i j : o ^ av;j.u;.tiü:: u f iiî.*: RciCRr.nriOK
iiiOGK/. , i;, SXURIIT
inSTITUTICNG OF OHIO
DIOO^rtTnTION rresented in Partial r'ulfilln.ent
of the Degree
Doctor of Fhilosof^y
Ry
Howard Haurer, B*A,, M.A.,
1955
The Ohio State Universitv
Approved by:
vo ; {■' TO LOIS» TOM, DICK AND BOB
Who## inspiration and sacrifie#
mad# possibl# th# ccapl#tioa
of this «ox4c*
11 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The writer le Indebted to many persons for the successful prep aration of this dissertation. Dr. Delbert Oberteuffer first gave encouragement to go ahead with the project. The adviser. Dr. Willard
P. Ashbrook gave freely of his time and experience. Dr. Bruce Bennett offered many helpful suggestions In the preparation of this manuscript.
Warden Ralph W. Alvls of Ohio Penitentiary and Superintendent R. B.
Eckle of London Prison F a m made It possible for the writer to person ally obtain first hand information behind prison walls. Recreation Directors William Beer and G. B* Leonard of the same Institutions were very helpful and cooperative. President C. C. Stoughton and Dean
Wendell Nystrom of Wittenberg College provided substantial encourage ment iriien it was sorely needed. Dr. S. Don McCullough who preceded the writer as Recreation Director at Ohio Penitentiary introduced him to prison jargon and routine. Ihis dissertation could not have been completed without the constant encouragement of his wife Lois M.
Maurer vho typed most of the work. Although many persons have directly or Indirectly helped toward the completion of this project any errors or omissions are the responsibility of the writer.
Springfield, Ohio
June 7, 1955*
ill T m L. V. C^. 1
. ar-t I INTX Z'UCTIü»; T:' T I . 2
Definition of ter.Linolo^]^ ...... 7 1 ne Litato -ent of ti.o roblem ...... 17 Procotiorea anc; soiree-, of ...... 19 rioM tile Jei\/ .u/ictionod...... 21 ^uTjai.r.,’ ...... 2 ? j II A.'LTi.ci jr 2 é
■ hat fcctor- be J :d/cd . 2J , ^ y 8^1.0.' ciioeri^ for eval :. : in-. jIIoso; rV' ..... 'JU . u^^üütco crit rii for ev .luatirn, , erworr.ul ...... 3b ,.v iluatin, ; ti.t: recreation i ro;:rao...... 3 , bvaluatin,.- f^ ciliti ;i< in tiie recreation ; re^rae. .... 43 -valuatin ; ootccnea of - riooi, recreation 'ro :ra . . . 4 ;. o r i art I I ......
v-f* *. -•» T T ^T -M* ’j W 1 : ’ ^1 "> T ■ :>valuatit:,,; th call :sof :v d u l /I of thn f. o,{rai: at Ohio ' enitentiar} ...... 36 1 ar;,:estob criteria for evaluating porjonnc'i ...... 3 b Criteria for ovaluatin • the recreation pro--:ra...... 93 Criteria Tor Keaanrin,': the worth of recreit,i.,n-.1 i'acilitioe ...... Ihh hvaluatin. the outoo'.ieh of t:orison rccrcatlo; .«ro■_:raai in Ohio enlteijtiar,.' ...... lb3 Gonversiori of tnc T .ctor totals ...... 1 7 4 numiaary of b.u involvso in Part IIl ..... 1 7 6 . n'' • » ' * r '* * t** » ' *j .' »• I f 1 S k l w ‘éw * j i\ A ^ ^ ^ ^ - *M I V(\ I T/n* Vo «ni ^ iiiv1 1' . I' 1 ., kJ .?k ,1 1 ^ nvaluatiiir the philoso. each of the pco::ra .it London 'rison Farm ...... 1 8 1 Cvaluatin* t.ie recreation personnel ...... 2 Ch Jud,:in:’, tin. recreation pro;*ra:a ...... 2 1 4 Criteria Tor Juplri: the wortn of recrej;tionil i'acLlitioa !'■ ..olectod Oliio prisons ...... -35 hvaluatin tiie outco.iet of the prison recroatio i : ruf^raia in London rison 'ar.n ...... 2 3 4 Conversion of the totals throu/l. a proportion ..... 2 7 7 ..umioar^, of the fin‘inj.s involved in hart I\ ...... 2 7 3 ! art V hVALCAilhh T ih KIN'! 1 4 :4 .- ‘:.0 ,hCi;.o .2 h,,.7 i . / . n ...... 2 3 6 eneral background to evaluation of thn st id...... 2 s7 r Indin.jc an. rec onmend#t ions ...... 2 ; 1 iv LI3T Or' CH.u^TS CH.-it'l PAGE I Showing the Maiximuiij Totals Possible for iSach of the Five Factors Evaluated in iliis S t u d y ...... 54 II Showing nandom selection of Recreational Purchases at Ohio Penitentiary...... 64 III Ilie Recreation Crew at CSiio Penitentiary with Job Assignments ...... 73 IV Showing the Cause of Separations from the Recreation Crew of Larch, 1 9 5 3 ...... F4 V A Profile Chart resulting from Outcomes Evaluations Related to Philosophy ...... 85 vi A Profile of the Criteria evaluated in Judging the Recreation otaff in chlo Penitentiary ...... 99 'VII Showing vd^at Activities 926 Inmates selected during 25 days of Recreation activity in the Gymnasium, June 30» 1953 through July 30, 1953 . . . • 104 VII3 Chart Showing Number of Inmates Using Field Recreation and Intramurals at Ohio renitentiary . . , 107 IX Chart Showing Field rtecreation and Intramural Selections made by 9720 Ohio Penitentiary In mates during ,eeks of June 13, 1953 - July 13, 1953 . . 116 A A Profile Chart Showing Criteria Evaluations in Judging Recreation Program at Ohio Penitentiary ...... 123 XI Showing Number and Kind of Severe injuries Occurring during Field Recreation at Ohio Peniten tiary in Months of May, June, July, August, 1953 . . . 131 XII A Idrofile Chart Showing Criteria Evaluations in Judging the Facilities in Ohio Penitentiary ...... 143 XIII Comparative Statistics Showing the Number of Men Paroled in all Ohio Prisons and the Number of Declared Paroled Violators at Large ...... 157 XIV Boxing Company Injuries from June 10, 1953 to August 15, 1953 ...... 166 XV A Profile Chart Showing the Criteria ilvaluations in Judging Outcoiaes of the Prison Recreation Program in Ohio Penitentiary...... 173 XVI Chart Showing the '.ork V.eek Hour Distribution of the Recreation Director at London Prison F a r m ...... * ...... 196 XVII Chart Showing Injaate Recreation Staff, Their Job Assignment and the Length of Service at Their Present Job, at London Prison F a r m ...... 201 kVIII A Profile Chart Showing the Criteria Evaluations in Judging the Philosophy Behind the Recreation Program at London Prison F a r m ...... 202 XIX A Profile of the Criteria Evaluated In Judging Recreation Personnel in London Prison Farm ...... 213 XX Chart Shov/ing Inmate Gymnasi’um Activity during a Typical Afternoon Recreation Period at London Prison Farm ...... 218 XXI Chart Showing the Average Daily Nu.mber of Inmates Using the Recreation Facilities at londan Prison F a r m ...... 232 XXII A Profile Chart Showing the Criteria Evaluations in Judging the Recreation Program at London Prison F a r m ...... 23A XXIII A Profile Chart Showing the Criteria Evaluations in Judging the Facilities in London Prison Farm . , . 253 XXIV Chart Shovâng Huiaber of Inmates at London Prison Farm and the Percentage of Escapees on a Given Dat e ...... 256 XXV Chart Showing the Number of Parolees from London Prison Farm during a 2A Month Period ...... 263 XXVI A Profile Chart Showing th*> Criteria Evaluations in Judging Outcomes of the Prison Recreation Program in London Prison F a r m ...... 276 XXVII How 152 Inmates Rated Ohio Penitentiary Services . . . 313 vi LIST OF ILLUSTIUTIONS IIXIJSTFAIIUL’S PAGE I At-iiletics, Intramurals, Required Physical Education friangle ...... 15 II Order from the Office of Deputy arden ...... ••• 61 III Personnel Rating from the Deputy .arden*s O f f i c e ...... 81 IV Letter Showing Interdepartmental Cooperation ...... 91 V Space Devoted to Various nctivities in the Gymnasi urn ...... 128 VI Reproduction of a Prison Court Order Concerning Recreation Privileges...... 146 VII Facsimile of the Supervisor's Report Used at London Prison Farm ...... 206 VIII Drawing showing Proposed New Recreation Field at London Prison F a r m ...... 221 IX Drawing showing space Allotment in the Gymnasium at London Prison F a r m ...... 239 vii LIüT OF PLATES PLATES PAGE I Scene at the Start of a Special Recreation Program at Ohio Penitentiary, July 1953 ...... 5 II Picture Showing Administrative Heads and Recreation Heads at Ohio Penitentiary, July, 1953 ...... 10 III Picture Showing Part of the Inmate Recreation Crew at Ohio Penitentiary, 1953 ...... 31 IV High Up on a Perch P o l e ...... U2 V Novice Tumblers Take Part in Labor Day Program at Olio Penitentiary, 1 9 5 A ...... 62 VI kir. F. A. Coghlan, Recreation Supervisor at Ohio Penitentiary with Some of the Inmate Recreation Crew in 1 9 3 A ...... 96 VII A Scene Showing Part of the Labor Day Program, Ohio Penitentiary, 1954 ...... 115 VIII Part of the Ohio Penitentiary Inmate Recreation Crew .'/ho V/orked with the A'riter During 1952-1953 ...... 140 IX Dr. Eckstorm, Presents a Trof^y to Mr. G.D, Leonard, Recreation Director at Ohio Penitentiary ...... 226 X London Farmer Softball Team of 1954 ...... 290 XI Trampoline Act on Apparatus Made b_. the Inmates ...... 301 XII Art Behind Prison Vails ...... 311 vlli PART I INTRODUCTION TO THE PROBLEM Part I Introduction to the Problem Tw#nty-four riots have exploded In American prisons within twenty- four months. Radio, newspapers, magazines and television have made practically everyone aware of the seriousness of such disorders. Such riots provide concrete evidence that something is tragically wrong with the penal programs in this country. Overcrowding, for example, is one condition which forces idleness upon large numbers of inmates. Most prison officials hate enforced idleness among the inmates in their care. Large numbers of idle men are potentiaüLly dangerous. Personal interview by the writer with all of the administrative heads of Chio prisons has confirmed this viewpoint. The American Prison Association has been very concerned with the conditions in prison ehich seem to contribute to the many riots. This group of penologists has listed seven fundamental factors connected with riot causes. These are* 1. Inadequate financial support 2. Substandard personnel 3. Enforced idleness 4. Excessive size 5. Overcrowding 6. Political domination of prison management 7. Unwise sentencing and parole 1 ^ Austin MaeConaick, "Behind Those Prison Riots," Readers Digest. Dec., 1953* pp. 97-101. 2 Any program such as rscrsation which aims to help correct these situations must be geared to serve large numbers of instates. Sound programs must take into consideration not only the factors listed here, but the various physical and mental differences of the inmate popula tion. Likewise, recreation directors must fit their program to the various individual prison routines. Sons prison officials are convinced that organised recreation pro grams provide an effective antidote to the wave of unrest that is well ing up in American prisons. Others believe that providing recreation for inmates is a sign of being soft. The truth is that offering a good recreation program for prisoners is a sign of being intelligent. This seems to be especially true if it is believed that society has an ob ligation to rehabilitate prisoners so that they may become useful citisens. If recreation is good for the health and welfare of people outside of prison walls — then it should be useful to those inside prison walls. Some prison administrators have the courage of their convictions. They have done more than talk about the good they see in organized re creation. They have acted to provide leadership, finances and pro grams in a sincere effort to help inmates under their charge. The writer was supervisor of recreation in Ohio Penitentiary at the time of the October 31, 1952 riot* This was one of the last of the major prison explosions during the 24 month period ending in June, 1953. This prison resembled an armed camp for several weeks following th# blow-ap» Vftill# «nashad lock# and wracked cell block# were being repaired, the main gymnaeium was used a# a temporary dormitory. Rec reation was at a comq)lete standatiU* Warden Alvi# even then was marking time until he could give the "go ahead" order for continuing recreation in this the third largest prison in the United States. The writer was advised that the program would be resuamd as soon as conditions permitted. With the population at large definitely clamoring for more machine guns and hi^er walls Warden Alvls was one man who believed in the positive worth of organ ized recreation in his institution. Some four months after the riot, recreation was quietly resumed on a modest scale. It was gradually expanded to the point where two thousand inmates were allowed to watch a July 4th boxing, wrestling and gyxmnastic show in the prison court yard. The writer was present when the two thousand men were given the signal to break rank after they had been brouÿit from the cell blocks. The program lasted about 1 hour and 45 minutes. The inmates had free run of the inner court. Not one incident ocoured. The sten returned to their cdlls in an orderly fashion. This was S months after the riot which cost one life and nearly one million dollars damage. For Labor Day, 1953, the writer helped to organize an even larger program which was seen by twice the number of inmates in the same open court yard. The men ware called out in two separate groups at differ, ent times to see the duplicated show. Everyone who was not in special security cells was allowed to see this program. Again, no serious trouble resulted. Obos «ipain in the holiday aaaaon the annual Chrlatmaa Show warn prodaaod and ahoan to practically ovary Inmate In the Inatltotlon, Ihla program had to bo run aevaral time# becauae of the seating capac ity of the audltorlma* For the third time within little more than one year the Inmate body conducted Itself In a highly satisfactory manner. È FLATS I Scene at the Start of a Special Recreation Progrsm at Ohio Penitentiary, July U, 1953. Ohio P#alt#ntimry Rul«a and Ragulatlona contain the following In- fonution pertaining to recreation: All eligible inaatea are allowed the privi lege to aaaaable in the yard for recreation dur ing the Sunner montha. Proper conduct on your part w i n inaure continuance of thla privilege. Once a week the working companiea will have recreation period, either the entire morning or the entire afternoon. ^ Other priaon adkinia tra tor a rate recreation programa for priaonera aa a valuable part of their all-over priaon routine. A very recent, authoritative atudy Aimiahea aueh evidence. Seventyniine out of 107 penal officiala rate recreation aa a leading aaaet in the priaon pro gram under their direction. 3 Thua we find that inaatea within ««mtH bbii aecurity inatitutiona in Ohio and elaewhere have aome opportunity to take part in recreation programa. Such programs give added weight to the claim that in well or ganised and auperviaed recreation ia to be found part of the anawer to the mhortcominga of all over priaon programa currently functioning. The man in the street is not so certain that recreation for inmates ia a good thing. His idea of aecurity la defined in tenaa of higher and thicker walla, tougher guards and more riot guns. Indeed, a con siderable number of priaon guards and a few admini a trators from the old school think along these same lines. ^ Ralph W. Alvia, Bales and Regulations Qcveming Inmates at Ohio Penitentiary. Columbus, Ohio, 1948, p. 31. ^ S. Don McCullough, Recitation in a MaiMmm Security Priaon. Doctor of Philosophy Dissertation, The Ohio Staie University, Columbus, Ohio, 1952, p. 145. Such r#a#oning runs somathlng like thla — "Recreation for criml- nals? Don't be allly, It'a wasting too much money — besides, there Is too much pampering now. Kid glove methods won't do any good In dealing with such persons. You have to be rough and tough If you want to whip this prison situation. These men don't know what they want# It'a Im possible to satisfy their whims." You may have heard these or similar statements across the backyard fence, on the street or over the air. The banker, the baker and candle stick maker may be uninformed but he Is talkative. He really thinks he knows the answers but the truth Is — he Is wrong. Definition of termlnolomv. Let us see what Is meant when such terms as "physical education" "recreation" Is used. These terms are often the cause of confusion on the part of laymen and uninformed Institutional personnel. Physical education implies that the program is an activity program through idjlch educational objectives are gained. It Is education throu^ the physical. Educational alms are reached by travelling over more than one road. One of the ways in which an Individual learns to meet his fellow men Is throu^ the medium of a planned physical educe- tlon program. Oie wldelywused formal definition of physical education ctate# that physical education Is the sum of man's physical activities, ■elected as to kind and conducted as to outcomes. 4 Jesse F. Williams, and Clifford L. Brownell, Tha «^*.4 n4 stration of Health and Physical Education. W. B. Saunders Co., Philadelphia, 1951, p. 10. Phymlc&l Education aim# at educational ob.lectlvea. The activity program alma at many of the same educational objec tives as any other part of the educational experience. What are some of these objectives? In the definition above we may think of the term out comes in the same sense as objectives* It is Dr. Willard P. Ashbrook who reminds us that we who are In the field of physical education are educating the individual through the medium of such things aa athletics, rhythms, tumbling and like activities* Dr. J. B. Nash is credited with much of the same thinking related to ultimate or remote objectives which may be gained through physical education* Through active participation the individual and the group moves toward the following objectives: 1. Health knowledge, attitudes and habits 2* Social efficiency 3* Cultural efficiency 4* Economic efficiency 5 Physical Education involves planning and instruction* It will surprise many persons to le am that physical educaticm, properly conducted involves regular class instruction* The class room in this case may be the gymnasium, swimming pool, ball field or trampo line. The understanding teacher in this field, as any other, utilizes the laws of learning. He should be able to communicate with his class in a manner which they can understand. This suggests the necessity of ^ Willard P. Ashbrook, Class Lecture, Physical Education 625, The Ohio State University, February 9, 1953* demonstration as well as description. There will be some opportunity for the individual to select some of his own activities. Yet we must not be so naive as to practice 100 percent free play when we talk about physical education. The result would be 100 percent confusion and turmoil. The participant in the well run physical education program should be able to find some activities geared to his interests. The thoughtful teacher will take into consideration the present status of the partici pant. At what level of skill does he perform? What is his physical condition? How old is he? What does he like to do? What are desirable social objectives within the range of the individual and the group? How does he react to class responsibility? Is there planned progression which really brings the student toward his optimum? These are some of the factors which are indicated when we think about physical education and those who teach it. It should be noted here that technical excel lence is one of the by-products of the physical education program. The ability of the individual tofunction better in society is the basic idea. This is true for high school and college students. It is also true for inmates behind prison walls. Recreation is closely related to physical education: One of the chief differences between recreation and physical edu cation is that in the former not as much organized class instruction is involved. More free selection is allowed in recreation. There is more informality in recreation as we know it and less formal class instruc tion. This is not to saythat in recreation the leader never utilizes 10 PLATB II Pictur# Showing th* Ad*inl#tr*tiv* Heads and Recreation Heads at Ghio Penitentiary* July* 1953. Left to right! Capt. L.B. Haugh* Recreation Director; the writer; Mr. R*W. Airis* Warden; Dr. E. Don McCullough, Department of Corrections; Mr. S.L. Maxwell* Deputy Warden. 11 inatructlon periods. Art, music, drams and handicraft skills are considered part of recreation. So are the individual and team sports. These activities may be very active or very quiet in nature. Such a list is discussed by the author of a recent book dealing with recreation. This source describes a core program for recreation. The more highly organized and directed ac tivities to which the bulk of the leader* s time and efforts are located may be thought of as the core program, since they represent a c entrai body of materials, with a specific time for each shown on the daily schedule, around vdiich other phases of the program are built. Chief among the activities in the core pro gram are the following: athletics music dramatics nature recreation group games special programs handicraft relays ® Uany thoughtful persons see the need for providing recreation in prisons Just as they do for people outside institutional walls. Recreation provides an antidote to complex living. Recreation should be an integrated and planned part of more penal programs than at present. Lodem life is becoming increasingly con^>lex with faster and faster tempos of living. Time schedules, production quotas, requirements of all kinds in offices, schools and factories exact a toll which is exemplified in the increasing numbers of mental break downs and physical deficiencies. William C. benninger, the noted psychi— ^ Howard G, Danford, Recreation In the American Community, Harpers, New York, 1953, p, 172. 