Correctional Standards for Washington State Dept. of Corrections

Correctional Standards for Washington State Dept. of Corrections

Cheryl L. Gilbert-Hurley

Colorado Technical University

Phase 3 Individual Project

Professor Alexander

June 9, 2013

Abstract

In this paper, the performance-based standards, intended goal and purpose of the Washington Corrections Center, thus objectives, compliance practices and requirements for Washington Dept. of Corrections (2009). Requirements set forth by the American Correctional Association (ACA, 2004) applied in the chosen correctional institution. Creating and enacting a new accreditation plan for the Washington Corrections Center, thus applying factors, standards and policies. Thus desired conditions to be achieved, requirements to be fulfilled and overcoming challenges for the Washington Corrections Center. The subject matter will be summarized, studied, implemented and applied in the following fully defined.

1. Scope and Purpose: Performance-Based Practices and Standards

The intended goal and purpose of the American Correctional Association (2004) is to ensure correctional facilities are safe, humane and protecting inmates constitutional rights under provisions set forth by the American Correctional Association (ACA). The Washington State Dept. of Corrections (2009) based practices is accredited by the American Correctional Association, thus detention standards, policies and requirements are followed, practiced and enforced. Washington State Dept. of Corrections is accountable to standard performance criteria that can be measured across the system, thus enforcing guidelines and rules (Harrison & Beck, 2005).

2. Safety Compliance: Performance-Based Practices and Standards

The Washington Corrections Center houses 1,268 offenders (DOC); the correctional facility does provide a safe environment for the staff, inmates, volunteers, contractors and the community. Thus expected practices requirements are as follows; compliance with the American Correctional Association (2004) Washington State Legislative (1995), Washington State Dept. of Corrections (2009) and the U.S. Constitution, otherwise known the Bill of Rights. Safety compliance and standards of the Washington Corrections Center include; 1) ensuring the safety of the community, staff, inmates, volunteers and contractors by protecting the public and institutional safety, 2) preventing risk, physical injury or death to both staff and inmates, 3) providing security such as, preventing personal injury or death of staff and inmates, 4) transporting inmates by vehicle, preventing illnesses from spreading in the facility, 5) non-violation of the institutions legal duty to protect and inmate care, 6) preventing loss of valuable employees due to risk events such as, risking the safety of other staff and inmates, incompliance with safety policies and requirements, 7) preventing the facility from lawsuits such as, visitors for physical injuries and resulting expenses for legal counsel, court fees and increases insurance premiums, 8) providing a safe work environment for correctional staff, 9) staff following safety measures, standards, rules and regulations, 10) enforcing safety rules regarding usage and storage of chemicals such as, proper usage, proper storage, proper handling, proper training and correct methods of disposing toxic chemicals, 11) preventing fire and explosions such as, sources of ignition, insufficient equipment that may cause a fire, an explosion, defective equipment, faulty wiring and devices, 12) adequate training for staff in fire evacuation, explosion, emergency response, threats or acts of terrorism, 13) sanitation such as, weekly sanitation checks, preventing contaminated water and food, vermin, pests and failure to wash hands, 14) preventing lack of medical segregation, 15) health and safety protocol in the use of universal precautions, 16) safety policies in vehicle use in inmate transportation such as, security, vehicles are maintained and repaired, 17) ensuring safety of the general facility such as, compliance codes, temperature, noise level, humidity, hygiene policies, practices and health codes, 18) sufficient furnishings and equipment, 19) ensuring facility cleanliness, free from pests, insects, vermin, 20) preventing crowding such as, housing more than one of inmate in a single cell and 21) compliances with laws, rules and regulations with OSHA regulations (Logan, 1993). Safety compliance standards for Washington Dept. of Corrections (2009); therefore by enforcing safety measures, polices, rules and regulations are safeguarding the staff, inmates, contractors, outside visitors and community.

3. Security Compliance: Performance Based-Practices and Standards

Throughout history of the United States criminal justice system there has been inmates that have attempted or escaped out of correctional institutions; therefore it's very crucial to enforce security compliances, standards and regulations to ensure the staff, inmates and community is secure. The safety compliance practiced and enforced by the Washington Dept. of Corrections (2009) and the American Correctional Association (2004) are as follows; 1) ensuring the safety of staff, inmates, visitors, community and contractors, 2) preventing acts of terrorism, 3) refraining and preventing visitors sneaking in contrabands or weapons, 3) preventing inmate attacks, inmate suicide and inmate vandalism such as, destroying or damaging property, 4) preventing outside attacks by inmates friends, family or gang members, 5) preventing destruction and damage to the correctional facilities reputation, 6) ensuring its security capabilities are updated, routine maintenance, adequate facilities physical design, construction and securing all areas of the correctional institution, 7) technical support 24/7, 8) communication equipment such as, camera's, locking devices and housing inmates into the correct classification system, 9) adequate training for staff, 10) adequate staffing levels and staff behaviors in order to maintain, control and contain