ACCREDITATION
WHEREAS, the American Jail Association has consistently supported
the concept of professionalization of jail operations,
WHEREAS, the accreditation of jail operations through the Commission on Accreditation is a significant step in this direction,
WHEREAS, only a small proportion of jails have been accredited;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the American Jail Association urge that all jails become involved in the accreditation process.
Adopted by the American Jail Association Board of Directors on April 29, 1986. Revised May 19, 1993.
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ADULT LOCAL DETENTION FACILITY STANDARDS
WHEREAS, the American Jail Association is representative of
individuals with the responsibility for the management, operation, design,
construction, and maintenance of municipal and county correctional facilities,
and
WHEREAS, the
American Correctional Association has developed the minimum standards for
the design and operations of municipal and county jail facilities, and
WHEREAS, the
American Correctional Association has allowed a process for the preparation
of new Adult Correctional Institutions (ACI) Standards for federal and state
correctional facilities, and
WHEREAS, there are distinct differences
between the management, operation, design, and construction of prisons from
jails, and
WHEREAS, the American Jail Association
believes that a process of developing jail standards with substantial individuals
directly involved in the management, operation, and design of local detention
facilities should be developed;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the American
Jail Association establish a deliberate development
and review process through the American Jail Association Standards Committee,
including seeking resources to support the standards development and review
process.
Adopted by the American Jail Association Board of Directors on May 20, 1990. Revised May 19, 1993.
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AGAINST THE USE OF THE TERM "GUARD"
WHEREAS, such Associations
as the American Jail Association, the National Sheriffs' Association, and
the American Correctional Association have enacted resolutions regarding
the use of inappropriate terms to describe the men and women who supervise
the prisoners in our nation's jails and prisons,
WHEREAS, newspaper
editors and writers for the television media still use the
term "Guard" to describe people employed in local, state, and federal correctional
institutions; therefore we now urge that all jail administrators, correctional
staffs, sheriffs, and other sympathetic people undertake to counter this
practice and individually go on record in writing opposing the use of the
term "Guard". It is suggested that the mail and contact by telephone begin
whenever a journalist, reporter, feature writer, editor, or publisher uses "Guard" in describing the work of correctional
staff and that the terms "Correctional Officer" or "Detention Officer" be
substituted instead.
Adopted by
the American Jail Association Board of Directors on May 1985. Revised
May 19, 1993.
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AIDS
WHEREAS, AIDS is recognized
as a serious health problem, and
WHEREAS, AIDS poses significant and special
problems in a jail setting, and
WHEREAS, it is recognized that health care screening, specific treatment methods, procedures
and education related to AIDS aresubject to
constant change;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the American
Jail Association support the following guidelines and procedures with respect
to AIDS in all jail settings:
- Infection control and health precaution should follow the U.S. Public Health Service/Centers
for Disease Control "universal precaution" infection control procedures.
These guidelines are based on an assumption that no person's blood or body
fluids are safe.
- Training of all sections staff and inmates is a critical, essential
part of the management of health care. Training should be updated with current
knowledge and should be recurring for staff and inmates. Ordinarily, training
should be provided to prisoners upon admission and/or release from custody.
Training should be varied with the opportunity for questions to be asked
by knowledgeable staff.
- Jails should adopt procedures for HIV screening. Such procedures should reflect current public standards and legal constraints.
Procedures may be adopted to pursue effective medical management goals and
to pursue inquiries into management questions about prevalence of the disease
in the population. Confidentiality of results must follow current public
health and legal standards. Ordinarily, disclosure of test results is limited
to those with a need to know, based on medical, legal, and security concerns.
- Referral to
counseling or treatment for patients, and in appropriate circumstances for
those in close relationship to them, is an important part of any AIDS program.
- Management of AIDS requires a policy for housing those inmates
who are symptomatic. Inmates who are HIV positive need not be separated unless
medically indicated or unless there is a security or health threat justification.
Jails should have procedures and practices established to handle risk situations
such as body fluid spills, altercations, CPR, and biting incidents. In addition
to training, these may require special equipment and precise directions for
handling these situations. Adopted by the
American Jail Association Board of Directors on April 30, 1989. Revised
May 19, 1993.
