Chapter Activities

These lively and stimulating ideas for use in and out of class reinforce active learning. The activities apply to individual or group projects.

4-1:  Describe the evolution of jails.

1.Documentation:  In groups of 2-4, document the evolution of jails up to today’s modern jail facility. Include a timeline, geographical notes, and gradual changes.
2.Writing:  How does today’s jail reflect the evolution of gaols from the Middle Ages? Reflect in 500-800 words.

4-2:  Compare issues for large metropolitan jails to those for small rural jails.

1.Practicum:  In groups of 3-5, outline 2-3 distinct challenges for rural jails, 2-3 distinct challenges for metropolitan jails, and 2-3 overlapping challenges that both face. Propose potential solutions or areas for reform for these challenges. Present to the class
2.Writing:  How can podular direct-supervision jails and other innovations in jail operations address challenges faced by modern jails? Discuss the opportunities and challenges presented by these options in 800-1000 words.

4-3:  Compare the differences between jails as short-term institutions and jails as long-term institutions.

1.Debate:  In groups of 4-6, debate the reasons for and against for-profit jail contracts. Each side should consider perspectives from law enforcement agencies, the general public, and families of inmates, as well as the philosophical and moral reasoning behind corrections.
2.Writing:  Imagine you have been serving a sentence inside a state prison and you are abruptly told that you will be relocated to a jail across the country. Reflect on how this would affect you. Consider visits from your family, ties to your community, opportunities for rehabilitation, and your relationship with the criminal justice system. Discuss in 1200-1500 words.

4-4:  Discuss the state and challenges of health care in jails.

1.Practicum:  In groups of 3-5, propose 3-5 potential measures that could improve health care in jails. Write from the perspective of a Sheriff or jail administrator, and consider the specific challenges of health care outlined in the text and how proposed reforms could be executed. Present to the class.
2.Writing:  In 800-1000 words, discuss what health care challenges exist in jails, how the persist, and how jailers and administrators can take precaution to prevent the spread of illness.

4-5:  Discuss challenges with jail staff, staff motivation, and training.

1.Role-playing:  In groups of 4-6, create 3 scenarios of potential training practicums for jailers. Discuss how such training would be useful. Present to the class.
2.Writing:  Imagine you have recently become employed at your local jail. What are you main hopes and concerns for your position? What training would you expect and need? Discuss in 800-1000 words.  

4-6:  Identify special types of sentencing options in jails.

1.Documentation:  Outline the special types of jail sentences described in the chapter, and the challenges and opportunities within each. Discuss when such sentences would be appropriate and when they would not.
2.Writing:  Imagine you are a judge prepared to issue a sentence to a non-violent drug offender. What factors would you consider when deciding their sentence? Which, if any, specialized jail sentences would you issue and why?

4-7:  Identify special needs inmates within the jail environment.

1.Practicum:  In groups of 4-6, imagine you are a team of jail administrators. Design a staff plan to address the various special issues within jail. Consider specific training, budgeting, and other factors that would influence this plan. Present to the class
Writing:  What do the special issues within jail reveal about the overlap of the criminal justice system, mental health issues, and poverty? Why should correctional officers be aware of this overlap and how can they address it? Discuss in 1000-1200 words.