CRIM 1250 - Introduction to Corrections

Credit Hours: 3.00

Objectives:

1. Define the definition, mission, and role of corrections.
2. Explain the organization and basic functions of state prisons.
3. Explain how the correctional funnel functions and diverts most offenders into alternatives to incarceration.
4. Summarize the history of probation.
5. Describe how probation can be revoked.
6. Summarize the organizational structure of prisons.
7. Describe various jobs and functions of prison staff including the general challenges and issues corrections officers face.
8. Summarize security and custody functions within a correctional facility.

Outcome 2: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to analyze community-based corrections.

Objectives:

1. Outline the development of the prison.
2. Describe prison development from the reformatory era to the modern era.
3. Summarize sentencing goals and primary punishment philosophies.
4. Describe the role of prosecutional plea bargaining.
5. Explain how diversion is used to keep offenders out of the corrections system.
6. Explain restitution programs, intensive supervised probation, and community service programs.
7. Explain the goals and operations of community correction facilities as well as issues associated with them.
8. Explain goals and operations of boot camps as well as issues associated with them.
9. Summarize various treatment programs within a prison, including prison labor.
10. Explain how parole is granted and the role of the parole board.
11. Summarize the role of parole officer.

Outcome 3: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to explain the role of correctional facilities and the populations of those incarcerated in these facilities.

Objectives:

1. Compare and contrast the Pennsylvania and Auburn systems.
2. Describe why the Auburn system became the dominant prison design.
3. Explain the basic history of gang development and gang differences.
4. Summarize the threat of prison gangs within prison and after release from confinement.
5. Explain the role and control in coping with security threat groups.
6. Explain how inmate needs are identified.
7. Describe characteristics of jail inmates.
8. Outline the history of parole.
9. Outline the development of the state prison system.
10. Summarize the characteristics, trends, and issues of the adult prison population.
11. Describe the history of private-sector involvement in corrections.
12. Define appeals by convicted offenders.
13. Describe effects of judicial decrees.
14. Describe the legislative effort to reduce the level of appeals by inmates. 
15. Summarize trends in the adult male prison population.
16. Describe what might be done to reduce functional illiteracy among prison inmates.
17. Define the consequences of prisonization.
18. Describe the issues, challenges, and barriers faced by female inmates.
19. Draw appropriate conclusions concerning the use of community corrections for female offenders .
20. Outline the development of the juvenile justice system.
21. Define how juveniles may be transferred to adult court and describe issues regarding juvenile offenders in adult criminal courts.

Outcome 4: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to summarize special issues that face correctional professionals.

Objectives:

1. Summarize early responses to crime prior to the development of prisons.
2. Define sentencing goals from 1800 to present.
3. Summarize different types of sentencing decisions.
4. Describe methods for controlling inmate behavior.
5. Summarize the appeal process.
6. Explain how prison programs and the vocational model can lessen recidivism.
7. Summarize design and supervisory options in jails.
8. Summarize pretrial services and other alternatives to jail incarceration.
9. Identify five controversies surrounding private-sector prison providers.
10. Compare and contrast gatekeepers and rainmakers.
11. Outline the history of the death penalty in the nation and legal provisions for it.
12. Describe forms of execution.
13. Compare and contrast costs of the death penalty and a sentence of life without parole. 
14. Describe the prisoner reentry process and summarize issues associated with prisoners reentering the community, including the stigma parolees face.

• Communication: The graduate can communicate effectively for the intended purpose and audience.
• Critical Thinking: The graduate can make informed decisions after analyzing information or evidence related to the issue.
• Global Literacy: The graduate can analyze human behavior or experiences through cultural, social, political, or economic perspectives.
• Information Literacy: The graduate can responsibly use information gathered from a variety of formats in order to complete a task.
• Quantitative Reasoning: The graduate can apply quantitative methods or evidence to solve problems or make judgments.
• Scientific Literacy: The graduate can produce or interpret scientific information presented in a variety of formats.

1. Sentencing; The purpose of corrections and history
   1. History: Roman, Middle Ages, early America
   2. Early use of corporal and capital punishment
   3. Modern sentencing goals, laws, and theories
   4. Modern use of the death penalty
2. Probation; Parole; Community corrections
   1. Pre-sentence investigation
   2. Officer’s role in court
   3. Classification and probation orders
   4. Accountability of probationer/violations
   5. Court cases involving probation and parole
   6. Boot camps
   7. Paroling authority
   8. Purpose and problems of parole system
   9. Community corrections and new technology
3. Prisons; Jails; Life inside prison
   1. Jails: design, history, problems
   2. Prison designs and eras in America
   3. Problems: overcrowding, security levels, classification of prisoners, cost factors
   4. Federal, state, and juvenile prisons
   5. Prison life for men, women, and juveniles
   6. Prison conditions and riots
   7. Court cases involving inmate rights
4. The future of corrections; Ethics; Careers in corrections
   1. Privatization of corrections
   2. Need for change in system and society
   3. Ethics for corrections’ professionals
   4. Career opportunities and education required