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CODE OF ETHICS FOR JAIL OFFICERS
As an officer employed in a detention/correctional
capacity, I swear (or affirm) to be a good citizen and a credit to my community,
state, and nation at all times. I will abstain from questionable behavior which might bring disrepute
to the agency for which I work, my family, my community, and my associates.
My lifestyle will be above and beyond reproach and I will constantly strive to set
an example of a professional who performs his/her duties according to the laws
of our country, state, and community and the policies and procedures, written
and verbal orders, and regulations of the agency for which I work.
On the job I promise to:
| KEEP |
The institution secure so as to safeguard my community and the
lives of the staff, inmates, and visitors on the premises. |
| WORK |
With each individual firmly and fairly without regard to rank,
status, or condition. |
| MAINTAIN |
A positive demeanor when confronted with stressful situations
of scorn, ridicule, danger, and/or chaos. |
| REPORT |
Either in writing or by word of mouth to the proper authorities
those things which should be reported, and keep silent about
matters which
are to remain confidential according to the laws and rules of
the agency and government. |
| MANAGE |
And supervise the inmates in an evenhanded and courteous manner. |
| REFRAIN |
At all times from becoming personally involved in the lives of
the inmates and their families |
| TREAT |
All visitors to the jail with politeness and respect and do my
utmost to ensure that they observe the jail regulations. |
| TAKE |
Advantage of all education and training opportunities designed
to assist me
to become a more competent officer. |
| COMMUNICATE |
With people in or outside of the jail, whether by phone, written
word, or by word of mouth, in such a way so as not to reflect
in a negative
manner upon my agency. |
| CONTRIBUTE |
To a jail environment which will keep the inmate involved in activities
designed to improve his/her attitude and character |
SUPPORT
|
All activities of a professional nature through membership and
participation that will continue to elevate the status of those who
operate our
nation's jails. Do my best through word and deed to present
an image to the public at large of a jail professional, committed to progress
for an improved and enlightened criminal justice
system. |
The American Jail Association's Board of Directors has approved the AJA Code of Ethics
as part of an integral program to achieve a high standard of professional
conduct among those officers employed in our nation's jails.
Adopted by the American Jail Association Board of Directors on November 10, 1991.
Revised May 19, 1993.
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CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS' WEEK
WHEREAS, one week each May is officially designated as Correctional
Officer's Week,
WHEREAS, the
American Jail Association has always supported the proposition that the men
and women who perform the infinitely difficult task of supervising the nation's
inmates are deserving of this recognition,
WHEREAS, the
American Jail Association recognizes that jail and correctional officers
are professionals equal in status and importance to other professionals in
the effective administration of justice;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the American
Jail Association honor these dedicated professionals who supervise the many
thousands of inmates in our nation's jails and prisons and give special recognition
during Correctional Officers' Week.
Adopted by
the American Jail Association Board of Directors on April 29, 1986.
Revised May 19, 1993.
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DIRECT SUPERVISION JAILS
WHEREAS, it has been
shown that direct supervision jails offer a safe environment for inmates
and staff; and
WHEREAS, direct supervision
jails allow for a proactive rather than a reactive approach to inmate management;
and
WHEREAS, direct supervision
jails are generally economical to build and to operate; and
WHEREAS, direct supervision
is defined as a method of inmate management which ensures continuing direct
contact between inmates and staff by posting an officer(s) inside each housing
unit; and further, a housing unit contains sleeping areas, dayroom space,
all necessary personal hygiene fixtures, and sufficient tables and seats
to accommodate unit capacity; and
WHEREAS, direct supervision
jails are managed in accordance with the Principles of Direct Supervision
(attached);
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the American Jail Association support the
concept of direct supervision in planning, designing, constructing, and managing
jails.
PRINCIPLES OF
DIRECT SUPERVISION
PRINCIPLE
1 --- EFFECTIVE CONTROL
PRINCIPLE
2 --- EFFECTIVE SUPERVISION
PRINCIPLE
3 --- COMPETENT STAFF
PRINCIPLE
4 --- SAFETY OF STAFF AND INMATES
PRINCIPLE
5 --- MANAGEABLE & COST-EFFECTIVE OPERATIONS
PRINCIPLE
6 --- EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATIONS
PRINCIPLE
7 --- CLASSIFICATION & ORIENTATION
PRINCIPLE
8 --- JUSTICE AND FAIRNESS
PRINCIPLE
9 --- OWNERSHIP OF OPERATION
Adopted by
the American Jail Association Board of Directors on November 14, 1992.
