Iowa Department of Corrections: Institutions and Programs

Introduction to Correctional Institutions

Correctional institutions have improved in quality and condition over the years. What started out as dungeons and sewers in ancient Rome has evolved considerably. In the 1980s, prison overcrowding became a widely recognized problem and was also challenged as a violation of the Eighth Amendment, which forbids cruel and unusual punishment (Carter & Glaser, 1977, p. 1). Research conducted by Paulus, Cox, and McCain found that increased crowding causes both mental and physical harm to inmates. The Iowa Department of Corrections works to protect the public, its workers, and offenders by enforcing punishment while avoiding cruel treatment. All correctional measures applied to offenders are carried out under proper supervision to ensure that their safety is not compromised.

Community-Based Corrections in Iowa

Community-based corrections are an alternative means of punishing offenders without sending them to jail. The Iowa Department of Corrections is distinct from other state systems because it does not oversee offenders who have been assigned alternative forms of punishment by the courts. To supervise these alternative punishments, the Community-Based Correctional program administers a range of interventions (Hudik, Adkins, Wilson, Stageberge & Moore, 2001). The primary goal of community-based corrections is to improve the social behavior of offenders by creating an environment in which they can become contributing members of society and avoid future criminal activity. This approach is also applied when a person repeats an offense while on probation. Even though a residential facility is not a jail, placement in one results from persistent reoffending. The major goal of community-based corrections is to target the attitudes, values, and beliefs of offenders. Many offenders want to live a better life rather than remain incarcerated, and these programs provide positive role models and behavioral guidance (Lyon, 2004). While the programs involve a degree of compulsion, their approach is considered fair and firm. In addition to addressing psychological well-being, these programs aim to prevent the recurrence of criminal behavior (Lyon, 2004).

The Residential Facilities Program began in 1972 and has grown significantly since its founding. It functions essentially as a rehabilitation center that houses different groups of offenders. The largest group served by this program is probationers; in 2000, probationers made up 49.4% of facility residents (Hudik, 2001). The facilities operate under strict rules and regulations. Visitors are searched before entry and may be penalized if illegal substances are found. Residents' rooms are tested for substances, and the residents themselves are tested regularly (Hudik, 2001). Other major programs within community-based corrections include probation and parole, in which the community supervises the offender directly. Residential Supervision places the offender in a structured living environment where specialized treatment is provided. Day Programming teaches crucial life skills throughout the course of the day. Drug Court combines treatment, rehabilitation, and punishment. The Youthful Offender Program is designed specifically for individuals between 16 and 21 years old who have been found guilty for the first time. These individuals receive substance abuse treatment where needed and are taught important practical skills (Lyon, 2004).

A study was carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of the Residential Facilities Program. Conducted by Hudik and colleagues in 2001, the study examined residential facilities for offenders across different judicial districts over a defined period of time. More than one-third of the study population had prior arrests and had been convicted of other crimes before the current offense. In general, this form of correctional measure was applied to those with recurring felonies and misdemeanors (Hudik, 2001). At the conclusion of the study, it was found that nearly three out of four residents successfully completed their designated period in the program (Hudik, 2001). During their stay, offenders were required to follow strict rules, seek employment, and abstain from illegal activities. Given that most residents were not subsequently re-sentenced or returned to jail, this form of correctional intervention can be considered largely successful.

Residential Facilities and Program Effectiveness

As of the offender count of July 1, 2011, there were a total of 8,004 women offenders in Iowa. Of these, 7,317 were located in community-based corrections and the other 687 were housed in prison. There were a total of 29,881 male offenders at the same time. Of that number, 21,790 males were present in community-based corrections and the remaining 8,091 were in prison (Iowa DOC, 2011 Annual Report).

The Dual Diagnosis Offender Program was also initiated in Iowa and studied thoroughly to assess its broader community impact. Its primary objective was to help offenders learn to function within a tightly regulated environment. This environment was designed to stabilize offenders mentally and free them from dependence on drugs or alcohol (Craig, 2004). The outcome of the study revealed that after six years from the program's start, 179 offenders had completed it successfully. The compliance rate was 62%, indicating that meaningful improvement was achievable.