12 atrlmt, ha# «aid that ■«ntal ill health has b«coa# th# nation’s nunbar on# health problssi. He points ont the close connection between delin- qusncj, erlae and nental health* How inch understsnding is there that this is ttsnalljÿ if not always, a problem of mental health? What scientific understanding of human behavior is evident in your law courts, in the management of prisoners, in the programs of the reform schools and the rehabilitation efforts of the penitentiary? If it is true that a cosqilex mechanised society is helping to in crease mental illness outside prison walls, how about the conditions inside penal institutions? Inadequate finances, poorly trained staffs, desperate overcrowding and forced idleness surely create pressures which make life very difficult for the prisoner in an already restricted en vironment* Is it not logical to provide recreation programs «here ten sions are great? The prisoner who can forget some of his trouble through organised play is more apt to adjust himself to prison demands* Howard Brauoher, long time leader in the National Recreation Association, used to state that recreation is that activity which you do because you want to do it* The recreation program is closely tied up with individual urges and drives for self-expression, accosqplisb- ment, recogiition, team play and fun* Because a man or woman is «Fear ing prison dress does not lessen the possibilities for doing good. In a world where compulsions and ruhes are too often the order of the day ^ William C. Mennlnger, Mental Health. National Association for Mental Health, Inc., New Toxic, 1951. 13 the r#er#*ti@n progtam #v#ry*h#r# haa unlimltad poaalblXitlaa for pro- th# T#hlol# #h#r#bj th# Individual may battar ftmotico. It i# ^ B» Naah idio ranlada u# that rooraatioa ihould b# synonomoua Tilth r»*cr#a^on» ® Iteara do## athlatlea fit Into th# program? Athlatlea rafara both to Individual and taam «porta. Many panal Inatitutiona hava aoftball and baakatball taama idileh «Mat outalda taama. Such aqu«wia jnlght ba comparad alth tha ao-c«üLlad varalty taama In aehoola and coUagaa. It would rapraaant tha top-parformanca laval In that apart and uaually raqulraa ragular practioa and Intanalva coach ing, Marlon, Ohio Panltentlary, London Priaon Pam, Manaflald Bafoma* tory and tha Padaral Priaon at ChllUeotha ara aoma of tha Ohio Panal Inatitutiona whara taama hava mora than bald thalr own with outalda taama, Whan thinking about athlatlea In aueh tanma It ahould ba no tad that participation at tha v«uralty taam laval provldaa for only tha aklllad, Varalty compati tlon ahould ba tha a pax of a wall—roundad program which provldaa for tha laurgar aiasa of laaa aklllad playara. Athlatlea for taami within tha confina# of tha Inatltutlon alma at broad participation by avaryona. Thla la eloaaly ralatad to that part of a broad program callad Intramural athlatlea, Whlla aehadulaa, apaea, aqulpmant and aoma Inatructlon ara nacaaaary In tha Intramural program tha laval of play ia balow tha all-atar cl«uaa, Thla may wall ba tha o Jay B. Naah, Organiaatlon and A*^<*<«^mtio«i of Plavarounda. Now York, A. S. Bamaa Co7, I w , p. 7. 14 h#mrt of th# institutional rscroation program aiming, aa it doaa, to* mard 100 paroant participation. Whan tha inatitutional athlatic program irtiich ia auppoaad to ba gaarad to tha largo maaaas makaa tha miataka of axeluding tha laaa akiUad and concantrataa tha major part of laadarahip, apaca and fi* nancaa for tha vary fa* than tha ground work ia laid for troubla. Ovar* organisation of intramural programa in both high aehoola and coUagaa maraly magnify thoaa aama a ora apota oonnactad with varalty athlatlea. 9 Skillad athlatic taama rapraaant only ona phaaa of tha racraation pro gram. not tha antira program; Athlatic actlvitiaa idiich land thamaalvaa wall to participation by larga numbara of man and woman might includa tha following: 1. baaaball 6. paddla tannia 11. wraatling 2. baakatball 7. awimming 12. track, field 3. touch football S. handball 13. gymnaatica 4. aoftball 9. wai^t lifting 5. horaaahoaa 10. boxing Whila thia ia a auggeatad liat only, it providm# for participation by tha young and old, tha vary activa and tha phyaioal mlafita. Tha accant la on participation. Tha following iUuatration haa baan uaad on tha lactura platform many timaa by Dr. William L. Hughaa, Diractor of Phyaim cal Education at Tampla Univaraity. It alma to show tha ralationahip batwaan varalty athlatlea, intramural athlatlea and raquirad phyaioal ^ Howard S. llaurar, "What ia Happening to Intramural Programa," Tha Proaraaaiva Phvaical Educator. Dac, 1947, p. 6. 15 education cia####. Illu#tration I Ath letic! Intranmral# recreation Required phy#ic«j) educaticxi program Experience ha# #hoim that for beat reault# in penal inatitutiona the emphaaia should be on arranging for programa where the Inaatea will have a choice of activities with reatrictiona liadted only by safety and aecurity factors. Rhat are aojae common problems? ICany of the probleau listed earlier aa the basis for present priaon riots might well be given aa pussies to be solved by recreation supervi sors everywhere. The enj^aaia may be different if we wish to compare penal institutions with outside agencies. Yet, the fundamental ideas are very similar. Over-crowding ties in closely with space and scheduling headaches for the man who tries to plan for recreation. Adequate financing is too often a myth. Proper equipment is hard to get. £jq>ansion of the physi cal plant is all but impossible in a situation such as Ohio Penitentiary located as it is in the heart of Columbus, Ohio and bounded by public 16 #tr#etm, factor!*» and railroad#. London Priaon F a m i# much battar aitmatad aa far aa adaquata apaca goaa. Propar eooanuiieation lines with tha public ara nacasaary to aducata and infom cititana ahat tha aima and objactivaa of priaon racraation programa ara. Lagialaturea raflact much of tha coaanon attitude as it pertains to prison administration and program. Dr. Don McCullough» Supervisor of Education and Racraation for panal institutions in Ohio is ona of tha most expert public relations s&an in tha racraation field. His racraation programs ware always wall publicised and thia was a vital factor in tha expansion of tha racraation prograo. and facilities at Ohio Penitentiary. How many of us know of any physical aducation-racraation programa staffed with too suüiy competent instructors and auparvisora? This is an eternal battle ahich tha axacutiva heads, in schools, collages or public inatitutiona must fight. Since wages ara low and working conditions often undaairabla in priaon inatitutiona, this remains and will continue to remain a difficult pussla for those who ara intaraatad in recreation al programs. Thia turns us toward another perennial question — finances. Tha priaon ateiniatrator is particularly on the spot whan ha advocates s k - pendituraa laballad "recreation** for prisoners. The public ia largely uninformed but it ia vociferous. Outsiders just don't comprehend what tha connection is batwaan priaon life and a racraation-phyaieal aduca^ tion program. It requires much intestinal fortitude for priaon heads to fi^t for funds which will ba uaad for recreation. Tha psychology behind the public pressure against providing racram- 17 tion for erlslnale may be stanieé up with a quotation from the director of the Federal Bureau of Priaona^ Mr. Jamea V. Bennett, "And ao the old idea of vindictive puniahmant cornea into thia picture. The whole thing ia a ajatem of paradoxea. On the one hand, priaona are expected to pun- iah and punish rigoroualy; and, on the other hand, they are expected to refont." ^ Need we go any farther in our efforta to convince thinking peraona that Btany of the baaic problems connected with a sound, functional recreation program are essentially the same in maximim security insti tutions as in outside agencies, private or public? The statement of the problem. It ia the purpose of thia study to make an evaluation of the out comes of the physical eduoation-reereation programs for inmates in ma»* imam security institutions for Ohio. Most Institutions have had some kind of program functioning for at least twenty years. Little has been said about the quality of such programs. It is timely that a study be made in Ohio's maximum and medium security prisons so that proper planning may be effected for current and future recreational prograaw. The following news item furnishes very good evidence to support the claim that we need to know more about the proper place for recrea tion and physical education in such institutions. More information is needed about the personnel and program needed to fit the facilities mentioned in the following quotation# Jamea V. Bennett, "Nhat ia mrong with American Priaona," Univer sity of Chicaao Round Table. No. 777, February, 1953, p. B. la An appropriation of $27$,000.00 to rebuild tha prison laundry ia the only item for Isqprore* ment of the prison itself. The laundry was de stroyed in the $500,000*00 riot and fire at the prison Halloween nig^t. However the rest of the $500,000*00 will be used to expand faoilities at other state penal institutions to relieve crowded conditions at the Columbus prison. The program also includes $5,000,000*00 to eoq>and the present building program at Marion Training School to house 1500 instead of 750 persons; $625,000*00 to purchase the Marion School site from the Federal Government, which now leases it to the state; $725,000.00 for facilities for 350 more at London Prison Farm; $175,000*00 for eopanded facilities at Roseville Prison; $1,400,000*00 for a new building to relieve conditions at Lima State Hospital for criminal insane and $250,000*00 to eaqpand facilities at Lebanon Honor Camp for 100 additional prisoners* il This emergency appropriation indicates that official wheels in the State of Oiio are slowly turning toward the dawn of a new day in prison administration. Is it not pertinent to know in viiat direction this new part of the program should be directed? Where should the $8,500,000.00 be spent so that the greatest good will come to the great est numbers? Most penal administrators do not agree that the fortress like penitentiary will be done away with in the near future. At the same time, these men and professional sociologists vdio are closely con nected with penology state very bluntly that for the larger percentage of inmates the answer is not to be found in thicker and hi^er walls but in improved programs for classification, parole and rehabilitation* Does the inadequacy of the present programs not indicate that some new er emphasis is in order? Or should officials continue to blunder along ^ "Prison Expansion Vote Due Tuesday," Columbus. Ohio. Citisen. p. 1*, Jan. 7, 1953. 19 pr#a#nt patha which too oftan wind up in a daad and allay? Precadoraa and aourcaa of matarlal. Tha matarlal in thia atudy la baaad upon tha following* 1. Paraonal axpariancaa as racraatlon auperviaor for a twalva month period. Thia included tha planning and praaanting of apacial holiday program# for inmataa at % i o Penitentiary. 2. Collecting of data auch as paraonal ehoicaa of gymnaaium activitiaa and fl^d actiritiaa. Thia involved a pot cheeks by tha writer and hia recreation guards over a five weak span of time. Injury Uata ware collected which showed the type of injury and the causa. At London Prison Farm thia information was aaeurad from the recreation director. 3. Paraonal interview with many inmates in tha course of su pervision of the recreation program. Any inmate could write a request, called a RKite," asking for a Job on the recreation crew. The writer helped with many interviews aimed at keeping the recreation crew supplied with Inmate workers. 4. Periodic interviews with the warden and deputy warden. 5. Close contact with the director of the pre-release pro gram. The writer was ask to talk to many groups of inmates who were due for parole. The proper kinds of recreation and where to find it were always stressed. 6. Personal interviews with chief administrative head# of Ohio'# m#3dmum security institutions. 7. Nrsonal visitation and inspection of London Prison Farm. 20 ' Periodic Tisita were made over a period of a year for the purpose of obtaining information about the recreation program. 8. Letters were written to 10 nationally and internationally known penologists plus an outstanding layman. Answers were received from every one. Facsimiles of these letters are found in the appendix of this study. The purpose was to obtain their ideas concerning prison recreation. 9. Advice and guidance from a jury composed of the following men* a. Dr. Delbert Oberteuffer b. Dr. Willard Ashbrook c. Dr. Wilbur Batchelor d. Dr. Don McCullough e. Dr. Walter C. Reckless Dr. Oberteuffer and Dr. Ashbrook are professors of physical edu cation, The (Xiio State University, Columbus, (Xiio. Dr. Walter C. Reckless and Dr. Wilbur Batchelor are professors in the Social Administra tion Department. Dr. E. Don McCullough is Director of Special and Voca tional Education and Recreation, State Welfare Department for Chio. Thepurpose of the Jury was to help formulate the list ofquestions which would be used in the initial interviews with administrative heads of the five penal institutions. The initial interview was supposed to be very informal and the in formation was to be gained in an indirect manner. Very little writing was done during the Interview with each administrative head idiich ranged from fifteen minutes at Marysville to forty-five minutes or fifty minutes 21 • at Eansflald Reformatory, Ohio Penitentiary and London Prieon Farm. In each came a vieit waa immediately made to inspect facilities, observe the program and direct detailed questions to recreational directors. These tours lasted from two to three hours in each institution. Hhat information did the .iurr believe should be gained in theinitial interview with administrative heads of selected Ohio prisons? Here is a list of the questions which were judged pertinent by the four professors and director named above: 1. ftiat are the apparent results of your recreation program? 2. Tfho is designated to run the program? Khat is his title? 3. What can the inmate take part in? 4* How much of the program is inmate conducted? 5. Are any outside services included in the program? 6. What hours at night, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays are given over to recreation? 7. What amount of recreation funds are for personnel, for services, for ouiterials, and maintenance? 6. Do you have as much to wortc with as you'd like? What do you need? 9. Who helps to run the recreation program? 10. Is a specified budget provided for the recreation de partment and is it so labelled? How the jury functioned. The writer initially asked each of the members serving on the jury idiether he would serve in this capacity of evaluating the questions idiieh 22- would provide the information of most value in this study. These men suggested changes in the original list proposed by the writer. In one instance two questions were consolidated into one because of similarity. In another question it was broadened so that more precise evidence could be gained by the Interviewer. The final check list which evolved after the five interviews with each of the jury members represented a synthesis of expert opinion from the standpoint of: a. Professional administrators of physical education and recreation. b. Professors of physical education at the graduate and undergraduate level. c. Social adninistration. d. Supervisory experience in penal institutions. State Welfare Department. e. Gymnasium and play field directors in maximum secur ity institutions. The initial Interview is an appraisal procedure. The interview technique is one accepted method for gaining infor mation that is otherwise difficult to get. In the first place, everyone does not have easy access to prisons. The recent nation-wide outbreak of riots has resulted in titter security practices. Outsiders find in^ creasing difficulty in properly collecting and assaying facts in the tense environment produced in part by the riots. In this respect, the fact that the writer was on the professional 23' staff at Ohio Psnltentl&ry and had prsrioualy mat aoms of the administra- tlve heads aided in gaining their confidence and friendship. One authoi>> Ity statest By means of the interview it la possible to secure many data that cannot be obtained through the leas personal procedures of distributing a reply blank. People generally do not care to put confidential information in writing; they may want to see who is getting the information and receive guarantees as to how it will be used; they need the stimulation of personal contacts in order to be "drawn out," — the interview enables the wozicer to follow up leads and take advantage of small clues; in complex material where the development is likely to proceed in any direction, no prepared instrument can perform the task. Again, the interview permits the in terviewer to gain an impression of the person sho is giving the facts, to form soaie judgment of the truth in the facts, and to "read between the lines," things that are not said. ^ Summary. Twenty-four major riots within twenty-four months provide evidence that something is wrong with prison programs idiich are supposed to be helping the inmates of penal institutions. Recreation programs properly planned and conducted may provide a valuable part in the all-over penal programs. Some administrators believe in the worth of recreation in the re habilitation of prisoners. Many people outside of the institutional walls are uninfomed about the potential worth of recreation in penal programs. To this extent many are prejudiced against anything in a prison which would be called recreation. ^^arter Good, A. S. Barr, Douglas Scales, Methodology of Educational Research. T). Appleton-Century Co., 19Ü., p. 37Ô. 24' Ohio pen&l inatitutions piwrld# •pportunity for participation in racraatlon program*. "Ria program* are varied. Thor* 1* conaldarabla argument regarding tha worth of *uch program* on tha part of prlaon *taff membar*. Ckia causa of trouble 1* the misunderstanding about terms, such as racraatlon, physical education and athletics. All three are Inters related. All should be provided for the large number of Inmates who represent all levels of skill and potential. This means a program de signed for the dub as well as the skilled. The public should be well Informed about the alsis and objectives of prison progrsBLS. Adequate finances, personnel and facilities are needed to expedite penal recreation. We need to know what outcomes are resulting from recreation pro grams already functioning so that better planning will follow. Experience as the recreation si^ervlsor at Ohio Penitentiary served as one basis for the planning and writing of this dissertation. Personal interviews and visitations likewise were used to gather evi dence for this report. Questionnaires and personal correspondence were utilised while a jury of experts in the field Initially furnished the springboard from which this study developed. 2 5 PART II itaXHOD OF ATTACK Part II Method of Attack In order to appraise the various factors which comprise Ohio's prison recreation programs it was necessary to use a measuring device# Criteria had to be found which permitted effective measurements and evaluation# It tots McCall who established the premise that anything which ex ists, exists in some amount# If it exists in some amount then it should be measurable, The obvious problem in this study was to find a system which would actually do the job. kost authorities in evaluation state that the following criteria are important in the choice of tests: 1# Validity# Does the test measure what it is supposed to measure? A yardstick is a valid instrument for measuring the height and width of an office desk# It is entirely unsuited for determining the tes^rature of the weather. For exanç>le. Brace used three criteria for validating his tests# a# Judgment ratings on a large group of boys and girls# b. Scores on a variety of athletic events. c. A coogaariaon of scores of athletic team members with those of a large group of pupils of which they were a part# 13 2# Reliability# Is the test consistent? Does it produce constant results? This has to do with the accuracy of the test itself. The average of twenty broad jus^ attempts is a more reliable index to a David K# Brace, Measuring Motor Ability, A# £• Barnes, & Co#, New York, 1927. p.16 26 2 7 eont«atant ' a ability in tliia a kill than the reaulta of a a ingle juxq). 3* Objectivity. Doea the teat produce the aame or nearly the aame résulta regardless of whom adminiaters it? It ia iaçoaaible to eliminate the human element entirely. A atandard stop watch must be started, stopped and interpreted by the person holding it. Hegard- leaa, a atop watch ia a comparatively objective instrument. Someone has said that every high school in the United States has a ten second runner — until a stop watch is used. It is coldly objective. 4. iüconomy of space, time and money. These factors are impor tant because auch teats ordinarily are used in large numbers of cases. Two exaiqplea of tests which fulfill the criterion of econojqy are: a. The Carlson Fatigue Teat. All that is required to run thia test ia a atop watch, a piece of paper and pencil for each person to be checked and a aisqale graph upon which ia recorded the pulse rate at stated intervals after ten ten-second innings of stationary running. This teat can be run in a gymnasium or an open field with little ex pense of any kind, dome time and practice is necésaary for each con testant to acquire the skill needed for pulse counting. b. The McCloy Teat of kotor Educability in which large numbers of students may be paired off and results of some twenty skills recorded on a small piece of paper. The instructor demonstrates and describes how each stunt shall be rated. 