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DISCRIMINATION AND SEXUAL HARASSMENT
WHEREAS, there have
been a number of laws, rules, and regulations, at the national state and
local levels against discrimination of individuals on the basis of race,
creed, religion, sex, age, race, disability or national origin; and
WHEREAS, sheriffs, jail administrators,
and jail and detention staff have made conscientious efforts to comply with
both the spirit and the letter of these laws, rules regulations, and written
injunctions; and
WHEREAS, the American Jail Association
(AJA) strongly supports and encourages efforts to educate all jail staff
as to the importance of eliminating discriminatory behavior through training,
education, and written policies and procedures prohibiting such behavior;
and
WHEREAS, the Federal Equal Opportunity
Commission has issued guidelines which define sexual harassment;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT AJA call
upon all jail personnel, administrators, sheriffs, and county and city boards
to condemn and prohibit such conduct/ behavior since it creates an undesirable,
intimidating, hostile, and offensive working environment.
Adopted by
the American Jail Association Board of Directors on November 14, 1992.
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HANDGUN CONTROL
WHEREAS, Americans die
annually in handgun suicides, handgun homicides and handgun accidents, and
WHEREAS, young
children are killed yearly with handguns, and
WHEREAS, the easy availability of handguns
often escalates the seriousness of domestic altercations and also crimes
committed by young people and there by contributed to jail and prison crowding,
and
WHEREAS, homicide, often with a handgun,
is now the leading cause of death among young minority Americans;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the American
Jail Association join with law enforcement and correctional organizations,
including the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the National
Sheriffs' Association, the Fraternal Order of Police, and the American Correctional
Association in calling to tougher handgun control at the federal, state and
local levels.
Adopted by
the American Jail Association Board of Directors on April 30, 1989.
Revised May 19, 1993.
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HOUSING OF INDIVIDUALS WITH MENTAL ILLNESS IN AMERICA'S JAILS
WHEREAS, a report issued by the U.S. Department of Justice (1999) found that approximately 16 percent of our incarcerated population are mentally ill;
WHEREAS, many of the individuals with mental illness who are arrested are/were clients of the mental health system and failed to gain access to effective mental health treatment.
WHEREAS, criminal justice officials are concerned about the increasing percentage of calls for assistance involving untreated/non-medicated mental health clients, and corresponding decreases in available community and state treatment resources.
WHEREAS, court officials, already overwhelmed by crowded dockets, struggle to respond appropriately to defendants with mental illness. Defendants often cycle through the courts repeatedly with the outcome failing to address long-term placement and treatment issues.
WHEREAS, the growing number of inmates with mental illness and the lack of appropriate resources in jails to screen, treat, and properly house these individuals, strain daily jail operations and weaken staff morale. Additionally, the problem compromises the safety of staff and inmates alike, exacerbates crowding, and increases the cost of operating our nation's jails.
WHEREAS, the American Jail Association feels strongly that the jail setting is not the proper therapeutic milieu for effective, long-term treatment of mental illness and it recognizes that steps by state and local governments can improve the response to people with mental illness who come into contact with the criminal justice system;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the American Jail Association urges its members to improve the response to people with mental illness who come into contact with the criminal justice system by developing and promoting programs, policies, and legislation that accomplish the following goals:
- improve collaboration among stakeholders in the criminal justice and mental health systems;
- integrate mental health and substance abuse services to more effectively address the needs of individuals who have co-occurring mental health and substance abuse disorders;
- focus efforts toward providing the mental health system with resources and training regarding the criminal justice system;
- recognize that the solution to this complex problem depends on an effective and accessible community mental health system;
- support efforts to establish mental health courts that would effectively divert non-violent offenders from the criminal justice system into appropriate treatment and/or supporting social services;
AND, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the American Jail Association recommends that Congress and officials from the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services work with state and local government officials across ideological and partisan lines to accomplish the following:
- assist with funding state and local governmental treatment agencies interested in developing solutions to the complex problem of people with mental illness who come in contact with the criminal justice system;
- increase the flexibility of grant programs which enable states to obtain funds for efforts that target individuals with co-occurring disorders who are in contact with the criminal justice system;
- collect information and improve research regarding individuals with mental illness who come into contact with the criminal justice system; and
- facilitate partnerships between criminal justice and mental health agencies and organizations.
