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Abstract
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VioLit summary:
OBJECTIVE:
The purpose of this article by Waldron was to present an overview of the New York States Butler Shock Incarceration Correctional Facility, a boot camp-style prison for young first-time felons.
METHODOLOGY:
A non-experimental design was employed using the authors observations and personal experience.
FINDINGS/DISCUSSION:
The study found that Butler facility has had 88 percent of its inmates complete the six-month term at the camp. It was explained that the inmates, first time felons between the ages of 16 and 29, win parole after the boot camp regardless of the length of the sentence they received. Many inmates reported that they were glad to have a second chance. The study found that a majority of the inmates came from New York City and about 90% have dealt or used drugs. At the camp the inmates found a very disciplined environment and structured schedule beginning every day at 5:30 am. It was shown that the inmates day includes activities such as calisthenics, military drilling, drug counseling, studying, and rules such as: "Tell the truth with compassion." The research stated that the inmates work outside of the camp on various jobs for four days a week and attend classes one day a week. Butler, it was reported, does not permit newspapers, televisions, or radios. The study found that inmates have 8 minutes to finish meals and no talking is allowed. The inmates face drill instructors who scream at them, commands to stand at attention, and rules which require inmates to ask permission to speak. In addition, the author stated that inmates call themselves "this inmate." It was argued that punishments are seen as learning experiences. One inmate commented that difficult tasks and punishments were okay because he was learning the tools to manage stress and to keep control of his attitude. One group of inmates was punished for reminiscing about New York City, swearing, and talking about the good old days. The camp superintendent explained that the camp breaks down the inmates and then builds them back up. He added that everything done at the camp is done for a purpose. It was also found that the men attend a nightly Network meeting, an encounter group focusing on change, where they discuss their problems and receive feedback and advice from their peers. The author presented the views of various inmates who felt positively about the camp. One felt more focused, another believed the program had made him want to change. The study concluded with a look at the graduation ceremonies at the end of the six month term. The men wear white shirts and brown ties that are presents from the state of New York. While proudly performing their precise marching patterns, one family member in the audience laughed as it was an unusual and odd sight to see former drug dealers in such a situation. The inmates had mixed emotions at the conclusion of the experience, including apprehension of what was ahead of them, pride for their accomplishments and personal changes, and appreciation for a second chance.
(CSPV Abstract - Copyright © 1992-2007 by the Center for the Study and Prevention of Violence, Institute of Behavioral Science, Regents of the University of Colorado)
New York
Shock Incarceration
Boot Camp
Correctional Institution Intervention
Correctional Institution Treatment
Correctional Institution Program
Offender Treatment
Juvenile Treatment
Juvenile Inmate
Juvenile Offender
Criminal Justice System
Adult Inmate
Adult Treatment
Adult Offender
Intervention Program
Treatment Program
Offender Perceptions
Adult Perceptions
Juvenile Perceptions
Program Effectiveness
03-05 |