5* Noraw. Thia criterion is useful in comparing test results with other scores which have been made. If norma are available inter pretation and meaning are owde possible since the individual ia coa^ pared to the field. The results of many hundred-yard dashes show that 23 the college man mho rune thia distance in nine and one-half seconds ia in a very aelect class. As far as this skill goes he is in near world- record speed, 14 Few Appraisals have been made in Ohio. The method which was used in this study to appraise Ohio's prison recreation programs had not been utilized in making prior surveys or studies. Research related to evaluation of prison recreation programs was very limited. Since this dissertation had to do with an area a- bout which little had been written, it was necessary to formulate a course of procedure appropriate to this particular problem, VShat Factors will be Judged. When evaluating functioning institutions, the trend was to rate more than one factor. Significant changes have occurred in recent years in the design of evaluation studies for an educational program or curriculum. The most apparent and signifi cant is the broader scope of these evaluations to in clude related measurements of a comprehensive range of major objectives. Two major reasons can be cited for this change. First, as measurement techniques improve or as they are available in wider variety, it becomes possible to measure larger and more complex aspects of behavior and to judge programs in terms of more com plex aspects of behavior or criteria. Second, the prevalent conception of education has changed from one predominately concerned with the development of spe cific types of subject matter achievement to one con cerned also with the related aspects of personal and social development, 1$ H, Harrison Clarke, Application of Measurement to Health and Physical Education. Prenticii Hall, ïnc,. New tork, pp, 2b-35 15 J, Wayne Wrl#htstone, "Evaluation," Encyclopedia of Educational Research. Macmillan Co,, New York, 1952, p, 404. 2 9 Criteria were set up to evaluate the following factors in this studyt 1. Philosophy. What was the philosophy upon which the current recreation programs in Ohio prisons were based? 2. Personnel, VAio was responsible for the conduct of the pro gram? 3. Program. What activities made up the programs in the various penal institutions? What was being attempted? 4. Facilities. What facilities were available at the time to implement the recreation programs? 5* Outcomes. What outcomes result from prison programs in Ohio as they were then conducted? How Shall We Evaluate Philosophy? Philosophy has been defined as a general way of understanding. It encompasses one's attitude toward things. The philosophy of the admin istrator of a maximum security institution will include the sum total of his views concerning his job. This study was concerned with the fundamentml views of the administrators as they involved recreation. The writer's attempt to measure what a man believed concerning prison recreation dealt with overt behavior balanced against what he had said or written about this phase of the program. A recent lecturer stated to the American Association of School Administrators: Robert Remsberg, Personal Interview VflLth the Writer, Philosophy Department Head, Wittenberg College, Springfield, Ohio, June 18, 1954. 3cr I agree with Lerd Acton that the very meaning of progreee in the paat 400 yeara ia progreaa toward liberty. You will know it by outward aigna, he aaid, 17 Thia follewa cloaely the viewpoint held by many that knowledge ahould reault in changed attitudes and behavior. If an administrator was truly interested in prison recreation then he ahould have been doing something about it and there should have been some measurable evidence to support thia interest. Otherwise, any talk regarding recreation for prison in mates became mere lip service. The Purpose Behind the Program. Since the viewpoint of the administrator seemed to be one iuqpertant fecal point in our search for a device that would appraise his philoso phy as it pertained to recreation the writer used the interview tech nique combined with a check list in an attempt to properly evaluate this factor. If there was a list of institutional objectives the purposes became more plain to the evaluator. For example, if the prison adminis tration aimed at more than mere custody of the prisoner then some edu cational and recreational services should have been in evidence. Conception of Purpose. The philosophy to which an administrator subscribes may, of course, be based upon a wrong conception of purpose. Mr. Ray Huff, general superintendent of District of Columbia prisons is quoted as saying: 17 Mrs. Agnes E. Meyer, "Freedom of the Mind',' National Education Association News, Washington D. C., Volume 7, Number 3, Feb, 1953* FLATS n i Picture shoiing part of the Inmate Recreation Crew at Ohio Penitentiary, 1953 VjJ 32 Of cour## th# men we work with are crininala. But what dee# thia Act alone have to do with method of control? Prisoners are sent to pri son as punishment. They are sent to prison for reformation. Those leaders who disagree with this view are opposing their own representative group* To the extent that they disagree they might be said to have a misconception of the objectives at which their institu tion aims. Warden Lawes, author of "20,000 years at Sing Sing," is another administrator whose philosophy is broad. He states that inmates must be provided with educational outlets end that leisure time activi ties should also constitute an important phase of the education program. Contrary to some leaders in the field, including many prison guards, kr. Lawes is of the opinion that the education and recreation program is an aid to discipline in prison, not a drawback. 19 jjotice that rec reation is an aid to but not an easy short cut to discipline. Here is where anyone who does not see the entire worth and is^llcation of the recreation program might have a misconception of function. What Mr. Lawes and Mr. Huff are saying is that if given a fair chance recreatiwi will provide an essential part of the education program. Properly planned and conducted recreation will isçrove discipline problems in prison, not multiply them. Opinions Will Vary Concerning the Worth of Prison Recreation. The superintendent of one prison industry in Ohio Penitentiary Ray Huff, "Prison Administration, An Educative Procdss," American Prison Association Yearbook. 1940, p. 105. Ibid. pp. 58-66. 33- declared to the writer In June, 1954 that his shop production was de clining* The reason his production was declining, he said, was that "all the men were thinking about anymore was play*" The man was sin cere in his belief that the recreation program caused the reduction. Yet, this superintendent was functioning in a prison which contained between two and three times the number of instates for whom jobs were available* Most prison industries are heavily stanned because of the attesqpt to accommodate large numbers of inmates to the e^dsting jobs within the institution. Poor classification of available labor skills and inadequate vocational training programs appear to be more of a legitistate cause for production decline* The following quotation shows that the average prison recreation program does not require anywhere near a major part of the available time* In the average prison with movies, ball games, boxing matches and special events there will be about 112 hours per year for collective recrea tion. This is 4 percent of the total spare time and 2 percent of the hours spent in prison exclud ing the hours of sleep* 20 If inmates were allowed time to participate in class instruction as part of a recreation program or in inter-group competition the total tisw might exceed the percent quoted above*It appears that inmates who are interested in recreational activities will tend to have higher morale and that this should be manifest in higher output of production, 20 Donald Cleseier, The Prison Ooaamnity. Christopher Publishing House, Boston, 1940, p. 20é 34- not loxor. American industries must take the same view for civilian workers or they would not invest so heavily in industrial recreation programs. Suggested Criteria for Evaluating Philosophy. 1. There is evidence as eaqpressed in a printed list of objec tives that recreation has a place in the institutional aims. 2. The recreation program is generally accepted by officials in charge. 3. Recreation expenses are considered an integral part of the institutions budget. 4. The administrative heads cooperate closely with the recrea tion supervisor. 5. The recreation department has official status and rank the same as other departments. 6. There is a stated long range blue print for improving the recreation set-up. 7. The inmates are invited to take part in the planning and conducting of recreation in-so-far as it is practicable. 8. Institutional rules permit the inclusion of all inmates except those who are under restricted confinement. 9. The beliefs and statements of the administrator are support ed by the working conditions effecting recreation. 10. There has been continuing evaluation of the recreation pro gram as it applies to the all-over plan In each institution. 11. The turnover rate of recreation personnel shows a low rate 35- of job ••pirations. Th# writer used this list of factors to evaluate philosophy. Bach item had a maximum value of 5* Theoretically, each institution rated could have reached a total of 55 if all items were graded at their high est point. The actual evaluations included a rank of 4 for above aver age, 3 for average, 2 to indicate low average and only 1 if the criterion was poor. The actual scores for the section were totaled and converted into another number based on a proportion which will be described later in this part of the study. The Jury Indicated Many Criteria Listed Here. Many of the statements listed above were suggested by the jury (see page 21) after reviewing the original list of pertinent questions propos ed by the writer. The points stressed by the Jury cover in part all of the factors to be measured in this study, beveral statements particular ly apply to the judging of philosophy. Statement 3 in the above list was based on the premise that if a prison administrator said he considered a phase of his program important, then there should have been tangible evidence that some dollars were being allocated for that area he professed to value. Puthermore, this budgeting should have been a matter of record and not just talked about. Another premise behind the criteria selected was based on the belief that the administrative head was partially responsible for what went on in his institution. It may have been true that he could not be all places at once, yet his fundamental beliefs would, in the long run, have color- 36 #d the program be wee attemptIng to effect. Thus, the head of an Inati- tution gave aome Indication of what he considered important by the manner in which money waa spent. The manner in which monej'^ ia spent gives best evidence of values sought. It shows the propor tions of importance. The president is ultimately responsible for what goes on in his school. 21 Additional evidence was found in the statement of an old accredit ing agency. The North Central Association. In the very first section one noted that institutional purposes was the first criterion used in this evaluation scheme for rating colleges. Thus, the stated objectives and aims of a prison program loomed no less important to anyone who wished to evaluate a recreation plan. The scope and acceptance of these objectives helped to determine the basic institutional philosophy. 22 Evaluation of Personnel. Since the administrative heads of any institution imiat depend upen the cooperation of their staff for the functioning of the total program we need to judge the worth of the staff as related to the recreation program. Those who help to run any program will help to determine, in part, the successes and failures in attaining the objectives of the pri son plan. That is %diat the Jury had in mind when it included the follow- ^ Manning M. Petillo, "The North Central Association and Inter-CoUe- giate Athletic Reform," American Association of University Prof#ssors Bulletin, Volume 38, Sunaaer 1952, p. 209. 22 nQqoBission on Institutions of Higher Education," North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools. Section I, 1941. 37 Ing question» "Who helps to run the recreation program?" Another ques tion suggested by this group of men referred to the person who headed the recreation program and his title. The amount of the budget which was available for personnel likewise was a pertinent question since this helped to determine the quality of staff idiich could be obtained and kept. The writer assumed each of the criteria to be equally valuable. Per sonnel who ran recreation or helped to run it were considered to be of equal worth in conducting the program when balanced against the philoso phy behind the program» the program itself, facilities and outcomes. Experts such as Austin UacCormick, professor of criminology at University of California, state that prison guards are frequently of mediocre caliber. All too often the pay is so low that men take the jobs only as a last resort; the turnover is rapid and constant. He states further that under the two outstanding prison systems in United States the personnel are under civil service and receive constant in- service training. Another penologist witesi There must be something more than buildings. In their (foreign) countries they are not so much concerned about buildings as they are about personnel and programs of treatment. In order to bring this about (rebuilding of men) we must spend for personnel the right kind and for equipment as freely as we do for buildings. 23 Jehn Law and others, representing the Committee on Education of the American Prison Association state that personnel required for physical education and recreation should have the following characteristics; — 3 ------Ray Huff, op. cit.. p. 11. 38- good technical training, neat appearance and better than average phy- eique, good outside contacts, emotional stability, tact, self-confi dence, resourcefulness, be able to "apeak their language" in a limited sense and enthusiastic* Security guards make possible assistants while inmate assistants are recommended for care and distribution of equip ment* 24 It is interesting to note that some personnel evaluation check lists use many of the same factors in rating employees. 2$ Suggested Criteria for Evaluating Personnel. A list of 10 criteria was used to evaluate personnel in the Ohio Penitentiary and London Prison Farm. 1* The director of the recreation program holds the same status, rank and pay as comparable department heads in the institution* 2* The recreation head is professionally trained* 3* There is a definite in-service training program for train ing security guards and Instates who help with recreation* 4. Inmates are utilised for important parts of the recreation program such as equipment repair, upkeep, storage and inventory. 5* The recreation head has good eommninity contacts and util izes these in the functioning of the program as evidenced by publicity, personal talks to groups and equipment donations. ------John Law, L. W. Davis, Gerald Curtin, "Cosmdttee on Education," Amwrican Prison Association Yearbook X, 1939, p* 234* Check List for Rating Prospective Teachers. Personnel Office, Public Schools, Dayton, Ohio, 1953* 3 9 6. Th# p#r##nn#l 1# #jqp#ri#nc#d dn the recreation md phyeicel ediicetien field. 7. Do theippeerenoe end action of the recreation staff command respect? d. The major percentage of t ime spent by the recreation staff has to do with the woric of this department. 9. The recreation director regularly attends state and national meetings. 10. The recreation head is emotionally stable. The writer judged each of the 10 factors listed under personnel. Mayimim score was good was k, average 3, below average 2, while poor rated a 1. All scores were added together to get the total score for this section. This score was then converted into a smaller number through the proportion described later in this part of the study. Bvaluatina the Recreation Program. Up to this point we have considered one plan for evaluating the philosophy behind the recreation program and another for judging the personnel who are charged with the responsibility of seeing that the program is put into effect. The following 16 factors were used to judge the worth of the recreation program. 1. Full use is made of Saturday, Sunday and holiday time for recreation activities. 2. Outside services are included in the program. 3. A fair share of the activities are planned for non-skiUed participants. 4 0 4* 5p#ol&l r#or#atlonml #v«nta such aa field daya^ playa and con certa are planned periodically in addition to the regular program# ____ 5. The recreational program regularly Includea a major part of the population# 6 # Printed material la available providing Information regard ing all phaaea of the program. 7# There la provlalonoede for both active and quiet type actlvltlea# 8, All Institutional actlvltlea recreational In nature are coordinated In the departmental program# _____ 9# Hobblea, creative crafta, mualc and art are provided for In the weekly program# 10# Provision Is made for the adapted program for those in need of Individual attention# 11# Wholesome cooqietltlon Is fostered both on a team and Individ ual baala aa a worttndille educational experience. 26 12. There la a balance between carry-over activities and those suited to the present situation. 13# Time la provided for planned Instruction In the program activities# 14# There Is specific and tangible evidence of future program expansion or refinement of the existing program. ^7 ^ Ralph W# Alvla, op# clt#. pp. 98-105 William Ralph La Porte, "The Physical Education Curriculum," The University of Southern California Press. Los Angeles, California, 1^47» p. 6 5 # 4 1 15* A major p art of th# recreation program 1# baaod on partiel- paticm rather than the spectator's role. 16. There is class instruction in health, first aid and hygiene. This section contained 16 items which were used in rating the rec reation program. The highest evaluation for each factor was 5* Four indicated a rating above average, 3 was average, 2 below average and 1 denoted a very poor classification. With 16 separate factors to be rated the highest possible evaluation for the program was 80 points. The actual total was converted into a amaller number through the pro portion explained near the end of this section of the study. The conduct of the prison recreation program presents a pusale to many. Since the first task of the smximum security prison is to pro vide Kiaytmiinn aecuTity for criminals there are many officers who firmly believe that recreation provides too much freedom for too many inmates. These officers and many people outside reason that too many èentamts with other inmates are made possible. Thus the foundation is laid for trouble, such people define security in terms of high walls, riot guns and unyielding and harsh discipline. The writer has already re ferred to Ur. Lawes* statement that properly conducted recreation and athletic programs should strengthen discipline and morale, not weaken them. Ur. Lawes recognised the fact that the scientifically planned program is built to fit the interests, capabilities and needs of the entire inmate body. Uany of these activities were referred to in the First Yearbook of ^ Denald Clemmer, op. cit.. p. 212* 42 P L A m i T H l | ^ Up an » Psreh Pol# All lqalpB#nt ### In##t# Mad# 43 $h# American Prison Assoclstlon, 1939. In the section devoted to Phyel- oal Education and Recreation the declared aim was "the greateet good for the greatest nwd)er. " It was noted that the list of activities pzoposed were no different than those suggested in outside institutions of all kinds. Dr. VHilard P. Ashbrook has stated that the physical education and recreation program is one means to an end^ namely the total development of the individual both in the present and in the future. ^ Tnte, this statement was originally made with public schools and colleges chiefly in mind. Is it less true for institutional inmates? The answer should be obvious to any thinking man or woman. Evaluating Facilities in the Recreation Program. Facilities help to determine how much of the program will be put into effect for the entire prison population. The ascunt of space avail able furnishes one starting point for the planning of any recreational program. The rating of 20 items determine the evaluation score of the recreational facilities. 1. Adequate space is available both indoors and outdoors to serve the entire inmate body. 2. Multiple use is made of available space for a wide variety of activities. 3. Space is provided not only for vigorous team sports but ^ Millard P. Ashbrook, Class Lecture, Physical Education 625, The Ohio State University, February k» 1953. 4 4 Individual athletic# much a# bocci, hor###hoa«, handball and tamia, 4* Thar# is a aaiaalng pool and shovar facllitia#. ^ _____ 5. Gtranaaiua clothing is isauad ragularly and laundarad regu larly. Shoesf protectors, towels, soap. _____ 6. Athletic equipment is both safe and adequate. _____ 7. Moving pictures are regularly shown In a place which allows good view for all inmates. _____ 8. There are adequate library facilities, books and services. ____ 9# Social rooms and club rooms are available for group meetings. 10» There is a running track and ^pace where walking is permitted. 11. There is a boxing and wrestling ring, tumbling mats, paral lel end horisontal bars, handball courts, volleyball and paddle tennis or badminton standards. 12. Indoor and outdoor space is planned and equipped with a hig^ safety factor. 13. There is a regular store room with a repair and cleaning system. 14. The recreation director has a private and adequate office with proper equipment. 15. Radio and / or television facilities are provided with some selection allowed to the inmate. 16. The appearance of both indoor and outdoor facilities is neat, clean and well-kept. 30 The American Arison Association, Council on Education, Yearbook I, 1939. 4 5 17. Sp&c# and aatarlala are provided for plaja, theatricals and a pe d a l programs. 16. Facilities and equipment are {urovided for oeapetitlTe team athletics such as football, basketball, baseball, softball and track. 19. Adequate room is provided for outside spectators as well as the inmate population. 