Adopted by the American Jail Association Board of Directors on May 3, 2003.
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INTERMEDIATE PUNISHMENTS
WHEREAS, the American
Jail Association (AJA) recognizes the detrimental impact that crowding places
on local jails; and
WHEREAS, many of those who are incarcerated
in jails do not pose a known danger to themselves or to society;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT AJA supports
the expansion of intermediate punishments in states and localities throughout
America for offenders who do not pose a known danger to public safety. AJA
believes that intermediate punishments address real concerns of constituents.
Adopted by
the American Jail Association Board of Directors on November 14, 1992.
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JUVENILES IN JAILS
The housing of juveniles in the nation's
jails has been a problem that jail officials have tried to deal with across
the years with very little success. The American Jail Association, being
the primary voice for the jails of this nation, presents the following:
WHEREAS, juveniles charged with certain
major crimes in most states may be legally housed in jails,
WHEREAS, juveniles certified to stand
trial as an adult in most states may legally be housed in jails,
WHEREAS, according
to law in most states, juveniles must be housed separately from adult inmates
and this may result in costly additional expenditures for staff and training,
WHEREAS, juveniles,
if housed with adult criminals, may fall victim to homosexual rape and other
violence,
WHEREAS, juveniles,
while they may meet the requirements to stand trial as adults, may be found
innocent of the crime,
WHEREAS, juveniles housed in adult jails
may use the experience to escalate their criminal standing with peers when
returned to society,
WHEREAS, the care and legal requirements
of housing juveniles are not a part of an adult jail facility's responsibilities,
and require specially trained staff and specially designed programming which
are not readily available in an adult facility,
WHEREAS, the
American Jail Association is dedicated to the safe, secure and humane care
and treatment of all prisoners in adult jail facilities through constitutionally
managed jails;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the American
Jail Association be opposed in concept to housing juveniles in any jail unless
that facility is specifically designed for juvenile detention and staffed
with specially trained personnel.
Adopted by
the American Jail Association Board of Directors on May 22, 1990. Revised
May 19, 1993.
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LITERACY
WHEREAS, numerous studies
have demonstrated that the literacy rate of offenders is significantly lower
than the population at large,
WHEREAS, literacy is a necessary skill
to both getting and keeping a good job,
WHEREAS, employment has consistently demonstrated
a link to the reduction of criminal recidivism,
WHEREAS, the education of all its citizens
is a fundamental precept on which the United States of America was founded;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the American
Jail Association support the development and operation
of literacy programs in this nation's jails to ensure that illiterates may
avail themselves of this necessary skill.
And be it further
resolved that the American Jail Association support programs which commit
necessary resources toward teaching inmates basic reading and writing skills
through various methods.
Adopted by
the American Jail Association Board of Directors on April 30, 1990.
Revised May 19, 1993.
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MANDATORY SANCTIONS FOR DUI
WHEREAS, there is a
high incidence of death caused by drunk drivers,
WHEREAS, our citizens have made it clear
that the devastation and costs associated with drunk driving will not be
tolerated,
WHEREAS, deterrence
of drunk driving can be achieved through well publicized, mandatory sanctions
for first time and repeat offenders,
WHEREAS, jail
professionals throughout the country have developed specialized programs
and facilities for these offenders, including education and community service
components;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the American
Jail Association go on record as supporting mandatory sanctions accompanied
by a treatment program for offenders convicted of DUI.
Adopted by
the American Jail Association Board of Directors on April 26, 1988.
Revised May 19, 1993.
