
- Support correctional leaders and staff in fulfilling their role in providing safe and secure facilities
- Demonstrate the importance of having a cohesive inmate management strategy to effectively manage inmate behavior
- Assist correctional agencies in integrating SIM as an operational philosophy; ingraining SIM in the organizational culture
- Build organizational capacity to sustain the integration of SIM throughout all levels of the organization
Foundation for SIM
Direct Supervision
Direct supervision combines two key elements—the physical design of a jail and an inmate management strategy—to significantly reduce the problem inmate behavior commonly seen in jails. Direct supervision jails focus on actively managing inmate behavior to produce a jail that is safe and secure for inmates, staff, and visitors.
Staff interact continuously with inmates in the housing units, actively supervising them to identify problems in their early stages. They use basic management techniques to prevent negative behavior and encourage positive behavior. Staff assume control of the jail and establish a professional supervisory relationship with inmates. There are no barriers separating staff and inmates in the housing units.
The physical design of the jail supports the management of inmate behavior by reducing physical barriers that impede staff/inmate interaction, by insuring there are clear sight lines into all areas of the housing units, and by incorporating design elements, fixtures, and furnishings that promote positive inmate behavior.
Inmate Behavior Management
Managing inmate behavior is the core function of jails. Historically, jails have emphasized the physical containment of inmates over actively supervising them and managing their behavior. This has resulted in problems commonly associated with jails, such as violence, vandalism, and unsanitary conditions. These problems create dangerous conditions for both staff and inmates and can be costly for taxpayers. To address this issue, the National Institute of Corrections developed training programs, technical assistance, and information to help jails better manage inmates.
For More Information or Assistance:
Please follow this link for technical assistance opportunities: Technical assistance