20. There is a proper balance between facilities for the carry over types of activities and the extrooiely vigorous program. The acox*e for any one of the factors used to rate facil ities was 5. For those judged above average the score was 4, average was 3» below average was 2 and poor was worth 1. The total of the en tire 20 items wms converted into a lower score based on the propor tion explained in this part of the study. Assusdng that the administrative heads were broad thinking and sysqpathetic toward recreation and that qualified personnel were avail able to conduct the program, one immediately sensed the importance of space in which to operate. It was the purpose of this part of the study to rate the various factors which appear to be important as far as facilities were concerned. The type of institution within which the program was functioning had to be kept in mind. Leading authorities such as Austin HacCormick, Bay Huff or Warden Lawes maintain that no prison should be over 1200 to 1500 in sise. Facilities for recreation will indeed be affected when we find two, three or four thousand inmates crowded into prisons originally built for the recommended number. Ironically, the larger prisons contain forces which increase the tensions within th inmates and in such insti- 4 6 tntlons mp&c# will b# at a pr— 1 urn. With regard to facllitl## for raeraation in prisons wa saam to ba faead with anothar of the many prison paradoxes. Many prison officials state thair interest in providing facilities for recreation yet are forced on the defensive by critical eitliens who view "with omoh alarm" attempts to provide passable recreational facilities. In an interview with the head of one Ohio Prison the writer was told that critical telephone calls resulted from mere mention of planned tennis courts for inmates in that particular institution. Beputable and substantial cosmunity leaders wanted to know idiether the warden was planning a country club for inmates. Federal prisons which are generally recog nised as superior to most state institutions provide recreation facil ities. Though the director of federal prisons, James V. Bennett, states the major goal of federal prisons is to iaq>rove those confined, he closes with the statement that they operate no prisoner's country clubs, and never shall. 31 Evaluating outcomes of Prison Recreation Programs. The following 13 factors were used to evaluate the outcomes of recreation programs in prisont _____ 1. Recreation has helped to reduce tensions in the inmate body. 2. There has been a noticeable reduction in prison discipline 31 James V. Bennett, "Federal Prisons," Federal Bureau of Prisons. Leavenworth, Kansas, 1922, p. 46. 47 _____ 3, Th# 8#Y#rlty of in#titution#l court charge# ha# been reduced elnce recreation «a# introduced, _____ 4. Competition ha# served to provide a healthy psychological and physical release from prison monotony, _____ g. The rate of successful parole cases can be attributed in part to the recreational program. _____ 6, A majority of prison inmates regularly take part in some phase of the recreation program, _____ 7* The institutional budget makes some allowance for recrmatlcm. _____ 8, The emotional stability of the total inmate body is aided by and through recreation, _____ 9, Increased instruction if first aid, game strategy and tech niques for more inmates has resulted through the recreation program. 10, Recreation participation has resulted in increased harmony among institutional personnel, 11, Prison security has been improved through the recreation program, 12, The number of active participants in recreation steadily increased over the past five years. 13, More favorable publicity about prison affairs has resulted from the recreation program. The maximum score for any one of these 13 criteria was ). Those ranked definitely above average were rated 4> average were scored 3, below average 2, and the lowest rating was 1, ltd Viporoua Gamm# C«nt#r Mor# on .tm Obj#ctiv#m. Football, baakatball and baaeball are vigorous athletic games uhich are typically American. They seem to fit the young and vigorous men and women as they function in our society. To play such games requires an abundance of stamina, courage and action. That is one chief reason shy vigorous team games are so satisfying to the youngsters, as players. It should be noted here that because these vigorous men or women are behind thirty-foot prison walls does not change this drive or urge one whit. If anything, those who are under maximum security custody aiay find even more appeal here than those in a more favored environment. Recreational Activities Oufht to Emphasise Carry-Over Values. Some of the program in recreation is geared for more than immedi ate aims. For example, the term "cazry-over activities" has been used more than once. This refers to the skills and attitudes idiich will be particularly useful to the Inmate when he leaves the institution and takes his place in society. It also refers to those recreational ac tivities which he will be able to participate in idien he becomes older. These vigorous games vhich have Just been mentioned, althou^ val uable in attaining immediate objective, are too vigorous for older persons to participate in. They may be dangerous to those who are past their optimum in drive and vigor. What does this mean to those who are trying to provide physical education programs? It indicates the need for skills and attitudes useful in later years. It indicates the need for interests and activities in vdiich the entire family can take part, the young and the old together. The understanding recreation director U9 le concerned with the development of wholesome interest# in art, crafts drama, and reading. Why? Because he tries to sell the inmate on the idea that these interests and skills particulary solve the problem of those dangerous leisure time hours outside the institution which, un managed, eo often lead him right back into prison. Recreational ac tivities which are more closely connected with these outcomes are said to be aimed at remote objectives. Diey are strong in carry-over potential. Some Question the Validity of Carry-Over Claims. The final test of our entire prison program might be found in the numbers of inmates who go out and successfully stay out of the insti tution. Those who help in recreation like to believe they have had something constructive to do with those who do make a successful return to society. Vfhen one tries to prove what precise part recreation has played in the attainment of either immediate or restote objectives then he is in trouble. It is just as difficult to figure the part played by any of the other single positive forces which make up institutional society. The sociologist, psychiatrist, physician, security guard, minister, counsellor, teacher and penologist all claim to have had a hand in the end product, particularly If the result has been desirable. Recreation is admittedly one method for treating and dealing with large numbers of inmates. Most administrators know that any individual treatment throu^ use of the case study method is very slow and thus expensive. It does pinpoint expert services to the needs of the one who is involved. 50 Boxing is an activity which might be tied to a mass instruction program for those who are taking part, ùuch a project could lead to an intense interest and enthusiasm among the entire inmate body, a heightened emphasis on physical conditioning and a lowered rate of seriously disturbed inmates, oome indirect and undesirable outcomes might follow alongside the good. Betting might become widespread. Attempts might be made to bargain extra privileges for the more skill ed participants. When such things occur security officers see the negative outcomes and question many claims made for desirable long range results. Some General Characteristics of Penal Population. It will help one to realise the type of person with «rtiom he is dealing if a better Job of estimating outcomes of prison recreation programs is to be done, ükiward L. Ihomdyke reminds us that age in itself is a minor factor in either success or failure. Capacity, in terest, energy and time are the essentials. Dr. Herman Adler found Illinois criminals about the name mentally and physically as the army draft fladings. Professor Carl Murchison found in the white criminal intelligence a small percentage of superiority over general population. Summing up some of the general characteristics of prisoners it was foundt 1. Most prisoners are in the 20 to 30 year group. 2. They are relatively uneducated. From 45 to $0% have only a 6th, 7th or 8th grade education only. 3. Over 60% are vocationally unskilled. 4. Mentally, they are very close to draft group. 5. There is a higher incidence of psychopathic trends and emotional imbalances than in the general population. 6. The underprivileged social background is pre dominate either in rural or urban cases. 7. A high percent..ge came originally from broken homes. Dr, R. ’7, Halliday, psychologist in charge of the counseling clinic at Ohio Penitentiary, told the writer he believed the intelligence quo tient of the innvates in this institution closely approximated the out side population. This statement was made to the writer in 1953. H, A. MacCormick believes in the organization of an inmate coismunity organization in which the prisoners have some opportunity to meet with officials and nave a voice in prison life. This does not mean that the warden or guard relinquishes his authority. It implies more general supervision in place of the sp.tcific. The cooperation of the guards is necessary. Tlie warden does not take away the authority of the officers but he changes the way in which they wield it materially, according to this writer. Let us further examine the general characteristics of those w:th whom the prison recreation worker will have to work. The following statements have to do with federal inmates: 1. The average federal sentence is 21.t months. 2, bOyfe were repeaters. 12 National Society of Penal Information, "The Education of Adult Prisoners," 1931, pp. 14-17. 3. 21,8,j wert; ncgroct^. L, 28 viiii. ti.o average age, :nale cr fe..,ale. 5. 2 1 ,-A. were 21 yaavc o f age cr 'inrier, 0, 1C'. ^ t *1 re ovei' i,i, year;. i Iri. 33 ir. federal p ri.’ ri;- toe ii.cit.eoce tf sythllifc aruuug new 1 il':v tec caritit,- ued f, b ' lit, the ;;axie as ir, the r eneri 1 population. C>ne tu-ces t iL r, was found in tiie case of alien L'.e^ii ans whc had 1 out of o cas» . IV.e pen- er-vl he?iltt. of the irjueJ e; c .r.tlnueo;.od. iiiar.;, recroat ic n a . g'u i ; 1 r lic ti.eraselves well t. pi'cm; irns'riu't.U'it. G roil r t/ierar}' has beco oe re?i pniueu ty sere r aychiatrl s ts ; ..re- ;i_lu- tiot. to the short.-co.Tiinin c f t ne Irioi vi< ua.l c as e stuiiy :net.l;oG, iieorea- tii ; tljera; y rany be .nace Int-o re:ility Ly tl;e trained recreatio. leader o;> both tlie inoivii.ual r Ihe prc'U : basis. iei'Si r.eh 1» ' er- wer* ..rit- te:. t' ' tne writer' by eleven na’ onally rec< rriz 11 peru-Iti; is' ; . These letters are in U;e .arper.i'i > of thi; s*uc.y ,'inn furnlsn s-r.e evii er.ce t. -it recreation rroyraj. s nel: ir.mat.ea to attain ; orne c f the out coises merit 1 : ned tiere. bonie laymen are crit ica! of trie c lai rs being made fo r y,i'"o- thei-- apy as conducted b\ psychologist; arid pisychi ati'is t s , John Barlr.w b'artiri, in his book "break bown tne .'alls" , shows little regarc for either ir,dividual psycho! rum- or groin thernry. He claims most therapy meetings ar, little more thian prine sessions ir, wtiicii the therapist tr ie s to persuade the inmates that things are not as bad as they seem. 33 "Federa- Prisons," Federal Bureau of Frisons, 1952. Thus grouf therapy too becomes a weapon cf custody. Group instruction is cormar-nly uson in rccreai-ion a nr pjiysical education. Hie kino anci ' uality of instruction shouic have some re lationship tc tin; ou*-co;;.es oesired, Summary of Part II. A plan for evaluating jlii ifsophy, personnel, pmrram, facilities arid outcomes has beet; nresented in th.is part c f the study. The ;.jlan called for personal visits tc Ohi<> Penitentiary and London Prise r Farri. Post cf tr.is infoi-mat ion was. obtained thro ugh personal observatic and interview. Lust writing ano evaluation wtis done after meeting the vai-icun personnel and inmat es. This helped to reduce the element of fear wi;ich cipiit result frc;;i writir.g during the interview. If tl'.e j erscn being interviewed is unduly .vori-ied he prc,b- abiy would slant his answers mostly to please the interviewer. A Converslcn Plan was Used to Chaj.ge the Total Scores of the Five Factors, £iach of the five factcrs was assumed to be equally valuable in the contribution made toward the entire program. .A proportion was formed, Hie first factor in the proportion was the total scores of the cri teria under philosophy, personnel, prcpxam, facilities and outcomes. Ihe second factor was the maximur.i score which could have been scored for the part being evaluated. This chart shows the maximum nossible scores. CHAf^T I Shov*lr.g the Uaximurri Totals Possible for Üach the Five Factor;- ovaluaheP ii. lYiis Study, 1. Phi]cL>.phy 5 points x 11 * 55 perfect score 2. Personnel 5 x 10 ■= 50 3. PVogrftm 5 x 16 - PO U» Facilities 5 >'- 2C = iP t 5, Outcome; 5 x 11 — 65 The third part of the protort.icn was the nuxitber tc- which the scores were to be reouced. It wa.-. the unknown rlesignatefl by the lettt r "x". The fourth and last part of the pri portion is tlie number 2C>. Let us assume that the score of tr.e criteria usi*i t- judge personnel t,total ed 15. If the figures 15, Su anc 2i are used theii the f: 1 lowing pre port icn is ir.dicated: 35:50 : : x:20 50 X - 7Ul' X - 14 All tC'tal scores are thus converted into a smaller number always related tc 20. In the following sections of this s tuny the actual scores obtain ed fro'i Ohio Penitentiary and London Prison Farm were converted thrc-u^^i the use of the above formula. These converi.ed scores werp thon trans- fered tc a horizontal bar graph wtiich produced a prcfile chart for the five factors judged ir. each institution. PART III EVALUATING PHILOGOFWY, PSRSONNi-X, PROGRAM, FACILITIES ANL‘ OUTCOMES AT OHIO PENITENTIARY Evaluating the Fhiloaophy back of the Program at Ohio Penitentiary, Philosophy was evaluated through the use of 11 criteria. Likewise, the actual score was given for each item. The maximum score possible for each evaluative criterion was 5* 1. There is evidence as expressed in a printed list of objectives that recreation has a place in the institutional aims. Actual score is 4»5 2. The recreation program is generally accepted by officials in charge* Actual score is 2.5 3. Recreation expenses are considered an integral part of the institutions budget. Actual score is 2.75 4. The administrative heads cooperate closely with the recreation supervisor. Actual score is 3.0 5# The recreation department has official statue and rank the same as other departments. Actual score is 3,5 6, There is a stated long range blue print for improving the recreation set-up. Actual score is 4,0 7, The inmates are invited to take part in the planning and conducting of recreation in-so-far as it is practicable. Actual score is 4,25 8, Institutional rules permit the inclusion of all inmates except those who are under restricted confinement. Actual score is 4,5 9, The beliefs and statements of the adminis trator are supported by the working conditions affecting recreation. Actual score is 3,0 10, There has been continuing evaluation of the rec reation program as it applies to the all-over plan in each institution. Actual score is 3,75 11* The turnover rate of recreation personnel shows a low rate of Job separation separations. Actual score is Maximum total possible is 55 Actual total score is kO The explanation for judging each of these criteria is given in the following paragraphs. Likewise, the conversion of the total score for philosophy is shown along with the profile chart constructed from the conversion score, .Vhat are the basic beliefs of those who are responsible for tlie total institutional program at Ohio i^nitentlary/ The solution U. this question presented the writer with one of the most difficult jobs in this study. Administrative heads must sometimes deal with legislative units which tie their hands through restricted budgets or through restrictive laws. Although the climate may be unfavorable it is possible for a determined administrator to show his real feelings toward recreation. Here is how one author states this idea: After all, the architecture of a penal institu tion reflects the philosophy of the group running it. In Germany it is felt that prisoners must be in soli tary confinement, that it is harmful for them to talk to each other. This reflects itself in buildings con sisting of single rooms where prisoners are held in solitary confinement working and eating only in his cell. Walking in court yards constitutes their only outdoor exercise ,. we have athletic fields instead of exercise courts, 34 Not only will the physical plant provide an index tc the philosophy but the entire progra^’a and manner of conducting it will provide clues. .arden Ralph . ^Ivis is vitally interested in recreation aa part of his total progrm. Having worxec in close contact with the warden for tivelve months as supervisor of the prison program the writer can produce evidence wtiich will bear out this statement, .hen worxing with and for someone who is greatly admired it is difficult not to produce a halooffect even though high objectivity is Eou.g.ht. Actions plus an expanding progra.ii have proven time and again that this warden has a strong and affirmative feeling toward the recreation program and facil ities in his institution. It will be the purpose of this part of the study to produce evidence which will aid in analyzing the philosophy functioning in Ohio Penitentiary, It must he recognized tiiat /iiore than one man is necessary to run any organization, therefore the beliefs of any administration may be well diluted by the time the entire organiza tion is rated* 1, There ia evidence aa expressed in a printed list of objectives that recreation has a place in the institutional aims. In answer to the first item in this list of criteria we have al ready referred to the published rules and regulations i.n force at this prison. Let us quote further from this publication: Peg and './alter Mclraw, Assignment; Prison Riots* Henry Holt and Co., New Yorit, 1954, p. 225, Once a week the working companies will have rec reation period, either the entire morning or the en tire afternoon, ciach working company group will se lect a ball club to represent their company in their respective league. Volleyball courts are available for those who wish to participate. The Recreation Department also furnishes medicine balls and other necessary equipment for those who do not care to play Softball or volleyball. Idle companies will be scheduled in turn when vacancies occur .. working companies will be rotated for the week-day evening games as guards are avail able. All wrking company men will have a choice of attending a picture show or a ball game on Saturday afternoons during the summer months. It is planned to reopen the Gjaa for inmates boxing and wrestling events .. persons interested would contact tho ath letic officer by "kite.” 35 It is Interesting to note that this source provides additional informa tion which gives some insight to the total picture. Attention to the security of an inmate is the first and last great concern. In addition to this, food, clothing and medical attention represent the total of responsibilities tills institution exercise in your behalf. All other considerations which you receive and enjoy constitute privileges which are bestowed upon you by the warden* 3b In answer to the question relating to printed material affecting rec reation in Ohio Penitentiary we must record, "ye#." After talking to the Recreation Supervisor, the Director of lecreation, the harden and the Deputy V,arden many times it is the judgment of the writer that this criterion would be fairly rated at 4.5 . 2. The recreation program is gwierally accepted by officials in charge. Ralph V. Alvis, op. cit., pp. 31-32. 