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MANDATORY INCLUSION OF PUBLIC EMPLOYEES INTO THE NATIONAL SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM
| WHEREAS,
the American Jail Association, Inc., ("AJA") is an organization created to
further the improvement of conditions of confinement of persons detained or
sentenced in American jails; to advance professionalism in corrections; to
provide leadership in the development of professional standards, management
practices, programs and services; and to advance the interests, needs, concerns
and proficiency of the corrections profession as dictated by the association
membership; and,
WHEREAS,
AJA has determined that one or more members of Congress may be considering
legislation for the mandatory inclusion of all public employees into the National
Social Security System, including correctional officers, managers and support
personnel who are currently participating in retirement programs approved
by local and state authorities; and,
WHEREAS,
AJA believes that mandatory inclusion of all public employees, including correctional
officers, managers and support personnel into the national Social Security
System at this point in time or in the future would be contrary to and inconsistent
with amendments to the national Social Security Act as enacted in the 1950's
giving public employers and employees the right and option not to be included
in the national Social Security System; and,
WHEREAS,
AJA finds that current rules, regulations and benefits available to contributors
in the national Social Security System fail to take into consideration the
unique stress and trauma factors associated with the corrections profession
requiring retirement from the profession prior to the effective date benefits
would be available from Social Security; and,
WHEREAS,
AJA finds that additional payroll deductions from the income paid to the public
employees would have a negative impact on the morale of public employees and
public service,
NOW THEREFORE,
BE IT RESOLVED by the Board
of Directors of the American Jail Association that the Association go on
record with other criminal justice organizations and associations in opposition
to any federal legislation that mandates involuntary inclusion of public
employees, including correctional officers, managers and support personnel,
into the national Social Security System, now or in the future.
APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 23rd day of October, 1999 in the City of Hagerstown,
Maryland at a regular meeting of the Board of Directors.
|
NATIONAL ACADEMY OF CORRECTIONS FUNDING
WHEREAS, local funding for correctional officer training
is severely limited,
WHEREAS, the National Institute of Corrections,
through the National Academy, has consistently been a leader in providing
quality training for correctional officers, supervisors, and managers,
WHEREAS, proper training has been proved
to reduce allegations of inmate abuse, litigation, and employee turnover;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the American
Jail Association go on record as recommending to the United States Department
of Justice that funding for the National
Academy of Corrections be maintained at an adequate level to provide training
to local corrections, and concerted efforts be made to continue the quality
and quantity of training provided.
Adopted by
the American Jail Association Board of Directors on April 29, 1986.
Revised May 19, 1993.
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NATIONAL COMMISSION ON CORRECTIONAL HEALTH CARE
WHEREAS, adequate and responsible medical care of prisoners
in jails is one of the foremost responsibilities of a jail, and
WHEREAS, a poorly run or inadequate medical
program creates the most opportunity for liability in a jail, accredited
medical program expedites responsible and medical care of prisoners in a
jail, and
WHEREAS, the
National Commission on Correctional Health Care is an agency
whose only purpose is the accreditation of health care services and programs
in jails and prisons;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the American
Jail Association support the National Commission on
Correction Health Care's efforts to accredit the medical program
in jails through voluntary compliance with NCCHC standards.
Adopted by
the American Jail Association Board of Directors on April 30, 1990.
Revised May 19, 1993.
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PAY PARITY FOR JAIL OFFICERS/ DEPUTIES
WHEREAS, the National Sheriffs' Association study The State
of Our Nation's Jails -1982cited a number
of sheriffs' departments where jail officers/deputies are paid less than
other members of sheriffs' departments, and
WHEREAS, the
disparity between salaries is a contributing factor in job turnover among
jail personnel and helps to defeat the purpose of developing a professionally
trained jail cadre;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the American
Jail Association go on record supporting the position of pay parity for jail
officers/deputies with law enforcement counterparts. (Guideline 039A of the
National Sheriffs' Association Jail Audit Manual - A Systems Approach
to Jail Evaluation reads: "Are salary levels and employee benefits for jail
officers comparable with those for law enforcement officers working in the
same municipality?")
Adopted by
the American Jail Association Board of Directors on April 29, 1986.
Revised May 19, 1993.
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PRIVATIZATION OF JAILS
WHEREAS, jails have traditionally been operated by city,
county, state, or federal officials, and
WHEREAS, jail officials throughout this
country have become more and more professional and proficient in discharging
their duties, and
WHEREAS, responsibility and constitutional
liability of jail operations rest squarely on the shoulders of the officials
in charge of jails and privatization of jails does not relieve officials
of responsibility or liability of private jail operations, and
WHEREAS, private providers often are not held to the same high standard
of public disclosure as is government, thus diminishing the public's ability
to know how their jail is operating,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Board
of Directors of the American Jail Association that the Association
shall go on record as being opposed to privatization of jails, city, county,
state, or federal.
Adopted by
the American Jail Association Board of Directors on November 2, 1996 revising
and reaffirming the Association's original resolution of 1985.
