Corrections in general refers to society's handling of persons after their conviction of a criminal offense. The components of the criminal justice system that serves to punish criminal offenders involves the deprivation of life, liberty or property after due process of law (See Fourteenth Amendment.) Sentences given to offenders range from probation to serving time in prison, with intermediate sanctions including sentences to a halfway house or community corrections program, home confinement, and electronic monitoring. Financial penalties may include fines, forfeiture, and restitution.
The basic use of sanctions, which can be either positive (rewarding) or negative (punishment) is the basis of all criminal theory, along with the main goals of social control, and deterrence of deviant behavior.
Many Facilities operating in the United States adhere to particular correctional theories. Although often heavily modified these theories determine the nature of the facilities design and security operations. The two primary theories used today, is the more traditional Remote Supervision and the more contemporary Direct Supervision models. The Remote Supervision Model(RSM) consists of an officer(s) observing the inmate population from a remote position. For example a tower or secure desk area. Direct Supervision Model(DSM) subsequently incorporates the Corrections Officer into the inmate population where they are a more pronounced presence.
Encyclopedia
top