3^ Ibid. pp. 34-35. Llany old-line security guards in this prison believe that there is too much coddling of prisoners involved in the recreation program. Soma are interested enough in the welfare of the men under Uieir care to admit that the @)od gained by participation in the prograio outweighs the bad. After the riot in this nrisor. the otate Highway Patrol report recommended a study of the recreation program, after interviewing the State Highway Officer who made most of the initial report and having read the official report made public by the Highway Patrol, the writer has found no evidence to refute the statement "that a minority of old line security officers claimed recreation was, in part, to blane for the riot," 37 In addition, some civilian production superintendents in this institution blame recreation for falling production records, when the pressure is on, as it is in most over-crowded penal institu tions, everyone looks for a scape goat. Here is where controversies arise over the modem concept behind institutional practice. Although it hats been said earlier in this study that "it is the duty of the administration to lay the tracK for the {personnel," it is not possible for the top level executives to carry out all directives themselves. Dependence must be placed in the hands of the security guards and civilians who are involved in any way with the functioning of the daily procedure. Here is Wiere the best laid plans often go astray. For instance, the business Manager of the institution may view recreational department requests as a needless expenditure of state 37 George Mingle, Ohio State Patrol Report on Ohio Penitentiary Riot. Columbus, Ohio, Jan. 6, 1953» p. 531. money, TTie security officer may be unduly harsh with inmates who try out for institutional teanis. The administrator may use the recreation department as a dumping ground for inmates vàio cannot get along else where. Production managers may reiuse tc> keep jobs for men v/lio are asked to repiort for recreational periods of one kind or another. There are many ways in *^ich well-meaning plans art thwarted. The writer ex perienced each one of Uio incidents described here. On the positive side we must realize there are always conscientious staff men who will give time and care to a program if they are convinced it will help the inmates under their charge. The Ohio Patrol report suggests a minority group of the Ohio Penitentiary security staff as the authors of the critical report on recreation. If a recreation supervi sor or director is too aggressive in promoting a prc>gram which in the mind of some co-workers is mere play and coddling, he invites retalia tion. Here is a reproduction of an actual order: Illustration ll An Order from the Office of Deputy warden Ohio Penitentiary March 16, 1953 Guard 1-G Company Permit G uo. 8----- 3 To leave his company immediately after breakfast each day to work on the Ball Field. GOOD MONDAY THAU GATUhDAY To eat his noon meal on the straggler’s table. PLATE V Norle* Tumblera Improwd Ed o u ^ to take Part in a Special Labor Day Program, Ohio Penitentiary, 19)4. & 63 To moot him company for oraning maal and ratum to hia lock with company. Good until rarokad, (Signad) Daputy Warden la it claar that thia inmate ia in a vary touchy apot ainca ha ia aaparatad part of tha day from hia company and will ba in a poaition anviad by many fallow inmatea. Furthermore, hia conduct ia under eloaa acrutlny from a aacurlty ataff which ia trained to be auapicioua. If inmate "G" mentioned above ia a good worker he ia probably giving up a job in another department to fulfill the order. Many problème eaaily ariae in auch caaea. It ia no aurpriae that all ataff membara do not aaa «ora to eye with either tha program in priaon recreation or ita au- parviaora and aida. Bacauaa many of tha aaeurity guarda and other priaon paraonnel have accepted recreation to only a limited extent, thia item is rated aome- what below average at 2,5 , 3. Recreation axpanaaa are conaidered an integral part of the institu tional budget. One of the moat touchy problems to be conaidered from the adminis trator'a point of view ia that money which ia expended for prisoners' recreation. People of influence are not all sold on tha idea of spending public money for auch programs and they are prone to make thamaelvaa heard. For example, the head of one penal institution in thia state and tha 64 r#*tlon supcrrlsor had talked about the poeelbllity of building eome tennia courte. The labor was to have been fumiahed by the inmate# and the apace located in a little-uaed part of the inatitutional grounds. Somehow word about thia leaked outaide while it was yet in the planning stage. The result was a sarcastic telephone call from one of the moat influential eitiaena in that caamainity. Rival newspapers and political csaipa could make a capital situation out of such an af fair. The state correctional department knows this must fl^t their requests throu^ the state legislature. That is one reason why it is very difficult to push recreation estimates throu^ the business offi cers connected with prison eoq>enditures. Yet, the observer may check to see #1 ether expenditures are being made under the heading of recrea tional ejqpense. At Ohio Penitentiary such eaqpendlturee are entered under the head ing of "fintertainment fund EbqxmditAUMW»*" For the fiscal year June, 1952 to June, 1953 the fund shows a total spent of $7,141.53 . This includes $1,125.00 spent for first rate movies. In research work done on this part of the study the writer found that the itesis listed under the heading of entertainment were widely varied. The following items were selected at random from an all-over total of 142 entries for the fiecal year just mentioned: CHART II Chart Showing Random Selection of Recreational Purchase# at Ohio Penitentiary B a n d ...... $51.90 Cards ...... 20.40 65 Softball jacket# ...... % 44*72 Art supplies...... 35.78 200 gale, ice cream ..... 296.00 T.V. repair • Hocking 30.09 Ping pong b a l l s ...... 3*00 A uls s h o w ...... 51*79 Football shoes ...... 20.00 Softballs, horeeshees .... 457*00 Watermelons...... 364*00 Weightlifting shoes .... 9*50 Record changer, amplifier.. 155*59 ^ To this total of $7,141*53 for materials and supplies was added salaries of the two staff members who were charged with the responsibility of running recreation. This amounted to a grand total of $15,541*53 which was spent for recreation during one year. Warden Alvis thus spent about $3.00 per inauite for recreation at (Xxic Penitentiary. One question mi^t be asked as a result of close observation and study of the original entries made under the heading of entertainment fund expenditures — why were such items as watermelons, cantaloupes and ice cream not listed with the food expenditures? It was assua&ed that these items were used for special holiday meals and by some method not known to the writer became labelled "recreation." 38 "Financial Report," Ohio Penitentiary, Fiscal Tear June, 1952 to June, 1953* 66 A r#c#nt institutional survey cmtsined the following quotation* The shortage of money hssqwrs all prison activity. This is especially true in education and recreation» share no appropriation of any reasonable proportion has ever existed. There should be submitted a budget by each institution showing a per capita cost for education and recreation. 39 It is believed that recreational expenses are, in part, given some con sideration in the budget. Therefore, it is the judgment of the writer that the rating for the criterion involving budget acceptance at Ohio Penitentiary is 2.75 • 4* The adml nistrative heads cooperate closely with the recreation supervisor. Cooperation travels over a two-way road. All of us sho are in terested in a given facet of work sooner or later are accused of seeing only our part of the program as the important part. Those who deal with physical education and recreation in any institution, whether public schools, college or prison, will need generous quantities of tact so that communication lines with fellow staff workers and superiors will not wear thin or break down entirely. The open door policy prevails at the top level for all supervisors, including recreation, at Ohio Penitentiary. Warden Alvis, if he was not tied up with another meeting, never failed to talk with the writer during a twelve month period which included the months Just preceding and fol lowing the October riot. After leaving this office, however, the cli- 3 0 X. Den McCullough, Unpublished Report, Office of Special Education, Department of Mental %rgiene and Welfare, Columbus, Ohio, 1953. 67 mat# became cooler aa one moved progreealvely down the Uoe-ataff ox^ ganlsatlon. Part of the cauee may have been due to acme adminiatrative changea and men were comparatively new to their poaitiona. Another reaaon waa the eoatly riot. It waa natural that air-tight aeourity meaaurea en*> forced after the turmoil would wreck a recreation program for the tiarn being. For weeka it waa difficult to auggeat anything connected with recreation. Army diacipline waa adherred to. The writer had been told by the Warden to "alt tight" for awhile becauae recreation would even tually function again. Two montha later the order to atari recreation came throu^ the Deputy Warden* a Office during a week-end when the writer waa not on duty. The firat evidence the program waa to func tion again came after he reported to hla office and inmatea were on the way to the gymnaaium. Something had happened to communication be tween the higheat level and the recreation aupervimw*a office. Rap port among the varioua adminiatrative officea waa inconalatent. Be cauae the aituation waa ao exploaive the writer took the poaition that the entire recreation program had to more or leaa win ita way back alowly and with aa little fuaa aa poaaible. It waa not a time for loud demanda. It ia poaaible that many of the aecurlty ataff gave little thought to recreation in the montha following the riot. Becauae admin iatrative offieera varied conaiderably in their actions affecting rec reation, this phase waa rated 3 . 5. The recreation department has official status and rank the same aa other denartmenta. 6S A ob«ek in th« R#vl##d Ohio Ftnal Cod# r#v##l# very littl# about r#or#atlon, as such, from a legal standpoint. The following sections of the revised code refer to educationt 5145*06-7-9-10-11-12-13 Ohio Penitentiary. 5143*04 and 5143.12 Ohio State Reformatory (men). 5143.25 Ohio Reformatory for Woman. ^ There ia no mention of recreation in the Penal Code. When Judge J. H. Lamneck was Director of Public Welfare, a booklet was prepared by him and Arthur L. Glattke, Commissioner of Correction. It was supposed to describe Ohio's correctional program. Recreation is not mentioned in this booklet. The most important function of so-called pun ishment ia to refera and rehabilitate the offender himself. To bring about reformatiw and rehabilitation of offenders there must be radical change in the construction of prison and in former antiquated adsdniatrative practices and equipment. Reformation has for its objective the preparation of an offend er to return him to society through the building of his physiojl and mental well-being and of his moral life. ^1 Education, industrial and vocational training for some prisoners ia mentioned on other pages in this publication. Recreation is only iaqplied just as in the Penal Code. When recreation is recognised it is only through the good graces of the administrative head in the 40 Revised Ohio Penal Co^. Department of Public Welfare, Division of Correctsrrections. State of Ohio. ^ John H. Lamneck, and Arthur L. Glattke, Ohio's Correctional Program. Department of Public Welfare, Division of Correction, State of Ohio, p. 23. 69 institution. It is not bsssd on spseific parts of the penal code. It may be fairly said that recreation is fighting for sK>re recog nition and attention along with other competing departments at Ohio Penitentiary. Mr. G. B. Leonard is the present Recreation Director succeeding Captain Lester Haugh. Here is an example where a trained physical education graduate replaced a security officer who had been advanced to another institution as an assistant deputy. The program is gradually expanding at this prison but not yet to the point where it was prior to the riot. The fact that Warden Alvis has staunchly supported recreation and athletics both verbally and through his actions ia one of the strongest bits of evidence to be noted. Many security guards feel that recreation receives too such smphasis as it is. Ihe department ranks behind some others from a professional standpoint. Those concerned with psychology and psychiatry are in stronger favor with the majority of the public than are recreation wortcers. Evidence to support this viewpoint is found in the fact that the newly appointed head of the Mental Hygiene and Correction is a well known psychiatrist. As a physician and admin istrator he heads a new combination in the Welfare Department. Taking this evidence into consideration a fair evaluation of the status attain ed by recreation at Ohio Penitentiary at the present time is 3.5 . 6. There is a stated long range blue print for improving the recreation set-UD. Those persons who are directly responsible for any institutional program usually are looking ahead and planning for the future. This is 70 on# reason why a constant evaluation Is worthwhile. The general philosophy behind the total recreation picture at Ohio Penitentiary has been changing. VAiere varsity teams and special programs comprised most of the activity set-up in past years there has been an attempt made since 1951 to broaden the scope of recreation so that the needs, the Interests, and the capabilities of more men may be served. Although holiday and special programs are important In the eyes of the officials for the morale of the inmates, the active number who participate In such programs Is proportionately small. A similar anal ogy may be drawn In high school and college athletic teams idiere many persons charge that too much attention is paid to the few. In deplor ing the emphasis on entertainment It was Dr. Jay B.Nash who coined the term "spectator!tie". VAiat he really believed In was a physical education plant and program that would serve the great mass of stu dents In schools and colleges, the dub as well as the expert. The problem In prisons has been to recognize the need for such programs as Dr. Nash had In mind. Within the last five years a gymnasium has been activated at Ohio Penitentiary which allows for one phase of such a program to function. The so-called block recreation which permitted prisoners to leave their prlson-block is another example of planning the broad program. When Warden Alvis advised the writer that recreation would eventually function after the riot It might be said that this was another ex ample of planning for the future. The writer, his predecessor and the present director of recreation 71 at Ohio Panltantiary have long planned for the building of a aeianing pool. It will necessitate the removal of a greenhouse which has been growing flowers for many years. Which is the most important, a green house for growing flowers or a swimming pool which would serve the great mass of iximates? The water, heat and labor is at hand for such a pro ject. It has been mentioned many times to administrative heads. It's actual start and completion is yet a long range dream. Ihe prison riot complicated the entire picture. J(*n Q. Public, the legislature and a great majority of Welfare Department personnel would not commit them selves to such a project at the present time. Another project which is closer to reality is a plan whereby the recreation and medical authorities will activate a corrective therapy program in the space now occupied by the prison Mail Office. ^ The Mail Office is to be moved to the new building being built adjacent to the A & B block. Another part of this plan is to provide physical edu cation activity and therapy for post-operative and ambulatory handicapped eases. The Warden has stated that an institutional football team will be permitted some time in the future. Inter-institutional teams have not been allowed to compete since the riot. Softball games have been held previously with the London Farm varsity and some camp teams. In rating the part of the study involving future planning it must be noted that for several month# following the riot the recreation de partment at Ohio Penitentiary was hard put to win back any part of the ^ S. Don McCullough, Unpublished Survey of the Recreation Program at Ohio Penitentiary, 1954. 72 prtrious progrmm. Expanding the program to any great extent waa impoa- aibla for the greater part of a year following the riot. Another plan which haa been talked about and is scheduled to become a reality ia the surfacing of the volleyball and tennis courts beside 0*Henry Field. The power plant officials and industrial staff have long complained about the dust which hanss machinery and materials although the recreation ataff watered this area thoroughly. Bituminous covaring will cause this source of irritation to be remedied. Two shuffleboard courts have been built and put into operation, horseshoe pits have been moved to make place for pitchers and catchers to warm up and practice. These things have resulted in the use of addi tional yard space for recreation. The improving of bocci, basketball and shuffleboard courts increased recreational areas outside the Honor Dormitory. The evidence presented here has been based on personal observation and interview. They represent ideas of no one person but many. Dr. Don McCullough, Captain Haugh» Assistant Deputy George Miller and Director G. B. Leonard provided many ideas. Deputy Warden Smeet Maxwell, Warden Alvis and William Beer were very helpful. Recreation guards from Ohio State University and several inmates here unnamed, in addition to the writer have had a hand in much of the planning and executing of the various changes mentioned here. The work in recreation goes forward even though alowly. The Aaariean Prison Association haa had a long range plan involv ing recreation. One conclusion which suy be drawn is that much of the 73 recreation ezpanalon ehich goea on in Ohio Penitentiary i# a result of both long term planning and day-to-day promotion. The estimate of the quality of planning which is connected with long range outcomes for recreation in Ohio Penitentiary is 4 , 7. The inmates are invited to take part in the planning and conducting of recreation in-so-far as it is practicable. Up to the present time very much of the recreation program has been conducted with the aid of inmates. There has resulted both good and bad outcomes. Some planning has been done with the active participation of inmates. Both these practices are followed at the present time. There are many first hand examples which might be given. The list of inmate recreation workers will help to gain insight as to the kind of inmate services which were utilized, most of them functioning at any one time. Here are the various kinds of recreation work done by inmates at Ohio Penitentiary during March, 1953» just five months after the riot and at the time the program was again activated: CHART III The Recreation Crew at CMo Penitentiary with Job Assigaments. Inmates No, Name Assignment $—— 6 C.. • • Clothing Room 6“— 3 8.... 0 'Henry Field 7— —Ô T.... Volleyball 8———“6 R and C Vtoi^ts 6— — 4 A.... Check Room, repairman a— 1 H, K, H Boxing 74 8— —3 G... • Runner 8— — 2 P.... Repairman 8——— 1 T.... Clerk 8—^**—8 L.... Check Room 8--- 4 a and U Runners 8— ——0 B, J,&P Basketball 8— — 1 B It F Trampoline 8— — 8 G & L Training Room 9--- 7 W.... Vfreetling 9--- 0 H.... Boxing 9--- 7 S.... Runner, trainer ^ Twtnty-flT* inmates wars under the direction of the writer and were assigned to the above named jobs. This was for the gymnasium program only. The field program had not yet been reactivated. One of the first jobs the writer had as supervisor of the recrea tion program was to acquaint inmate football and basketball officials with rules and techniques of officiating. About twenty men met at appointed times while rules were discussed and demonstrations made. These men were told about their responsibilities and the importance of fairness. A recent riot in a Maryland prison was attributed to an um pire's decision in baseball. Inmates also helped to plan programs for holidays. Such events were eagerly anticipated on the Fourth of July, Labor Day and Christman at Deputy's Office, Official Classification Record, Ohio Penitentiary, March, 1953. 75 Ohio Penitentiary. When the order was suddenly given to plan a program for the July Fourth following the riot there remained only three and one-half weeks in idiich to prepare a boxing and wrestling card, tum bling and juggling acts together with music to fit these acts. Captain Haugh and the writer interviewed many inmates to get their opinions about the best boxers and wrestlers at the various weights. We noticed immediately that a few names were mentioned repeatedly by the inmates. These were the men who were called in, interviewed and invited to be come members of the boxing and wrestling crew, if they wished. No in mate had pressure put on him to leave a work company to which he had advanced himself. In some cases the superintendent of the work company agreed to hold the inmates Job open until after the July program was over. In about 50 percent of the eases the men had to choose between surrendering their place in the work company to an assignment that was considered "semi-permanent" on the recreation crew. The inmate had to make the choice. The writer was present at most of the interviews. Many volunteered to help. The prisoners helped to plan the juggling and tumbling acts. The field crew had given many hours of work and found many usable materials in an attempt to improve the premises. The press box, dugouts and field office furnish concrete evidence that the recreation crew has helped to improve and in paxt con duct the recreation program. There has been no specific inmate council up to the present writing. All inmate "planning" has been of informal nature. This applies to the recreation program as well. The help given by the inmate crew in the daily recreation routine was extensive. Mhen the inmates want sos*thing 76 in th# m j of equipment or eotlTity, they are clever "ealemen" over a period of time. In this they are no different than individuals or groups outside who try to promote something or other in the house, office, church, public schools, college or factory. It is the belief of the writer that the heads of the recreation program have given inmates opportunity to give extensive help in the planning and conducting of the recreation program. The rating for this phase of the program at this institution is 4.2$ . 8. Institutional rules permit the inclusion of all inmates except those who are under restricted confinement. At Ohio Penitentiary all prisoners who are not in special security cells or confined to the hospital are eligible for the general recrea tion program. Future plans call for corrective and individual programs for the inmates who are hospitalised. Movies for all eligible inmates are a weekly experience. These are late-release movies. It has been stated that $1,12$.00 was spent for films for one year. Radios are allowed in individual cells with a choice of 2 or 3 network programs. Some library books were avadlable but not in sufficient quantity. Newspapers and magasines were permitted. An artists and writers class which met on Sundays previous to the riot was discontinued although a few selected inmates were allowed to do art work in their cells. Tryouts were announced for Hurricane varsity teams. For the past year this has meant softball. Tryouts were also invited for all special holiday programs. Some with "tongue in cheek" applied for membership 77 on tb« cross country tsam. None openly ask about the possibility of a "wall scaling team". Block recreation at nij^t was discontinued in November, 1952, but is about to be reactivated again. Working companies formerly were allowed to see varsity softball and football games during the open seasons. These were held with outside teams and other penal in stitutional teams. Since the riot no outside teams have been sched uled. For the week of August 24, 1953 a count of the total companies scheduled for the organized recreation program showed 100 companies, of 1*1 ich there was perhaps duplication of 50 companies. 