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PSYCHOLOGICAL SCREENING OF APPLICANTS
WHEREAS, psychological screening as part of minimum applicant
standards for law enforcement and corrections positions is being required
by more and more state governments and jail administrations,
WHEREAS, there
will be a continued rise in the prevalence of psychological
screening programs for applicants for law enforcement and corrections positions
as a result of federal and state statutes, directives, court orders, and prudent
jail management policy,
WHEREAS, the failure to require psychological
screening of applicants for law enforcement and correctional positions can
result in serious consequences for jail administration and corrections personnel,
inmates, related agencies and public safety;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the American
Jail Association encourage and support efforts and activities that will require
appropriate psychological screening for law enforcement and correctional
employee applicants in accordance with the provisions of current
federal and sate statutes, case law, and related professional standards and
guidelines.
Adopted by
the American Jail Association Board of Directors on April 29, 1986.
Revised May 19, 1993.
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RESTRAINT ASPHYXIA
WHEREAS, restraint-related deaths, including in custody deaths, usually
involve subjects with one ore more predisposing or debilitating conditions
that could have been the direct cause of their deaths, asphyxia has occurred
in persons restrained in the hogtie position, and
WHEREAS, the hogtie restraint position is dangerous for individuals with
diminished capacity to exert strong respiration or in excitatory states,
and
WHEREAS, there are situations requiring immediate control and restraint
of agitated or aggressive individuals which do not allow for screening of
pre-existing medical conditions or risk factors, and individuals exhibiting
such behavior are more likely to be under the influence of alcohol or other
drugs;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the hogtie or hobble position should be considered risky practice
and avoided.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT in cases where force and restraining have been used, immediate
and continuous monitoring of respiration, oxygenation, and consciousness
is important.
Adopted by
the American Jail Association Board of Directors on April 21, 2001.
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STATE YEARLY JAIL CONFERENCES
WHEREAS, there has been much progress in the past few years
in the development of the jail career as one worthy of professional status,
WHEREAS, there are still areas at the
local level where progress is not encouraged,
WHEREAS, the American Jail Association
encourages
organization of jail staff at the state and local level and the
joint efforts of professional associations;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT we encourage
local Sheriffs' Offices, State and National Sheriffs' Association, State Jail Associations, and AJA State Chapters to
cooperate in the development of statewide jail conferences on at least an
annual basis, and on the development and support of professional training.
Adopted by
the American Jail Association Board of Directors on May 1985.
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STAFF SEXUAL MISCONDUCT
WHEREAS, the American Jail Association has identified staff sexual misconduct as unethical and unprofessional and;
WHEREAS, this conduct threatens the safety and security of the institution, staff, and inmates and;
WHEREAS, inmates and staff have a right to a non-hostile workplace with no inappropriate sexual remarks and;
WHEREAS, sexual misconduct is most often not rape, but a range of behaviors including inappropriate remarks, sexualized name-calling, correspondence, fondling, inappropriate viewing, and sexual contact and;
WHEREAS, staff and inmates cannot engage in consensual sexual relations and;
WHEREAS, not all states have identified this conduct as criminal or have not prohibited this conduct and;
WHEREAS, not all jails have identified or prohibited this conduct and;
WHEREAS, inmates have a right to be free from staff sexual misconduct;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the American Jail Association supports the implementation of policies that prohibit staff sexual misconduct and encourages the passage of laws that identify criminalization of this conduct.
Adopted by the American Jail Association Board of Directors on May 3, 2003.
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STAFFING OF JAILS
WHEREAS, many jails have only one staff person on duty, who
also performs dispatching duties,
WHEREAS, experience
has demonstrated that, while the officer is dispatching, he cannot give proper
attention to supervision of inmates,
WHEREAS, numerous lawsuits stem from this
staffing arrangement;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the American
Jail Association go on record as recommending
to the American Correctional Association that its Standards for Adult Local
Detention Facilities require jails to have a minimum of one jail officer on
duty at all times, whose duties preclude dispatching activities.
Adopted by
the American Jail Association Board of Directors on April 29, 1986.
Revised May 19, 1993.
