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International Prison Policy Development Instrument

NCJ Number
193881
Date Published
2001
Length
402 pages
Annotation
This International Prison Policy Development Instrument manual, designed to assist countries, especially developing countries, in their development and review of prison policies. It provides the basis for correctional policy development in major corrections areas.
Abstract
For the effective and efficient governance of any correctional jurisdiction, it is essential it have a sound policy framework. The policies must be based on the rule of law and be respectful of other international, regional, and national standards for corrections. In addition, the policies must be open and accessible to staff, offenders, and the public. This instrument manual is a compilation of standards and policies from several national and international sources. It was developed as a tool for those countries developing and/or reviewing prison policies. The instrument manual is recognized as being of more value to developing countries. It is divided into six sections providing a basis for correctional policy development and includes: (1) administration; (2) case management; (3) inmates rights; (4) security; (5) health; and (6) discipline. Each policy section is divided into two parts. Part one draws attention to applicable U.N. and other international standards and part two provides proposed policy for each area. The manual could be used for developing a new set of prison policies, as well as for conducting a review of existing policy or performing policy revisions. Following this instrument manual is an additional manual for a strategic framework, serving to guide developments in the field of corrections and aid correctional organizations in defining their role with the criminal justice system. The strategic framework involves explaining what is corrections, defining the meaning of effectiveness in corrections, explaining what corrections could realistically achieve, and expressing the values vital to corrections.