44 Because of the above evidence it was the judgment of the writer that this factor was worth 4.5 . 9. The beliefs and statements of the administrator are supported by working conditions affecting recreation. At Ohio Penitentiary the recreation supervisor had to report to the State 7/elfare Department offices and pass a written test required under civil service rules. Recreation department heads always had access to the Warden's Office. Most other heads had the same privi lege although, since they were made up by more of the old-line staff, they didn't avail themselves of this opportunity as often. The inmates were often willing to talk to the recreation super visor and staff regarding gripes. The open-door policy prevailed in 44 Gymnasium, Intreswral and Evening Recreation Schedule, Ohio Penitentiary, Week of August 24, 1953. 78 the recreation and gymnaaium office. One result of this was that the warden often asked the supervisor about the feeling on the part of the Inmates toward one thing or another. The writer did not at any time In the course of a year's wozSc with the Inmates escape the feeling that at least half the guards and most of the security officers over them were suspicious of the program. The entire atmosphere In a penal Institution must be one of check and counter-check. Enough rules are broken in the course of a day to put most of the prison personnel behind the bars with the prisoners they are supposed to be guarding. Rules are added upon rules until It Is Impossible not to break one sooner or later. Let's start at the very top — CXir cells are seven feet wide, seven feet high and nine feet deep. In these cells, If two men want to go to bed all four have to go to bed. These cells have a maximum cubic air space of some six hundred cubic feet. The state law of Ohio requires that at least three hundred cubic feet of air space be supplied for each prisoner. The warden of the Ohio Peniten tiary Is probably the largest law violator of the state because he has twenty-four hundred men Incarcerated In violation of the state law. " "Shakedowns" in the field and the gymnasium were frequent follow ing the riot. On one occasion part of a hypodermic needle was found, another time some bedding which had been used during the months fol lowing the riot when the gymnasium was used as a dormitory. Since most of the professional recreation staff were not experi enced In prison routine; since they were not required to wear a Peg and Walter McGraw, op. clt., p. 219. 79 uniform and were college trained, there existed the usual division to be found between labor and the white collar workers* The physicians were not included in this category. It was the experience of the writer that recreation was considered as an "attractive nuisance," to uee a legal term. Parenthetically it might be added that many school teachers, administrators and professors consider physical education and athletics in the same lig^t. Leave of absence, sick leave and holiday leave were considered the same for recreation personnel as for other staff members. There is always a gap between theory and practice. It certainly applies to an institution, especially a penal institution. This factor is evaluated at 3 • 10, There has been continuing evaluation of the recreation program as it applies to the all-over plan in each institution. Measuring the worth of a functioning recreation program is a process idiich should be very useful to the administration and staff of any penal institution. In an attempt to improve the program, the staff, the leadership, and facilities it is most useful to know how you are getting along in the day-to-day and week-to-week conduct of your activity. This part of the study deals with measurement of the philosophy behind the institutional program. The kind of objectives and aims toward wdiich the recreational staff is working is largely determined by the basic beliefs of those who run the establishment. The only way to ascertain what you are doing contrasted with what you should be doing is to measure and we i ^ 80 th# entire program. Corporation# constantly evaluate their product and services. A research man eho is constantly checking the public reaction toward a huge corporation stated that one principle seemed to emerge out of his experience in the business world. This was that successful firms tended to become more and more careless, as time went on, toward the very factors which made for success in the first place.^ The value of the survey for any firm is demonstrated here. Colleges also make use of evaluative studies. Sometimes outside firms are hired to do the job. An example of this kind of a survey may be found when a well-known management consultant firm was hired to survey the admin istrative set-up at Wittenberg College, Springfield, Ohio.^^ Exam ples of prison studies involving recreation programs in the State of Ohio are extremely hard to find but there are a few. Dr. £. Don McCullough's study is one of the few examples, while the program at Lancaster Industrial School for Boys is another.^ Another attempt at evaluating the leadership and program concerning recreation is found in a practice of rating departmental heads institute at Ohio Peniten tiary by the Deputy Warden shortly after the riot. Here is a facsimile of the report* ^ Kenneth MacFarland, Educational Consultant for General Motors Corporation, Address before Clark County Teachers and Professors, 1952. 47 Booz, Allen and Hamilton, Survey of Wittenberg College. Springfield, Ohio, 1948. T. C. Holy, Survey of Boys Industrial School. Lancaster, Ohio, Bureau of Educational Research, No. 24, Ohio State University, Columbus, Olio, 1940. 81 ILLUSTRATION III Showing personnel rating from the Deputy Warden*a Office, April 8, 1953- Name t Howard £. Maurer Trick: Recreation Supervisor Sir: You have been given a satisfactory A rating on your performance and efficiency report of March 31, 1953. If you wish to review this report contact the Deputy Vfarden on or before April 13, 1953 signed: £. L. Maxwell Deputy Warden There is a kind of unofficial rating which goes on constantly in any penal institution and this one is no exception. This refers to the sianner in which the inmates compare the penitentiary with other prisons. In many talks with Inmates who have been in this and other prisons the "grapevine" describes Ohio Penitentiary as one of the "tightest" in the country. A strictly run prison Indicates the presence of many rules and regulations closely enforced. It suggests many complications for the recreation director idio is trying to function within this restricted society. The inmate ndto lives under such conditions probably is in greater need for the release of tension and chance for self expression becauae of the strict discipline. Following the riot. Judge Lamneck, then Director of the Welfare Department, and State Patrol Superintendent Geroge Mingle conducted 82 an Inraatigation of Ohio Panitentlary. The House Finance Committee, coi^wsed of 23 legislators, also made an extensive study of the prison, Because there is indication that program evaluation is fairly well practiced in this institution the rating of this part is 3,75 , 11. The turnover rate of recreation personnel shows a low rate of .lob separations. Most of the men on the recreation crew at Ohio Penitentiary hold their job because they are outstanding in some phase of the program. Perhaps 25 percent are placed in the program because they can't get along elsewhere and this is one of many stop-offs in their continual move from one spot to another. Although the Deputy Warden honors Biany recreation department requests for personnel, a considerable number of "misfits" are arbitrarily assigned, seemingly to get them out of the way for avriiile. There is in most prisons a "sick, lame and lazy" crew. The school is no place for it or for those prisoners whom the officials wish to keep busy so that they will keep out of trouble. 49 One of the most significant factors in determining whether a de partment or institution is providing reasonable wox8cing conditions Is to study the rate of turnover of its personnel. Contrary to common belief the entire inmate body of any prison is constantly changing. The rate of Job separations must take into consideration those men who are paroled or transferred to honor camps. 49 "Th# Sdueation of Adult Prisoners," op. cit.. p. 11. 83 Th# prison Ilk# other societies is dy namic ..... new men enter each year. Fewer leave. Many officers leave and start. In spite of these dynamic characteristics, con trols which guide the conduct of the prison ers and the behavior of the officials have changed little from year to year. ^ Let us consider the make-up of the recreation crew. A count of the crew in March, 1953 indicated 24 men. Some of these men were field crew assigned to the gymnasium, because the field program was not yet functioning due to the October, 1952 riot. In contrast, a count made June 15, 1954 revealed 34 men. A great change in recreation crew else had occurred during the interim. A sudden order from the Deputy Warden requested the recreation supervi sor to prepare a July Fourth program. This order was dated about June 15, 1953* Since the program contained boxing, wrestling, tumbling and Juggling many convicts had to be screened, ü^ventually the inmate crew increased from 24 to 62 men. Althou^ prepared on short notice, everyone agreed the program was a great success. A similar program was prepared for Labor Day, 1953* A sudden order abolished the boxing "stable". Penologists are gen erally suspicious of pemtanent varsity squads. Betting, seeking extra privileges and sexual perversion often are to be found inside prison walls. Large numbers of inmates increase the probability of such trouble. The difference between 62 and the 34 men who were on the recrea- Donald Clenmer, op. cit., p. 84. 84 tion ermr toward the end of 1953 represented a total change of 20 men. These were the inmates who were suddenly dropped from the recreation crew by order of the Deputy Warden. During a 16 month period about 70 percent of the original crew of 24 had been separated from their recreation job. The following chart explains the separations: CHART IV Showing the Cause of Separations from the Recreation Crew of March, 1953 1. 7 were transferred to Honor Camps. 2. 4 were paroled. 3. 3 advanced to the Honor Dormitory. 4. 2 ask for a transfer to other jobs. 5. 1 was hospitalized with suspected brain tumor. Three or four varsity boxers were retained for gymnasium instruc tion for all inmates. Otherwise, all boxers were returned to their former company. Sixteen of the crew checked on June 1$, 1953 stayed with the rec reation crew for a year or more. Thus, a turnover rate of 47 percent resulted from the job separations occurring within approximately one year. Because the rate of job separations on inmate recreation crew was considered to be relatively low this part of the evaluation was judged to be worth 4*25 • 85 Th# evaluation of philoaophy has been mad# through th# rating of eleven criteria. These items were numbered the same as the numbered horizontal baz*s in Chart V • CHART V A Profile Chart Resulting from Outcome Evaluations Related to Philosophy 1 printed nhlerMvee 2 — staff opinion— . itÇ 3 — budgeted ejqïeneee.— 2.7^ 4 — «adm. cooperation ■■ 3» 5 ^recreation status— — ™ J A 6 — long range planning ■■ ^ 7 — jjimate planning -- _ 8 ..opportunity for participation ^3* 9 _™working conditions . J 10 3 .7 3 * 11 — Staff tHmmver ^.25 1 2 3 4 5 Poor Below Average Above Maximum Average Average The recreation program at Oiio Penitentiary is operating within the rugged framework of a maximum security institution. The warden has long demonstrated his belief in the values to be found in recrea tion. Some of the administrators immediately under the warden are not so enthusiastic. Most all inmates have the opportunity to take part in several phases of the recreation program. The inmate staff shows a fairly higb rate of turnover but not be cause excessive numbers cannot get along in the program. Many innate recreational workers "advance" to Honor Dorms, camps, or earn their P6 chance to parole. Although the growth has been alow until recent years, the biggest spurt has been during the last three years. The expansion of recreation and physical education in this institution haa been more or less left to chance development in that planned budgets are the exception rather than the rule. The reaction of most inmates toward the writer seemed to indicate they felt that recreation repre sented an attempt to help them. More than 150 inmates due for parole indicated they rated field recreation near the top of all prison services. The recreation program came under suspicion as a result of the October riot, yet was reinstated within six months following this blo«^ up. As a result of at least a dozen visits during the current year, the writer found evidence that the program was again expanding and facility improvements were being made. Suggested Criteria for Evaluating Personnel, The following list of criteria were used to evaluate recreation personnel. The actual scores are found at the end of each item. The maximum rating for any item is 5. 1. The director of the recreation program holds the same status, rank and pay as comparable department heads in the institution. Actual score is 5 2. The recreation hiead is professionally trained. Actual score is 4 3. There is definite in-service program for training security guards and inmates ^7 who help with recreation* Actual score ia 3 4. Inmates are utilized for important parts of the recreation program. Actual score is 4*75 5. The recreation head has good community contacta and utilizes these in the functioning of the program. Actual score is 4.75 6. The personnel ia experienced in the recreation and physical education field* Actual score is 4*5 7. The appearance and action of the recreation staff command respect, Actual score is 3 8. The major percentage of time spent by the recreation staiff has to do with work of this department* Actual score is 4*75 9. The recreation director regularly attends state and national meetings. Actual score is 3 10* The recreation head is emotionally stable. Actual score is Maximum total possible is 50* Actual total score is 41*5 iùcplanations for the scores which were given to the various phases of the personnel factor are found in the following paragraphs* The individual scores will be used to make a profile chart wnich ma}' be found later in this part of the study. The total score of 41*5 noted for the personnel factor will eventually be converted into 38 a score related to 20« This will be done on the final pages of Part III, 1# The director of the recreation program holds the same status. rank and pay as comparable department heads in the institution* The recreation director and recreation director and recreation supervisor are civil service positions* The recreation director re ceives pay on a level with a captain* The next pay level corresponds to assistant deputy warden* Likewise, the supervisor must receive his appointment in accord ance with civil service rules in Ohio. As such, these positions re ceive the same pay as the regular security staff, bince the civil service rules define the pay and bases for advancement these recreation positions are treated as other personnel. Because status, rank and pay are comparable with other department heads this part of the personnel factor is rated at 5* 2* The recreation head is professionally trained. The present Recreation Director at Ohio otate Penitentiary is a career man who has been connected with penal work for over fifteen years. He is a graduate of Ohio otate University with a major in phys ical education. He has had athletic coacning and teaching experience in public schools. His work in penology has covered parole board ex perience and orientation supervision* He is the first recreation di rector out of the last three who has not come up through security guard ranks* The training received by the present director of recreation at 89 Œilo Penltentlary prepared this man for coaching and teaching in the State of Ohio* Because of the professional training described hare this factor is rated at 4 . 3. Diere is a definite in-service program for training security jguards and inmates who help with recreation* Some training has been done during the past years with inmates who have helped to run the recreation program. The writer has previout ly stated that football and basketball officials were taught rules and officiating techniques. This applied likewise to softball officials. Activity leaders in the gymnasium have been shown and told about the various factors to check idien running the physical education pro gram* The writer called the entire group together periodically so that efficiency could be improved. Safety was often stressed as was sanitation. Security guards have been given increased training. After the riot the State Patrol aided in setting up this program* Little men tion was made about recreation* Although inmate leaders were given instruction in how to run various phases of the recreation program, security guards have had little information about the aims, objectives and working of the department. About the only attempt made to explain such things to the security guards came as a result of the recreation supervisor’s indirect "selling” Job when the guards brought their va rious companies to the gymnasium. As a result of this, the rating for this phase of the recreation program is 3 * 90 k» Inmates are utilized for important parts of the recreation program. Inmates at Ohio Penitentiary have been extremely important in the functioning of the entire protrram. The ground crew at O'Henry Field keeps the fields lined and watered. The stands are swept and cleaned by this crew. The recreation crew likewise collects and checks ath letic equipment. A great deal of "unofficiauL" repair work and im provement of facilities continually goes on. The public adress system at the field is run by inmate announcers, Equipment is handed out and checked in the gymnasium by members of the inmate crew. Clerks who help in the office do their share of paper work in helping the recre ation program to function smoothly. The recreation department has been fortunate in having expert repairman both for game equipment such as football shoes and for welding or carpentry work. The pictures used in this study were developed by inmate photographers with the per mission of the warden, of course. Inmates play a very important part in the conduct of the recreation system at Ohio Penitentiary, buch help, of necessity, is done under the siç>ervision of the recreation director and supervisor. This phase of the program rates 4.75. 5. The recreation head has good community contacts and utilizes these in the functioning of the program. When the term "community contacts" is used, it refers not only to persons outside prison walls but to the professional staff inside. As an example of cooperating with a department inside the prison the writer appeared before several groups who were about to be paroled from prison. One of the original requests appeared as shown in Illustration ly. 91 ILLUSTRATION IV A facsimile of a letter received by the writer which shows a type of interdepartmental cooper ation. July 10, 1953 H. £. Maurer, Recreation Suiiervlsor, Dear Mr. Maurer: I have made tentative plans for you to speak to the present pre-release group on Thursday, July 16, at 6 : 0 0 P.M. I have also made plans for dinner at 5:00 P.M. on the above date. If the above plans do not meet with your approval please contact my office. Very truly yours. Signed; Joseph G. Cannon, Supervisor Pre-Release Program The purpose of such talks was to point out the importance of proper use of leisure time and provide some guidance along such lines. Here was an example of interdepartmental cooperation within the narrow confines of the prison. The writer got in touch with persons who were possible sources of supply for physical education equipment of all kinds. Ohio State University, Ohio Wesleyan University, and Wittenberg College provided many pairs of used basketball shoes and game equipment of various kinds, 92 Many talks have been given before corainunity organizations of various kinds. The recreation directors in recent years have not been in a position to do as much selling and promoting outside the insti tution as the supervisor. Inside the prison walls they have played an important part which has often been overlooked. The director has been able to smooth the way with many of the security staff and officers* This very iavortant phase of recreation in this institution is rated at , 7 5 • 6, The personnel is experienced in the recreation and physical education field. The supervisor who helped to run the recreation department from September 1952 to September 1953 had many years experience in recrea»- tion, physical education and athletics in public schools and college. The man who replaced him had assisted with the prison recreation pro gram while he was a student at Ohio State. He was a recreation guard for about three years. The writer recommended this man as his replace ment at Ohio Penitentiary, Warden Alvis and Dr. E. Don McCullough agreed to this recommendation. The director of recreation for this same period had considerable experience as an amateur athlete in Columbus for many years in football, basketball, baseball and bowl ing, The present director has not been actively engaged in recresi- tion work until his present appointment. Balancing the factors in volved in this area we have a rating of 4,5. 