required respondents to rate 135 skill items according to Importance and Proficiency. Two parallel Likert-type scales were provided so that respondents could rate items according to their perceptions of Importance and Proficiency, The instrument was mailed to three groups consisting of educators in youth correctional facilities, state level administrators of youth corrections, and college/university faculty in correctional education preservice teacher preparation programs. A total of 366 surveys were mailed with 183 (50%) returned. Four hypotheses and eight corollaries were developed. Data were analyzed using MANOVA to test for significant differences among all groups and within subjects for one group (correctional educators). The findings did not support the hypotheses or corollaries. Therefore, all hypotheses and corollaries were rejected. However, ANOVA and Chi-Square procedures revealed significant differences among groups and within Group 1, correctional educators. The findings suggested that educators tended to differ from state level administrators in regard to Importance and Proficiency for certain skill items. Differences were also found within the correctional educator group nationwide and across regions for certain skill items. Recommendations for correctional education preservice programs and state level inservice training programs were developed that may have importance for the education of adjudicated youth. Recommendations included an emphasis upon federal legislative guidelines for education of incarcerated youth, development of educator's skills in communication and interaction with facility administrators, parents, and local community agencies, and inclusion of vocational/career development and transitional programs in correctional settings. Additional specific recommendations were given relevant to future research with correctional educator competencies.

Employees desire performance feedback which helps them understand what they are doing well, what they are doing wrong, and how to develop so that they can advance in their careers. Yet, many comment that they do not receive enough performance feedback to help them understand if they are being successful in their work or where they can improve. In this qualitative study, I pursued the question of what might prevent supervisors from providing performance feedback to their direct reports by interviewing a group of front-line supervisors and their wardens in two Midwest Prisons. My goal was to identify what the supervisor participants believed performance feedback was, how they understood and explained their personal feedback delivery practices, and how they learned to deliver feedback. My research methodology involved three stages of data collection, including collecting a range of documents from the prison system, one-on-one interviews with the two wardens who led the two prisons involved in the study, and one-on-one interviews with 16 Sergeants. I leveraged Kolb’s Experiential Learning Cycle (ELC) as the theoretical lens of this study. As Kolb (2014) explains, every time an individual has an experience, they have the opportunity to learn from that experience. I was curious to understand if a group of supervisors in a correctional work environment learned how to deliver and improve upon their performance feedback practices through the on-going delivery of feedback. Through the data analysis process, I found that both Warden participants deeply valued performance feedback as a teaching method and see it as an important method supervisors can utilize to enhance Correction Officer (CO) growth and development. Additionally, I found that the majority of supervisor participants (15/16) believed and understood delivery of performance feedback to COs to be a function of their rank, while a slightly smaller majority (10/16) explained it as a responsibility of their rank. Further, I found that the supervisor participants naturally employed a comprehensive range of performance feedback best practices including being positive and supportive (14/16), providing praise for work done well (13/16), correcting poor performance or incorrect understanding of policy or procedure (12/16), and conducting the feedback exchange as a conversation (10/16). Finally, I found that the supervisors’ beliefs and understandings of how they learned to provide performance feedback align with Kolb’s ELC. A majority (13/16) of the supervisor participants explained that they learned to deliver performance feedback through experience (having an experience, ELC first mode) in the supervisory role, while half of the supervisor participants (8/16) described how they learned to deliver performance feedback to Correction Officers (COs) through reflecting on prior experience (reflecting on experience, ELC second mode). Several of the supervisor participants (5/16) explained how they thought through and planned (Abstract Conceptualization, ELC third mode) their feedback conversations with COs, while a small minority (2/16) of the participants spoke to their practice of experimenting with new approaches when delivering performance feedback (Active Experimentation, ELC fourth mode) to COs. I close my study by offering recommendations based on the findings to front-line supervisors, wardens, and to trainers and educators working within correctional organizations.

