Corrections: An Introduction

This book examines corrections from an academic view and from those who are at the center of the system. It includes correctional history and theory, yet concentrates on what professionals do, why they do it, and the challenges they face every day. Unique integration of the author’s experience sets the tone for this real-world approach and chapter case studies, career features, and personal interviews reinforce the theme. Now available with an accompanying DVD, the book shows readers how corrections theory and research are put into practice and helps them experience the world of corrections from the inside. Fully updated to include more information on: Juvenile corrections; Civil commitments for dangerous sexual predators; Prison rape elimination; Updates to court decisions regarding corrections. Offer personal accounts from correctional administrators, correctional officers, and inmates and reinforces the realistic, practical approach of the book.  Highlights real-life situations faced by clients and corrections professionals every day.  Gives readers an authoritative, first-hand look at the real world of corrections. Builds on the author’s experience as a warden, administrator, director and trainer.  For individuals and taxpayers interested in today's criminal justice system, and an understanding of how programs operate and how much they cost.

Richard P. Seiter has twenty-five years of experience as a correctional administrator. He worked in two Federal Bureau of Prisons institutions (the Federal Correctional Institution in Pleasanton, California, and the U.S. Penitentiary in Leavenworth, Kansas), served as warden of two others (the Federal Prison Camp in Allenwood, Pennsylvania, and the Federal Correctional Institution in Greenville, Illinois), and was both Assistant Director for Industries, Education, and Training and Chief Operating Officer of Federal Prison Industries.

 

Dr. Seiter was Director of the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, responsible for an annual budget of $400 million, twenty prisons, 8,000 staff members, and 30,000 inmates. He also oversaw the construction of 12 new state prisons at a cost of more than $500 million.

 

Dr. Seiter was the first Superintendent of the National Academy of Corrections and is currently director of the Criminal Justice Program at Saint Louis University.