Unit management is a widely adopted strategy in prison systems across the United States. It involves dividing a prison or jail into smaller, self-contained units, each with its own dedicated staff that manages the same inmates daily. This approach aims to promote consistency, routine, and effective management within the correctional facility.
Key Facts
- Purpose: Unit management aims to enhance communication, maintain regularity, empower decision-making at the front-line level, and increase direct supervision and monitoring of offenders.
- Staffing: Each unit is typically staffed by a team that includes a unit manager, a psychologist, one or two case managers, two or three correctional counselors, and custodial officers.
- Multidisciplinary Approach: Unit management teams are typically multidisciplinary, consisting of administrative, security, and counseling staff.
- Supervision: Unit managers have a high level of autonomy, authority, and responsibility. They supervise case managers, correctional counselors, and correctional officers within their unit.
- Policy and Procedure: Unit managers play a leadership role in the correctional institution. They observe and enforce major operational policies and procedures, including those related to security, human resources, and state corrections department guidelines.
- Training and Support: Unit personnel receive initial and ongoing formal training regarding their roles and responsibilities. Unit management audits are conducted at least once a year to ensure effectiveness.
Purpose of Unit Management
The primary purpose of unit management is to enhance communication between staff and inmates, maintain regularity for both employees and inmates, empower decision-making at the front-line level, and increase direct supervision and monitoring of offenders. By creating smaller, more manageable units, unit management fosters a more personalized and efficient approach to inmate management.
Staffing and Structure
Each unit is typically staffed by a team that includes a unit manager, a psychologist, one or two case managers, two or three correctional counselors, and custodial officers. The unit manager serves as the leader of the team and is responsible for overseeing daily operations and supervising team members. Case managers develop and support inmates’ program plans, correctional counselors manage daily living concerns and ensure program delivery, and correctional officers handle security checks, inmate communication, and routine rounds.
Multidisciplinary Approach
Unit management teams are typically multidisciplinary, consisting of administrative, security, and counseling staff. This diverse composition allows for a comprehensive approach to inmate management, addressing various aspects of their needs and rehabilitation.
Supervision and Leadership
Unit managers have a high level of autonomy, authority, and responsibility. They supervise case managers, correctional counselors, and correctional officers within their unit. Unit managers are often referred to as the “mini-wardens” of their respective units due to their significant influence and decision-making power.
Policy and Procedure
Unit managers play a leadership role in the correctional institution. They observe and enforce major operational policies and procedures, including those related to security, human resources, and state corrections department guidelines. Unit managers must adhere to these policies and procedures themselves and ensure their team members do the same.
Training and Support
Unit personnel receive initial and ongoing formal training regarding their roles and responsibilities. This training equips them with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage their units. Additionally, unit management audits are conducted at least once a year to ensure effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.
Conclusion
Unit management is a valuable strategy in prison management that promotes efficiency, effectiveness, and a more personalized approach to inmate care. By dividing prisons into smaller units with dedicated staff, unit management enhances communication, maintains routine, empowers decision-making, and increases supervision and monitoring of offenders.
References
- Levinson, R. B. (1999). Unit Management in Prisons and Jails. Office of Justice Programs.
- Smith, A. W., & Fenton, C. E. (1978). Unit Management in a Penitentiary – Practical Experience. Federal Probation, 42(3), 40-46.
- Role of a Correctional Unit Manager. (2022, July 8). Work – Chron.com. https://work.chron.com/role-correctional-unit-manager-27546.html
FAQs
What is unit management in prisons?
Unit management is a strategy that divides a prison or jail into smaller, self-contained units, each with its own dedicated staff that manages the same inmates daily.
What is the purpose of unit management in prisons?
Unit management aims to enhance communication, maintain regularity, empower decision-making at the front-line level, and increase direct supervision and monitoring of offenders.
How does unit management work in prisons?
Each unit is typically staffed by a team that includes a unit manager, a psychologist, one or two case managers, two or three correctional counselors, and custodial officers. The unit manager supervises the team and oversees daily operations.
What are the benefits of unit management in prisons?
Unit management promotes efficiency, effectiveness, and a more personalized approach to inmate care. It enhances communication, maintains routine, empowers decision-making, and increases supervision and monitoring of offenders.
What are the challenges of unit management in prisons?
One challenge is ensuring that all units are staffed with qualified and experienced personnel. Another challenge is coordinating the activities of the different units to ensure a consistent and effective approach to inmate management.
How is unit management evaluated in prisons?
Unit management is typically evaluated through regular audits and assessments. These evaluations examine the effectiveness of the unit in meeting its goals and objectives, as well as the efficiency and effectiveness of the unit’s operations.
What are some best practices for unit management in prisons?
Some best practices include providing comprehensive training for unit staff, establishing clear policies and procedures, and conducting regular audits and assessments to ensure effectiveness. Additionally, it is important to foster a collaborative and supportive work environment within each unit.