7, The appearance and action of the recreation staff comnmnds respect. This is a difficult factor to rate. The practice of the security 93 staff before the riot was to bring their companies to the gymnasium and then leave them while they returned to other duties. After the riot the State Patrol advised that security guards remain in the gym nasium with their companies. In their opinion the recreation supervi sor must not have had adequate prison discipline. Because of the fact that the recreation supervisor dressed in civilian clothes the usual dividing line between the white collar, professional worker and the uniformed security staff was and still is easily observed. Since this prison is known nation-wide as a "ti^t" prison, a program such as recreation, in the minds of several of the highest security officers did little to aid in the discipline to which they were accustomed. Likewise, those who were directing the program were thought to be con tributing to general laxness. The second shift captain sharply criticized the recreation guards on or about September 15, 1952 for allowing inmates who were returning to their cell blocks too much talking, laughing and careless marching. The greatest force the recreation staff has in controlling the inmates is due to their keen desire to have the program continue. They know it can be taken away at any time if the program is misused. One re sult of this is that until a civilian becomes thoroughly institution alised, he is more or less frowned upon. Much of this same feeling is described in Dr. h. Don McCullough's study, 51 The very nature of the modem redreation and physical education program is not compatible with £• Don McCullough, op. cit.. p. 4. 94 rigid mill tar y-like discipline. Herein Is to be found one of Its greatest value. This very controversial factor will have to be rated according to shat many of the security staff have said and done and not to what the recreation staff would like to have them do. rbcperl- ence has taught the writer that this criterion should be rated at no more than 3 • 8. The major percentage of time spent by the recreation staff has to do with the work of this department. At Ohio Penitentiary the staff members who have been assigned to recreation have had various duties to do other than recreation. This was especially true when the recreation director was a career security officer. The security staff has been much undermanned amd one result of this has been. In many Instances, an overlapping of duties. As one example, on January 23, 19^3 the writer was talking to Captain Hau^, the Recreation Director, about the working schedule for the Ohio State University students who were assigned as recreation guards. A message was handed to Captain H a u ^ by another guard. After reading It the Captain turned to the writer and said, "I will not be able to work out the recreation crew schedule with you because I am assigned to guard Inmate A — for the rest of the day and evening." That night Inmate A — was electrocuted, %fe should note that after the riot In this prison many guards quit. There was extreme pressure placed on the remaining security staff as well as the professional staff. Captain Miller and Captain Ha u ^ had to help with classification assignments also. The present 95 director la not a security guard and spends most of his tim* with the program. The supervisor spends practically a11 his time with recrea tion. This criterion Is rated at 4,75 . 9* The recreation director regularly attends state and national meetings. Attendance at meetings for common exchange of Ideas Is one crite rion which helps to provide some Insight regarding staff status. Many institutions ask for such Information and It Is summarized In the yearly report. Colusibus Is the scene of z*ecreatlon and physical edu cation meetings. Professionally trained men and women In the physical education and recreation field have many common problems whether they are In the business of running a program for a school, city, college or prison. There were many meetings held at Ohio State University to which prison staff members were welcomed. A professional meeting held on June 18 - 19, 1953 In Mansfield, C*ilo, was the El^th Conference of the Deputy Ihrdens* Association. It was attended by the Ohio Penitentiary recreation staff. The agenda for this meeting contained the following Items: 1. Athletic programs 2. Recreation and entertainment 3. Hobby programs 52 ^ D. Allen, Chairman, Deputy Wardens *s Association, Eighth Con ference Program. Œilo State Reformatory Press, Mansfield, Ohio, p. li». PLATE VI A Picture taken in 1954 Showing lir, F,A, Co^an, Recreation vO Supervisor at CMo Penitentiary with Some of the Inmate Recreation Crew O' 97 Although a mileage allowance for automobile use waa granted, other expenaes were paid by the individual. Moat local meetinga and aeveral national meetinga were attended by the recreation ataff in this institution* For this reason the rating given to this part was 3 • 10. The recreation head is emotionally stable. It is extremely important for a prison recreation staff head to be a leader in every sense of the word. Many things happen in the conducting of a program such as recreation which serves most of the men in the institution. For example, in preparing a tumbling act for a holiday program one of the men in doing a double front somersault from a spring board to a padded chair held on the shoulders of his partner cut an arm on a nail which had not been properly protected. Blood spurted and immediate first aid was indicated. The entire par ticipating group watched the proceedings. They noted how the case was taken care of. After a tourniquet was applied the man was taken to the prison hospital. On another occasion an ankle was broken sliding into base during a ball game. There were many spectators here and again quick action was in evidence. Another time an inmate had a seizure in the gymna sium. It is clear that the impression inmates received of the recre ation head in the day to day conduct of his job played an important part in winning and keeping respect of the inmate body. The emotion ally stable leader, throu^ his actions, exerts a corresponding reac tion upon those around him. When handling men this is extremely im portant. The flighty, teeqwmental recreation leader helps to create 98 tension8 in an atmosphere that is already strained because it is func tioning under prison atmosphere, 'Die writer and his predecessor in vited 8l11 inmates to ask for counselling and advice. Many responded. They constantly sought the advice of the writer while he was recreation supervisor at Ohio Penitentiary. Sometimes the talk was about parole. At other times the subject was a change in cells or work companies. During the start of the October, 1952 riot many inmates saw Vvarden Alvis and the writer walk toward the center of the riot which was ex ploding in the dining halls. Both men entered the .,'est Hall where the Warden tried to quiet the 700 unruly inmates. This action helped to gain the respect of many prisoners in this institution, A former recreation officer at Ohio Penitentiary was described to the writer in the following uncomplimentary terms by an inmate #io had ask for an interview: Many men in this place don't think too high ly about the recreation crew. VVhy, $hen the crew was ready to leave Camp Perx*j' do you know that some found threatening notes pinned to their knapsacks? Some of this was a result of the rec reation gang's action the night of the riot in helping to put out fires, borne more of this feeling went back to the days of.... when a man had to be a squealer to get on the crew. The other men remember this. Since it appeared that the recreation director was well qualified in this area, this phase was rated at 4.75 . The following profile chart resulted from the evaluation of the recreation personnel at Ohio Penitentiary. K, E, Maurer, Personal Notes from an Interview with a Prisoner, June 22, 1953. 9 9 CHART VI A Profile of the Criteria Evaluated in Judging the Hecreatlon Staff In Ohio Penitentiary 1 — rank, pay ,...... — , ■ S. 2 — training - education■ <— ^ 3 — inaervlce training — k — Inmatee utlllaed ^ 5 — community contacta ■ ■■ ^75^ 6 — personnel aaperlence « ...... 7 ^Inmate reapect — 3 8 — time apent 4 * T S 9 — meetinga attended ■ J 10 ■ ■■emotionally stable ■ ■ - , - n ■ Poor Below Average Above Maximum Average Average The various scores used to evaluate the recreation personnel were utilised to construct profile Chart VI. The scores totaled Z»l,5 . This sum will be converted throu^ use of the proportion shown in the last pages of Part III . Criteria for Evaluating the Recreation Program, This study up to tJ'ie present point has dealt with the philosophy behind the prison program and the recreation staff. The third list of criteria represents an attempt to Judge the recreation program. It is difficult to divide precisely all parts of an entire functioning unit such as Ohio Penitentiary. It is difficult to be objective and avoid the halo effect when one has been as close to a situation as the writer has been for a twelve month period of time. In measuring any program at work it should be remembered that the emphasis is on the practical application of a problem to be solved. Not so much "How much do you know?" but "What are you doing about these recreational problems?" is the basic thought here. The program will be evaluated throu^ the use of 16 criteria. Bach item will be scored. % e maximum score for each individual part is 5 • 1. Full use is made of Saturday, Sunday and holiday time for t recreation activities. Actual score is 3.3 2. Outside services are included in the program. Actual score is 2 3. A fair share of the activities are planned for non skilled participants. Actual score is it.5 4. Special recreational events such as field days, plays and concerts are planned periodically in addition to the regular program. Actual score is 4 5. The recreational program regularly includes a major part of the population. Actual score is 4.75 6. Printed material is available providing information regarding all phases of the program. Actual ssore is 3 7* There is provision made for both active and quiet type activities. Actual score is 3.75 8. All institutional activities recreational in nature are coordinated in the departmental program. Actual score is 2.5 9. Hobbies, creative crafts, music and art are provided for in the weekly program. Actual score is 2 101 10. Provision is made for the adapted program for those in need of individual attention. Actual score is 2.5 11. ’//holesome competition is fostered both on a team and individual basis as a worthifhile education al experience. Actual score is 4 12. There is a balance between carry-over activ ities and those suited to the present situation Actual score is 4 13. Time is provided for planned instruction in the program activities. Actual score is 3 14. There is specific and tangible evidence of future program expansion or refinement of the existing program. Actual score is 3.75 13. A major part of the recreation program is based on participation rather than the spectator's role. Actual score is 3.5 16. There is class instruction in health, first aid and hygiene. Actual score is 1.5 Maximum total possible is 80 Actual score is 52.25 The explanation for Judging each of these criteria is given in the following paragraphs. Likewise, the conversion of the actual total score for the program is shown along with the profile chart constructed from the conversion score. 1. Full use is made of Saturday, Sunday holiday time for recrea- tional activities. 102 Dr. Walter C. R#Ale#e and Dr. Wilbur Batchelor both stresaed this point during Interviews with the writer. Time hangs extremely heavy during these hours when prison routine often slows to a stand still. Saturdays, Sundays and holiday time also brings back an asso ciation with outside world activities in the minds of many prisoners. Here is an opportunity f - helping the inmates over what is ordinarily a rough spot in his weekly schedule. Sometimes it has been necessary for guards at Ohio Penitentiary to come in to work on their own time to help with special programs held on week-ends or holidays. That some were willing to do this is proof that some officers were interested in the men under their charge. Fourth of July, Labor Day and Christmas are the holidays which have been associated with special programs at Ohio Penitentiary for many years. The Christmas Show and boxing, wrestling and tumbling events during the Fourth of July and Labor Day programs have been the nucleus around which many hours of planning and activity have center ed. The Labor Day program of 1952 went off without an accident al though there was to be a riot within a matter of weeks. The Christmas Show was not held in 1952 but the men were allowed to have the usual packages sent in from their families or friends. In 1953 and 1954 these holiday programs were held as usual. Let us now see about Saturday and Sunday time. Movies are shown Friday night and Saturday. Because of the limited seating facilities in the auditorium the showing time must be stretched out over two days. The daily schedule shows the hours from 2 to 4 on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays as music hour. Radios may be used during this time. 103 Seven to 8 O'clock in the evening is likewise called "music hour". Periodically, softball or football games aa*e held during Saturday afternoon. 0 'henry Field, September 19, 1953. Today under threatening rain-laden clouds the second game of the annual inter-penal softball ##*# was played with Ohio Penitentiary's ü 11 Stars defeating Junction City's Outlaws eight to five for their second win in two games played with them. 54 A schedule which was discontinued after the riot allowed bridge playing and a hill-billy band to meet from 11 A. U. until 2:50 P. M, on Sundays, The game plan provided for an art class, writers, chess and checker groups to meet from 4:30 P. M. to 6:45 P. 14. on Sundays. After a lapse of two years an attempt is being made to start part of this program. The official schedule for August 19, 1953 shows lawn recreation for "Blue Cap Companies" on Sundays from 12:30 to 2:00 P. It. Ei^t companies are assigned to Sunday evening recreation from either 4:30 to 6:00 or 6:30 to 8:00, With the evidence at hand this criterion is ranked at 3.5 . 2. Outside services are included In the program. Movies might be considered as one outside service. Very little use has been made in recent months of outside services for recreation. In past years circus acts were brought inside once or twice a year. Football and softball teams also competed against all-star teams. 54 Ohio Penitentiary News. Sept. 26, 1953, p. 1 . lOh Since October 31, 1952 circumstances have been such that this has been discontinued. This factor is rated at 2 . 3, A fair share of the activities are planned for non-skilled partici pants. One of the methods for measuring this factor in the program is to show the kind of activities in which the inmates have participated and who have taken part. Hie following chart was taken from records kept by the writer and shows the number of men who participated in the gym nasium program between May 25, 1953 and through June 29, 1953. All ranges of skills were represented. Very few were skilled. This was about two months after the prograun was activated following the riot. The following count Included a cross section of the prison companies. CHART VII A chart showing idiat activities 926 inmates selected during 25 days of recreation activity in the gymnasium, June 30, 1953 through July 30, 1953. Badminton 10? men B a s k e t b a l l ...... 351 men Boxing 233 men Trampoline 39 men Tumbling *...... 26 men Weightlifting ...... 148 men W r e s t l i n g ...... 22 men (total) 926 participants 105 Idl« companies had opportunity to come to the gymnasium on the average of once per week. Thus, this chart shows a repetition of com panies during this four week count. The men who took part in this pro gram represented all stages of skill. The emphasis was not on varsity level of skills. At this same time the outside recreation program provided for horseshoes, basketball, rag tag football, volleyball, weightlifting and softball. Hill-billy music was also allowed during evening recre ation as were walking and talking. During 1954 shuffleboard was added to the list of outdoor activities. The intramural program was planned during the day at O' Henry Field. It allowed for the skilled players in football and softball, and from these men were selected the All-Star teams. The extra-skilled were selected for the boxing and wrestling s hows which were performed on the holidays mentioned above. The jugglers, entertainers and tumblers were given a chance to perform. Many of the best performers who had the ability to get along with fellow inmates and civilian personnel were used as squad leaders in the recreation crew. The writer also provided some time and training for a few in mates who were crippled. Present plans call for the adapted program planned for post operative cases. Because of the past record and present planning this criterion is rated 4.5 • 4, Special recreational events such as field days, plays and concert are planned periodically in addition to the regular program. 106 Mention has already been made about holiday programs at Ohio Peni tentiary. The orchestra and band has taken part in all these programs. Several years ago Inmates were allowed to pick up a box lunch from the dining room and gather in the yard where orange and lemonade was pro vided. The men thus had opportunity to have the benefit of a picnic away from the dining room. Barrels were placed in conspicuous places and inmates placed refuse in them before returning to their cells. These picnics have been discontinued for several years. Many of the inmates have told the writer they enjoyed this break in prison routine. This factor ranked at 4 • 5. The recreation program regularly includes a major part of the population. A study of the entire recreation schedule which was authorized for the week of August 10, 1953 shows that all but 7 out of 64 companies listed in Ohio Penitentiary had opportunity to take part in at least one p h M e of the recreation program. There is a three-fold division of the program into the gymnasium program, the intramural program, both of which are scheduled for mornings or afternoons, plus the eve ning recreation program at 0 "Henry Field. Attendance at any of these recreation events is not compulsory. Forty-five companies had a second opportunity during this week to take part in a second recreation peri od. The following week those companies which did not have a second opportunity to participate during the first week were given this chance the following week. So o m companies are under close custody because of health reasons, others because they az*e in the homosexual group 107 and BOD« baoauae of dtseiplina trouble. Because all smu coming to the gymnasium were required to dress In gym attire and to take a shower some In Inmates did not take part In this program* The fact that the gymnasium was located on the third floor may have been another factor with some. A count showed that this part of the program attracted from 30 percent to 50 percent of those idle companies scheduled «dio might have participated had they chosen to do so. The participation at the Intramural and field recreation ran from 85 percent to 90 percent of those who were entitled to participate. Another problem not entirely solved over the years was represent ed In those men idio had to work at nl^t such as the crew men In the hospital or the power plant crew. Some of the maintenance crew also must work at odd hours. Slncd some men had a chance to play in the Intramural games during the day and once a week were permitted to go to evening recreation, the following chart shows some duplication of numbers. CHART VIII Chart showing total numbers of Inmates using Field Recreation and Intramurals at Ohio Penitentiary Week of July 13, 1953 ...... 4934 men Week of July 20, 1953 ...... 3909 men (rain) W e ^ of Aug. 3, 1953 ...... 4524 men Week of Aug.10, 1953 ...... 5070 men Week of Aug. 17, 1953 4400 men The lowest week recorded here was a result of rain. The population of the prison at this period was approximately 4500 men. The average attendance per company warn about 55 men out of a full company of 60 men. 108 Roughly» 90 percent of the total inmate personnel took advantage of thie phase of the recreation program. The writer instructed the clerks who were helping with the detail of planning this program to see that eadh company had an opportunity of having some form of recreation twice week ly, Since so many of the inmates have opportunity to take part in some for of recreation weekly, the rating for this factor is i*,75. 6, Printed material is available providing information regarding 1 phases of the program. Recreation is specifically mentioned in the rules and regulations booklet at Ohio Penitentiary, The printed recreation schedule is sup plied to all blocks weekly. The prison newspaper regularly carries in formation regarding recreation and this is distributed throughout the prison. The issue of June 6, 1953 contained this headline end infor mation: SPORTS PROGRAM TO HE EXTENDED ?/ITH OTHER ACTIVITIES NOW. INTRAMURAL SPORTS TO BE STEPPED UP. It is the desire and intention of Warden R. W. Alvis to have the present sports pro gram increased with the additon of boxing, wrestling and trampoline. 55 There has been no handbook prepared which gives the aims, objec tives and program of the department itself. The prison paper is the chief source of contact between the department, guards and the in mates, Rating for this criterion is 3 • Ohio Penitentiary News, June 6, 1953, p. 1 . 