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STANDARDS AND INSPECTIONS
WHEREAS, there is a disturbing trend among some states in the United States
to eliminate or otherwise diminish the positive impact of state jail inspections
and uniform standards for the operation of county and municipal jails for
the protection of the constitutional rights of inmates and the personal protection
of correctional officers and support staff, and
WHEREAS, the elimination of minimum state standards for the operation
of local jails and state controlled jail inspection programs could result
in the possible loss of professional liability insurance for jail programs, diminution
of jail medical services and food services, potential staff reductions, labor
disputes, concerns over administrative liability, and a substantial increase in constitutional tort liability,
and
WHEREAS, it is well established that most lawsuits are founded on constitutional
issues in states which do not have state-wide mandated jail standards and
inspection programs, but rely on varying forms of self-regulation,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Directors
of the American Jail Association shall go on record in opposition to the
elimination or diminution of existing state standards for the operation of local jails and the inspection
of jails by state authorities.
Adopted by
the American Jail Association Board of Directors on May 1996.
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SUPPORT OF CORRECTIONAL INDUSTRIES
WHEREAS, the American Jail Association (AJA) has been on record for many years in support of correctional industry programs; and,
WHEREAS, AJA recognizes that industry programs provide valuable job skills and an opportunity to instill a sense of work ethic in those who are incarcerated in our nation's jails and prisons; and,
WHEREAS, AJA recognizes that warehousing inmates is detrimental to the well-being of a society and that providing meaningful, productive programs to inmates during incarceration is of tremendous societal benefit; and,
WHEREAS, it is well-known and documented that inmate idleness can result in significant institutional security concerns and correctional industries are meaningful, productive programs that can be used to alleviate such idleness; and,
WHEREAS, correctional industry programs produce viable, quality products and services, which in turn, generate revenues that can be used to offset institutional operating costs that would normally be at the expense of taxpayers;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT, the AJA Board of Directors hereby proclaim AJA's formal support for correctional industry programs.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT, AJA encourage those in demand of products and services to consider correctional industry programs in their options for procurement.
Adopted by the American Jail Association Board of Directors on May 3, 2003. Revised October 25, 2003.
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SUPPORTING THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF CORRECTIONS BUDGET
WHEREAS, the National Institute of Corrections, an agency of the U.S. Department of Justice, was
created by Congress to provide assistance to state and local corrections
nationwide; and
WHEREAS, the
National Institute of Corrections has proven to be an invaluable source of
information, training and technical assistance to the nation's jails and
correctional professionals; and
WHEREAS, the nation's jails, both large
and small, could not hope to meet and maintain the professional standards
of today without the assistance of a national agency such as the National
Institute of Corrections; and
WHEREAS, the delivery of these services
is now more important than ever given the tremendous pressures confronting
the American jails and correctional systems;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the American
Jail Association go on record as strongly opposing any cutback of the National
Institute of Correction's budget or the services it delivers; and
Recommends that a process for funding increases be developed which would increase their budget
proportionately to the increase in the numbers of prisoners being held in
the nation's jails and corrections systems and adjusting for the inflation
factors.
FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED THAT this resolution,
upon adoption, be immediately forwarded to the President, Attorney General,
the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of the United States;
and, that the President and Board of Directors of the American Jail Association
take actions annually as necessary to continue their support for the National
Institute of Corrections.
Adopted by
the American Jail Association Board of Directors on October 23, 1993.
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TOBACCO FREE JAILS
WHEREAS, it has been found that many disabilities such as respiratory diseases, hypertension, cancer, and heart disease may be caused by use of tobacco products, and;
WHEREAS, the United States Surgeon General and National Academy of Sciences scientists have stated that environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), caused by side stream smoke coming off the burning end of cigarettes and exhaled smoke, is as dangerous to the nonsmoking population as it is to smokers because of the substances emitted, and;
WHEREAS, correctional employees are exposed to passive smoke created by inmates, and;
WHEREAS, fire safety is of ever-increasing concern in the correctional environment, and;
WHEREAS, according to Fire Safety in Correctional Facilities, a study by the National Fire Protection Association, 85 percent of fires in correctional institutions were started by use of smoking materials, and;
WHEREAS, smoking contributes to the deterioration of correctional facilities housing inmates by turning walls yellow from nicotine, clogging vents, creating cigarette burns on furnishings, and requiring high costs for maintenance and repair, and;
WHEREAS, nonsmoking employees and prisoners have a right to work and live in a smoke-free environment;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the American Jail Association support the implementation of tobacco free policies in jails.
Adopted by
the American Jail Association Board of Directors on May 20, 1990.
Revised
May 19, 1993.
Revised May 3, 2003.
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