Corrections: An Introduction

A practical, inside look at the world of corrections.

Corrections: An Introduction, Fourth Edition, provides a practical approach to the world of corrections. The text focuses on what people do in corrections and why, as well as the challenges that face contemporary correctional staff and administrators. This unique approach integrates the author’s practical experience with the theory, history and policy that students need to know. The text demonstrates both the realities of and reasons behind correctional practices at the local, state, and federal levels. Chapters also present case studies, information on careers, and real examples of situations to provide students with an understanding of the practical aspects of working in corrections.

 Richard P. Seiter is a career correctional professional, having worked in prisons and for correctional agencies for more than thirty

years. Following receipt of his Ph.D. in Public Administration from the Ohio State University (OSU), he was a research associate and Assistant Director of the Crime and Delinquency Center at OSU. In 1976, he began a career with the BOP and worked in two federal prisons (the Federal Correctional Institution in Dublin, California, and the U.S. Penitentiary in Leavenworth, Kansas). He was Director of the BOP Staff Training Center in Denver, Colorado, and became the first Chief of the NIC National Academy of Corrections in Boulder, Colorado. He served as warden of two federal prisons (the Federal Prison Camp in Allenwood, Pennsylvania, and the Federal Correctional Institution in Greenville, Illinois). He also served as both Assistant Director for Industries, Education, and Training and Chief Operating Officer of Federal Prison Industries, with sales of over $400 millionper year of prison-made products.

Dr. Seiter was Director of the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction for almost six years. In this position, he was responsible for all Ohio prisons, the parole board and parole supervision, and many community correctional programs.

He managed an annual budget of $400 million and a staff of 8,000, and he oversaw the construction of more than 10,000 prison beds at a cost of $500 million. After retiring from the BOP, he became Professor and Director of Criminal Justice at Saint Louis University (SLU). During this time, he wrote two textbooks, published several articles, and expanded the program and course offerings at SLU.

From 2005 until 2011, he was Executive Vice President of Corrections Corporation of America, the largest private prison company in the United States. In this position, Dr. Seiter oversaw the operation of the sixth largest prison system in the country, with 63 prisons, 17,000 staff members, and 75,000 inmates.