Before the mid-1960's the authority of staff was clear and total prison life was regimented. Serious discussion about prisoners' rights did not exist, because no interest was taken in prisoners beyond meeting their basic physical needs. Gradual but radical change began with the 1968 appointment of Walter McGeechan as commissioner. McGeechan focused on rehabilitating prisoners and introduced programs like work release, day leave, psychological services, skill-based industries, and broader educational programs. However, prison officers did not change their attitudes. The resulting gap between prisoners' expectations and staff attitudes produced major inmate unrest. Inmates' burning of a prison in 1974 produced an investigation and led to further radical change. Physical conditions improved, and inmate programs expanded. However, the role of prison guards remained poorly defined, and staff remained disillusioned. Thus, over the past 20 years the prisoner's status has been redefined, but the role of prison officers has not undergone a parallel development. This situation has persisted even with the focus on alternatives to imprisonment in recent years. Prison management would probably be much less difficult than it now is if development of a new management model had accompanied the changes in prisoners' rights. Such a model is now needed. It should clearly outline the interaction between staff and inmates and should describe the mode of interaction, preferably the use of unit management principles.