Direct Supervision in Correctional Organizations

Direct Supervision in Correctional Organizations

The concept of direct supervision is defined generally as an evidence-based methodology for inmate management which involves"...increased communication and interaction between inmates and staff" (Schriro). In more practical terms, this is a method of supervision whereby the staff is placed in more direct proximity with the inmates. "Direct supervision places the correctional officer's station within the inmate living area, or "pod" as it is often called" (Beck). In this method the inmates can be closely observed through protective windows at a consol or desk. Importantly, there are also microphones and speakers that allow the correctional officers to communicate with the prisoners. (Beck)

The value and efficacy of the direct supervision system is discussed at length in many studies and articles, including a study by Wener (2006) entitled, Effectiveness of the Direct Supervision System of Correctional Design and Management: A Review of the Literature. In this article the author states that since its initiation in 1974, the direct supervision system of correctional management"...has been adopted by hundreds of prisons and jails and accepted as best practice by professional associations and accrediting organizations in corrections" (Wener, 2006). This view reiterates many similar studies which suggest that the direct supervision method of management have distinct advantages over older and more 'distant' methods of inmate management.

A central significance of this system is, in the first instance, that many studies have found that it reduces the incidents of assault in prisons. This is mainly due to the closer proximity between staff and inmates that this system fosters. It has also been recognized that direct supervision increases the potential for problem solving as well as conflict resolution. (Schriro) These important aspects are all helped by the close observation and increased communication between inmate and correctional officer that direct supervision allows. In general it has been found that, "It allocates responsibility with the success of unit operations among staff and inmate commensurate with rank" (Schriro).

Other positive aspects of the direct supervision system are that it has also been found to reduce costs in the prison system in general. (Schriro) However, more importantly, the direct supervision method generally increases communication and observation and therefore allows for a reduction of hostility and conflict that results from communication and surveillance problems between staff and inmates.