Service provision in both adult and juvenile correctional settings is an understudied phenomenon. Research has evaluated the use of evidence-based practices (EBP) in the treatment of mental health and substance abuse among adults and juveniles. Young, Farrell, Henderson and Taxman (2009) highlight the role of organizational factors including climate and culture, opportunities for staff training, resources, administrator attitudes and interagency collaboration in the application of EBP in correctional settings. The Oregon Youth Authority (OYA) aims to provide services to youth under the guise of EBP. Literature in the field of juvenile justice is limited in scope in areas of organizational factors, which are likely to influence the allocation of mental health treatment to youth. This study addressed this gap in existing research by using thematic analysis of focus group data with 28 OYA employees representing seven facilities. Data on 594 youth is offered to illustrate the variability of youth characteristics in OYA facilities. Facility data reflective of youth management and operations is presented to suggest context for staff observations and perceptions of how youth are identified for treatment. Results indicate staff knowledge about treatment and consistency in training along with frequency of organizational change affect climates in which treatment recommendations are made. Findings from this study will be beneficial to OYA as they attempt to meet the growing needs of mental health populations and address ongoing changes to agency staff, culture and climate. Implications from this study will contribute to literature on treatment service provision in juvenile correctional settings.

Corrections has always been conventionally known as an occupational discipline and not a profession. The organization of corrections has been spoken of as a penitentiary, bearing in mind that the models of the buildings were meant for punishment; with correctional officers recognized as guards. The role of the guards was that of the keeper of the keys and their duty was mainly custodial in nature. The occupation was mainly attractive to white males with a record of unemployment and not much education. The occupation was stable, and did not require for any extra skill. Certain researchers believe that the selection methods for prison warders were extremely relaxed with a small amount of empirical validity. There was also thinking that a correctional officer needed a 20/20 vision and an IQ of an imbecile. Conversely, it has been perceived that a correctional officer can be the most significant individual in the offender’s life, having an influence in refining or declining the success of the different treatment programs that an offender undergoes (Josi & Sechrest, 1998, p. 3). Corrections is a human service occupation. Therefore, human service workers need to have knowledge of human behaviour and be able to assess their perspectives on any behaviour wisely and thus formulate reliable estimations. This will give them the opportunity to enjoy suitable decision making powers and formulate a trend on professional behaviour. Their knowledge of human behaviour will also strengthen the capability to foresee behaviour and give special knowledge to prevent any hesitancy(Williamson, 1990, p. 43). The role of the correctional officers (security staff) has intensely changed over the past few decades.The correctional officer is in today's corrections, expected to balance security and still be responsible for changing the behaviour of offenders constructively (Josi & Sechrest, 1998, p. 11). In order to have a comprehensive understanding of the distinctive and contradictory role of the correctional officer, it is very important to appreciate the changes that have transpired in penal philosophy all through the centuries. Throughout the research, the researcher will make an effort to capture the heritage of corrections and the evolving systems of punishment of Europe, the United States of America and South Africa and look at the applications of the rehabilitation concept and how the Correctional Officer has been utilised as a skilled and knowledgeable professional in the whole process. The aim of the research being to determine the effect that correctional and professional officers have on rehabilitation of offenders and determine the process by which the Correctional environment can be transformed to a true profession of highest integrity and competence. Objectives for the study will be: • To analyse the history and development of Corrections internationally and its philosophical background • To examine the impact of the history of rehabilitation in the South African Corrections system, from the development of the first prisons in 1652 to the demilitarisation of prisons system in the 1990s, right through to the actualisation of the South African White Paper on Corrections, 2005 • To critically examine the professional status of the Corrections occupation against other existing professions. The issues on education, training, credentialing, autonomy, code of ethics and special expertise are some of the aspects that will be looked at as the primary criterion for professions • To explain the conception of rehabilitation and its development and application both internationally and nationally • To critically look at the importance of Corrections system while highlighting the mandated role of the Correctional officer and the duality of the role of balancing security and rehabilitation. The study will contribute on the basis of knowledge in particular regard to Education and Training of Correctional Officers. A model will be developed for South African Correctional Services Systems and predominant focus will be on the performance and education and training of Correctional Officers in South Africa. / Penology / D. Litt. et Phil. (Penology)

