U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government, Department of Justice.

NCJRS Virtual Library

The Virtual Library houses over 235,000 criminal justice resources, including all known OJP works.
Click here to search the NCJRS Virtual Library

Professionalizing Our Jails: The Academic Connection

NCJ Number
182552
Journal
American Jails Volume: 14 Issue: 1 Dated: March/April 2000 Pages: 19-24
Author(s)
Richard G. Kiekbusch
Date Published
2000
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article presents guidelines for the development of mutually beneficial collaboration between colleges and universities and local detention centers.
Abstract
Jail administrators should take it upon themselves to learn about the academic profession, so as to be able to identify beneficial common ground. This involves identifying projects that will improve jail operations and the jail administrator's ability to manage those operations. This can benefit a college or university by helping faculty to satisfy their school's teaching, research, and service expectations. The possession of accurate and timely information will augment a jail manager's ability to competently manage the jail and enhance credibility in staff meetings and budget hearings. Jail managers should make a list of all the operating areas of the jail that require more complete and reliable information. Next, they should contact a nearby university to determine if there is someone available to conduct the needed research. Operations research of this type can be done by faculty, faculty-supervised students, or a team of both. In most cases, it can also be done free of charge. Other areas of jail management in which universities may perform valuable service are program evaluation, the development of "wellness" programs for jail staff, staff training, program auditing, informal consulting, the design and implementation of inmate programs, student internships, guest lectures and adjunct teaching, and job fairs/career days.