Corrections has always been conventionally known as an occupational discipline and not a profession. The organization of corrections has been spoken of as a penitentiary, bearing in mind that the models of the buildings were meant for punishment; with correctional officers recognized as guards. The role of the guards was that of the keeper of the keys and their duty was mainly custodial in nature. The occupation was mainly attractive to white males with a record of unemployment and not much education. The occupation was stable, and did not require for any extra skill. Certain researchers believe that the selection methods for prison warders were extremely relaxed with a small amount of empirical validity. There was also thinking that a correctional officer needed a 20/20 vision and an IQ of an imbecile. Conversely, it has been perceived that a correctional officer can be the most significant individual in the offender’s life, having an influence in refining or declining the success of the different treatment programs that an offender undergoes (Josi & Sechrest, 1998, p. 3). Corrections is a human service occupation. Therefore, human service workers need to have knowledge of human behaviour and be able to assess their perspectives on any behaviour wisely and thus formulate reliable estimations. This will give them the opportunity to enjoy suitable decision making powers and formulate a trend on professional behaviour. Their knowledge of human behaviour will also strengthen the capability to foresee behaviour and give special knowledge to prevent any hesitancy(Williamson, 1990, p. 43). The role of the correctional officers (security staff) has intensely changed over the past few decades.The correctional officer is in today's corrections, expected to balance security and still be responsible for changing the behaviour of offenders constructively (Josi & Sechrest, 1998, p. 11). In order to have a comprehensive understanding of the distinctive and contradictory role of the correctional officer, it is very important to appreciate the changes that have transpired in penal philosophy all through the centuries. Throughout the research, the researcher will make an effort to capture the heritage of corrections and the evolving systems of punishment of Europe, the United States of America and South Africa and look at the applications of the rehabilitation concept and how the Correctional Officer has been utilised as a skilled and knowledgeable professional in the whole process. The aim of the research being to determine the effect that correctional and professional officers have on rehabilitation of offenders and determine the process by which the Correctional environment can be transformed to a true profession of highest integrity and competence. Objectives for the study will be: • To analyse the history and development of Corrections internationally and its philosophical background • To examine the impact of the history of rehabilitation in the South African Corrections system, from the development of the first prisons in 1652 to the demilitarisation of prisons system in the 1990s, right through to the actualisation of the South African White Paper on Corrections, 2005 • To critically examine the professional status of the Corrections occupation against other existing professions. The issues on education, training, credentialing, autonomy, code of ethics and special expertise are some of the aspects that will be looked at as the primary criterion for professions • To explain the conception of rehabilitation and its development and application both internationally and nationally • To critically look at the importance of Corrections system while highlighting the mandated role of the Correctional officer and the duality of the role of balancing security and rehabilitation. The study will contribute on the basis of knowledge in particular regard to Education and Training of Correctional Officers. A model will be developed for South African Correctional Services Systems and predominant focus will be on the performance and education and training of Correctional Officers in South Africa. / Penology / D. Litt. et Phil. (Penology)

Prison gangs are currently rife in South African correctional centres. Correctional officers and fellow offenders are frequently attacked by gang members, facilities are damaged and inmates are injured or killed in fights or during fires in correctional centres. Severe gang violence occurred at the Polls moor and Rustenburg correctional facilities at the end of 2016 and inexperienced correctional officers lacked the expertise to suppress the violence. This state of affairs necessitates further study into the management of prison gangs. Given the above background, this study aimed to examine how correctional facilities can suppress gang activity. The study provides an overview of the history of gangs in South Africa and shows how community gangs spread to prisons. This is followed by a meticulous documentation of the different elements of gang culture by means of observation in an effort to arm future correctional officers with knowledge regarding gangs. The findings of the observation revealed that gangs each have a unique way of greeting, using hand gestures, tattoos and verbal greetings. These communicative acts can be used as part of a strategy to prevent new offenders from becoming involved in gang activity. The observational research was confirmed by means of qualitative research. The experiences of gang members were examined by means of questionnaires to better understand the dynamic. The qualitative study was conducted at four correctional facilities, namely a maximum, medium A and medium B facility and a town youth facility. These different facilities ensured that all age groups were represented. Questionnaires were distributed to offenders who voluntarily consented to participating in the research. The literature study showed that South Africa has good legislature and policies in place, but that they have to be implemented more strictly and that the correctional officers have to be empowered by an increase in human resources and funding. In addition to capacity building, the strategic framework presented as part of the study suggests that supervision of gang members should be sharpened by for instance reconsidering the lay-out of correctional facilities. Gang members should be involved in rehabilitation programmes, which are frequently available, but not implemented. Correctional officers should be trained to manage gang members and legislation and policies should be revised frequently, as criminals tend to adjust their modus operandi continuously. The suggested framework can be of great value to the Department of Correctional Services, as managing gang activity in correctional centres can greatly change the efforts of the department to rehabilitate offenders. / Corrections Management / M. Tech. (Correctional Services Management)

Text in English / This research is aimed at analysing the nature, extent and cause of smuggling at selected Correctional Centres in Gauteng with the aim to provide appropriate strategies to combat smuggling. Smuggling is seen as a chain of command that reflects predisposition of an organised crime. Smuggling in correctional centres is an ongoing concern. Unauthorised items that are smuggled into the correctional centres have an adverse effect into the lives of people and death is an ultimate price. The Department of Correctional Services is also experiencing a severe shortage of officials due to The Seven Days Establishment and the Occupation Specific Dispensation (OSD) policies of Centre- Based and Non-Centre- Based staff. The study shows an increase of smuggling of items such as dangerous weapons, dagga, cellular phones and sim card over a three-year period at the three Correctional Centres. Various recommendations are made to combat smuggling in correctional centres including going back to the basics of proper searching of visitors, offenders, cells and staff when entering the facilities. / Corrections Management / M.Tech. (Correctional Services Management)

The transformation of the Department of Correctional Services into an institution of rehabilitation and the promotion of corrections as a societal responsibility brought a new dimension to the release policy of South Africa. A new Correctional Services Act 111 of 1998 came into effect and the Department of Correctional Services published a White Paper on Corrections during 2005. The idealistic correctional goal of protecting the community while rehabilitating the offender has served as a reason for conducting research into the parole process from a South African perspective. The qualitative aim of the study is to explore parole as a phenomenon and to describe the process involved in successfully reintegrating an offender into the community. The significant role that Correctional Supervision and Parole Boards play in the parole process and the emphasis they place on community safety, the interest of the victim and the rehabilitation and control of offenders as part of their mission statement are highlighted in the study. / Penology / M.A. (Penology)

The transformation of the Department of Correctional Services into an institution of rehabilitation and the promotion of corrections as a societal responsibility brought a new dimension to the release policy of South Africa. A new Correctional Services Act 111 of 1998 came into effect and the Department of Correctional Services published a White Paper on Corrections during 2005. The idealistic correctional goal of protecting the community while rehabilitating the offender has served as a reason for conducting research into the parole process from a South African perspective. The qualitative aim of the study is to explore parole as a phenomenon and to describe the process involved in successfully reintegrating an offender into the community. The significant role that Correctional Supervision and Parole Boards play in the parole process and the emphasis they place on community safety, the interest of the victim and the rehabilitation and control of offenders as part of their mission statement are highlighted in the study. / Penology / M.A. (Penology)