109 7* There le provision mad# for both active and quiet type activltle». The inmate who participated in the gymnasium program did not have much choice of quiet activity. Volleyball and paddle tennis are the best two examples. Formerly bridge, writing and painting were allowed in the gymnasium. Because of limited space men were not encouraged to be only spectators. Here the program was of the more active type. Weightlifting, box ing, tumbling, trampoline and basketball were the most heavily used. At the field there was checkers, horseshoes, shuffleboard, hillbilly band and either walking or watching activities all of idiich provided the men with quiet type of action. The aged and infirm are taken out into the yard periodically and sometimes to the field to watch the events. When the writer was super vising the program, during the summer months one of the recreation guards would be regularly sent to bring this group down to the field for evening recreation. When block recreation was in force the program, of necessity, was made up of quiet type activity because of the highly restricted space in the cell blocks. Some painting was allowed in tiie cells but only by special permission. Although the band and orchestra are not under the recreation department, 20 to 30 men practice and play regularly in this group. Some writing is also permitted and a few men have sold stories to some of the pulp magazines. Because of the program which has been in effect this is rated at 3*75 • 8. All institutional activities recreational in nature are coordinated 110 the departmental program. Some of this problem has been described in the paragraph above. Music is not under the recreation department. Neither is the Christmas Program ehich includes both music and tumblers. The recreation depart ment has had nothing to do eith the radio programs or the lending li brary, although both might be thought of as recreational in nature. Since this program is operating in prison we can never hope to have complete coordination of all activities which are recreational in na ture. Custody problems come first and educative or recreational pro blems follow. One author puts it thus: — and the moment any rehabilitative measure threatens custody, he (the warden) stops it. Custody must win so long as prison is a prison, and rehabilitation must lose. RehabiUtation is utterly impossible in prison, These may seem like harsh words,yet with such feeling common among career penologists the recreation director finds that all-over control of his program is not possible. This criterion is rated at 2.5 . 9. Hobbles, creative crafts, music and art are provided for in the weekly program. Some inmates raise canaries, some have scrap books, a few paint and draw, but only a few, at Ohio Penitentiary. Most of the craft- work is done in the honor dormitory. Some of the products are sold at the entrance to the prison. Music is confined to band and orchestra $6 John Bartlow Martin, Break Down the Walls. Ballantine Books, New York, 1954, p. 240 . Ill with Hillbilly bands allowed at the recreation field. For the Christ mas Play some singing is included as part of the program. With four men to many cells there isn*t room for much hobby work. Space la too limited. All this is niore-orwless of informal nature. It is not part of a regularly scheduled class. The big exception is found in the honor dorm where some of the men hare developed skills in various crafts to a high level. This factor is rated at 2 , 10, Provision is made for the adapted program for those In need of individual attention. Two men on the recreation crew were inmates who had physiccd dis abilities, One had a badly atrophied lower leg because of poliomye litis, the other had been shot in the leg. The leg never healed prop erly, Both these men throu^ months of association with the entire gymnasium crew and the supervisor became sufficiently interested to be come skilled in various activities. One became a good Juggler and appeared on the Christmas Show. He became a good trampoline performer also, even though his disability caused him to walk with a pronounced limp. This instate became quite skilled on the typewriter and was assigned to the recreation office as typist. The other prisoner was put in charge of the gymnasium checking room. He became an instructor in weightlifting besides his checking room duties, Ttro other poliomyelitis victims were induced to come to ths gym nasium regularly over a period of a year. Both had one arm and leg badly atrophied from the results of this disease. Both were definite ly •*fringers" and very reluctant to try the recreation program. The 112 writer personally spent much time with these men and kept a card file on their progress. Graded exercises were worked out to increase the range of motion and power not only in the affected areas but the ern tire body. Later game skills were introduced such as one-wall hand ball and volleyball. V/ei^ted shoes, hand bar-bells and mats were used in exercises which the writer advised to fit various muscle groups* Since all of these inmates were in their late twenties or early thirties there was very little increase in the size of their afflicted arms or legs. Their mobility and power did increase however and the biggest gain was in their morale. A list of exercises which was followed by inmate H during the week of June 29, 1953 follows. This was taken from records of the writer which were developed as part of Physical Education 630, The Ohio State University. 1. Lie flat on back, extend sirm holding 5 pound barbell 90° from floor and flex toward cheat. 10 times. 2. Lie on back, hold barbell inflexed, bent arm position extend arm at 45^ angle toward right foot and return. 8 times. 3. Lie on back attach 4 pound weight to ri^t foot, pump leg to knee-chest position and extend. 12 times. 4. Sit on bench, extend lower leg parallel with floor, bending at the knee, 6 times. 5. Lie face down, bend lower leg backward 90° with 4 pound weight and return. 11 times. 6. Standing, arms at side, bring forearm upward holding 5 pound barbell, flexing at the elbow. 14 times. 113 7* Fifteen minutée basketball shooting* 57 This program represented a four-week span of work by this inmate who was 31 years old and who had a badly atrophied right arm and right leg. Some time later this inmate learned to do the simpler stunts on the tranç)oline. Much of this program was checked with Dr, Arthur Daniels, frcci the Ohio State University Staff. In each of these four men the capacity to move and function was decidedly ing)roved. Present plans call for the adapted program to function in connection with the prison hospital. The ground has been broken for the building of a much more comprehensive program of recreation for the inmate in need of individual attention. This factor rates 2.5. 11. Wholesome competition is fostered both on a team and individual basis as a worthwhile educational experience. An observer of the Ohio Penitentiary recreation program at 10:30 A.M. on September 17, 1954 would have seen two company football teams engaged in a close and interesting game « The inmates watching this contest were cheering and yelling encouragement. One look at the expression the faces and spectators alike would have been ample proof that these men were thoroughly enjoying themselves. In football, rag tag football or softball there is provision made for strenuous competi tion. In boxing, wrestling and weightlifting there is competition on an individual basis. Shuffleboard and paddle tennis provide a chance for quiet competition. Horseshoes does likewise. Boxing companies have functioned periodically at Ohio Penitentiary. Many penologists 57 These records were developed by the writer as part of Physical Education 630. The Ohio State University, 1952. 114 warn against set boxing companies* Sometimes a prisoner gets a reputation as a tough guy and feels obliged to live up to it; guards and inmates alike bring him cnallenges to fight. Until a few years ago if an inmate had a grudge against another, he could send his enen\y's number to the captain, who would arrange a boxing match with gloves. Hagen stopped this because plug-uglies were molesting peaceable men and fighting for pay. 53 At present there is no boxing and wrestling coaqpany at this prison. Some of the best men are used for instruction in the gymnasium. It is possible tdien the time comes to prepare a boxing and wrestling card for the July Fourth and Labor Day shows that twenty or thirty candi dates will again be activated in a boxing crew. The writer was order- to organize such a company in 1952. A very close check was kept on these men to avoid any trouble from the usual causes of prison flare- ups on the ranges ---- sex problems, bullying or betting. The men were shifted to different cells if they could not get along with their cell mates, Prom the viewpoint of the professional recreation woiHcer such programs were run with as much fairness as could be found in any pro gram. It seems to depend upon what point of view one takes whether such programs are deemed educational. The truth is that the usual prison "program" is really designed not to rehabilitate the inmate, as we claim, but rather to prevent trouble in prison. We know that idle prisoners and conglomer ate ones and untrained guards produce riots. But there is a deep and all-important difference be tween preventing riots and rehabilitating inmates. 59 This author is critical about the methods employed by most adl 53" John Barlow Martin, op. cit., p. 140. Ibid. p. 233. FLATr. V U A Scene Showing Part of the Labor Day Progran, Ohio Penitentiary, 195A H VJl 116 prison educational programs. It Is believed there are educational values inherent in the well-run recreation program whether function ing in or out of prison. The estimate for this factor is 4. 12. There is a balance between carry-over activities and those suited to the present situation. The term carry-over activity refers to that type of recreational skill which will be more suited to the inmate when he is older and in outside society, borne activity is designed for the present and for the young who have lots of energy and drive. Basketball and football represent two sports which meet this objective. Boxing is another. For the large majority such strenuous activity is out of the question for the middle and later ages. That is why hobby work, craft work and the quiet type of activity such as shuffleboard or horseshoes is needed to balance a prison recreation program. The one fits the immediate objectives connected with the present, the other represents the more remote objectives of the future. The idea of inntediate and remote objectives has been emphasized many times by Dr. Willard P. Ashbrook and Dr. Jay B. Nash. CHART IX Chart Showing the Field Recreation and Intramural Selections Made by 9720 Ohio Penitentiary Inmates during the Weeks of June 13, 1953 and July 13, 1953. Softball 2150 ...... 22.1% of total Horseshoes 533 •.•.••• 5.5% Basketball 322...... 3.3% 117 Volleyball 20 ...... 2* Checkers and 527 *...... 5,4% Cheas Rings 3 Ô ...... Weightlifting 1 9 9 ...... 2. % Shot put 5 . - Walking 7 U U ...... 7.7$ Spectators 5182 ...... 53.3$ (Total) 9720 99.9$ This list of activities was for the night and the intramural recrea tion program at the field. These were mostly free choice programs and were run in the morning, afternoon and evening hours until dark. If we include the 3*3 persent of the men selecting basketball and the 2 percent selecting weightlifting then add these to the 53.3 percent who were spectators we arrive at the sum of 58.8 persent who followed activities other than those classified as carry-over. The 41.2 per cent selected those skills which might be especially applicable to middle age or later. Rings represents a game where a metal washer 2^ inches in diameter is tossed from a mark on the ground toward a tin can sunk into the ground. To those who question walking as a worthwhile activity it might be appropriate to esqplain that most of these men come from cells 7x7x9 feet in size and that many of these cells hold three or four inmates. Anyone who is at all familiar with prisons will at once recall the men who use most of their recreation 118 period walking back and forth in the sunlight often by twos. Walk ing might be called a lost art to the machine-conscious people outside prison walls. To many men inside the walls it is a valuable and often used release from prison pressures. Because of the evidence which is presented here this factor involving carry-over skills is rated 4$ 13. Tim# ia provided for planned instruction in the program activities. The gymnasium program during 1951 and 1952 was planned and opera ted as an instructional period. Instates wrote "kites" to ask for instruction to the various classes. A "kite" is a written request. UTien recreation was restored in the spring of 1953 the gymnasium pro gram was operated differently in that entire companies of inmates were brought in on schedule. Some instruction was provided but the program was more informal for several months. Expert performers were stationed at all activity areas with the idea of both instruction and safety. Most inmates were free to choose their activity. Intense training went on for those who were to take part in the Fourth of July and Labor Day Programs. Tumblers* boxers and wrestlers were closely checked and regularly trained. At this writing an attempt is again made to put the gymnasium program on a more formal instructional basis. The aim is to give the inmates instruction in fundamental recreational skills which they can use rot only in the intramural program or the field program but after parole. Here is a part of the instructional schedule which was in effect September 15, 1952 to November 16* 1952. The gymnasium will schedule physical education classes 119 as follows: a. working conçaniea: ikyn, & Frl. 8:00 to 9:30 A«M. Basketball 20 men lion. & Fri. 8:00 to 9:30 A.k. Tumbling 20 men Mon. & Frl. 8:00 to 9:30 A.M. Boxing 20 men Mon. k Frl. 9:30 to 11:00 A.M. Volleyball 20 men Mon. & Frl. 9:30 to 11:00 A.M. Welghtlift- 20 men Mon. & Fri. 9:30 to 11:00 A.M. Wrestling 20 men Let us note that these men were permitted to come to the gymnasium on a white pass and they came from all over the penitentiary, then re turned to their working company, idle company or school coo^anies. The writer was soon to l e a m that the supervisors of the school and prison industry were not happy about this arrangement. Neither were the yard officers who did not like 50 to 60 inmates going to the gymnasium on a white pass. This was cxie cause of the minority report to the State Patrol which stated that recreation was one factor leading up to the prison riot. The specific result of this was the practice of bringing entire companies to the gymnasium under the charge of the prison guards who remsdned with their men in the gymnasium. This is the reason, for several months following the riot, that formal instruction was not In much evidence except for the men who were needed in the special pro grams. Yet, some Instruction was given by those In charge of the various activities. The writer gave instruction on trampoline skills. Volleyball, paddle tennis and weightlifting skills were taught. Since circumstances forced a change in the prison routine this factor is rated at 3. ^ Recreation Plan of Organisation, From Deputy Warden's and Recrea- tion Supervisor's Files, Œilo Penitentiary, Sept. 12, 1952. 120 14* There ia «pacific and tangible evidence of future program «xpanalon or refinement of the exlating program* Specific evidence regarding the future recreation program in Ohio Penitentiary is very hard to produce. The writer has already stated that Warden Alvis told him personally after the riot that recreation would be reinstated. When the newspapers printed the findings of the State Patrol report Warden Alvis made no comnent, officially, about the charges made by the old line guards in which the recreation program was blamed in part for creating conditions leading up to the blow-up. Other than the word of the Warden there %#as little tangible evidence that we would be back In the recreation business. To those of us who knew him the word of Warden Alvis was as good as a sealed and signed contract. To those who have been closely associated wLth the recreation program in this prison more evidence might appear in the fact that the traditional special holiday programs still are in effect. Each one is "better than the last," The December 12, 1953 edition of O.P# News contains the program for the "Big Revue of 1953". The following acts were mentioned in this publication: 1. Mello-tones quartette. 2. Juggling trio. 3. Roller skating exhibition. 4. Tap dancing act. 5* layersonation act# 6. Dance spectacle. 7# The Aero-Jacks tumbling sextette# 121 8. Dance Band number. 9. Hill Billy music. The writer counted 161 names on the program and this did not in clude the men in the pit orchestra which would bring the total to over 200 men. Each one mi ^ t be considered proof to the fact that recrea tion is a tangible part of the prison program now and in the future. Other evidence which may be considered is found in the successive ap pointments of both recreation directors and supervisors as circum stances demand. If recreation is to be administered out of existence, one of the first steps would be to relegate this work to some other officer and department. Since the appointments, facilities and program continues to function we may assume that the top level authority plans to keep recreation in the picture. Enlargement and improvement of the athlet ic field area continues and may be seen by anyone who has authority from the Warden to visit inside the prison. Two new shufflaboard courts were built in 1954 and plans were being made to black top the play areas adjacent to the power plant. It was the judgment of the writer that this evaluation should be 3.75 . 15* A major part of the recreation program is based on participation rather than the spectator role. In an institution which has a population over couble the number which can best be handled the atten^t to get all-out participation is faced with many problems. The reference to the sick, lame and lazy crew has been made earlier in this part of the study. It might be 122 ue#d as STldsncs to tha elslm that unlvarsal participation will never happen. The site and facilities in the gymnasium limit a participating load to 50 or 60 men with room for no more than a handful of specta* tora. The field program can handle three softball games at a time if the outfielders overlap positions. Two games are much better. Two touch football games are best handled at a time. There is one basket ball court, two shuffleboard courts. The very limitation of space limits to a marked degree the number of courts which can be laid out. "Die bleacher q^ace on the other hand will accommodate up to a maximum of 2500 to 3000 men. By standing and crowding perhaps 3200 inmates can see a softball game which must be played on a field 80 yards long. Spectators were not welcome in the gymnasium program but were at the field. Men who signed up for the writers or artists club were supposed to take an active part in that work. Inmates who were asked to write "kites” to take part in special programs had to be able to do something fairly well. For those men who represented company in tramural teams participation was automatic. A check showed that about 50 percent of all inmates going to the athletic field went as spectators and not as active participants. It is hard to figure what they could have done otherwise with the limita tion in space and facilities. A few more could have found a place for participation, but not siany. Almost every man who was a member of a varsity squad would, of course, be an active participant. When they performed the vast ma jority would be watching from the sideline. Balancing the factors mentioned in this part of the study resulted in a score of 3.5 . 123 16. Ther# ar# claaa Inatructlon*. movi## and ledtur## in h#<h and hygi»n». Any Instruction in hsslth and hygiene was given incidentally as part of the pre-release program or in some of the school companies. Ihere was no specific class labeled as health or hygiene. The recrea tion crew received some informal instruction in first aid by the rec reation supervisor. Most movies were run for their entertainment value, not direct instructional purposes. Some routine health in struction was given to all incoming inmates while in quarantine at the hospital. Sick calls, physical examinations, innoculations, dental and eye checks were all centered here. The health of the prison popu lation must be carefully watched since overcrowding always presents a hazard. Direct health and hygiene instruction was not commonly done. Judgment of this part resulted in a rating of 1.5 , CHART X A Profile Chart Showing the Criteria Evaluations in Judging the Recreation Program at (Miic Penitentiary 1 _ j T u l l use of time — 3 . S 2 « 2. Outside services 3 — activities for nonskilled ■ , 1.1 ^ 4 —«special events - ■ — ^ 5 ^number using program ■ ■ ■ 6 "material available — J 7 _^ctive, passive, activities — , 3,75* 8 II Z - 5 activities coordinated 9 ■ '■ crafts, art 10 - Z S ^ adapted program 11 .competition fostered — W 12 — carry-over skills .... 4- 13 ' - ■■■ 3L planned instruction 14 — future planning — - ' ■ -■ 3*75' - , Z 3 f f 12h 15 _ participation plannad______d . S " 16 ■ /'f class instruction 1 2 3 4 5 Poor Below Average Above Maximum Average Average The various scores used to evaluate the recreation program was utilized to construct profile Chart X • The scores totaled 52.25 . This sum w i l l be converted through use of the proportion shown in the last pages of Part III . The next Job is to Judge the worth of the recreation facilities. Criteria for Measuring the Worth of Recreational Facilities in Selected Prisons. The worth of facilities was Judged through a yardstick consisting of 20 criteria. The actual value of eadh item was recorded in the fol lowing part of the study. The maximum worth of any one criterion was 5. 1. Adequate space is available both indoors and outdoors to serve the entire inmate body. Actual score is 2 2. Multiple use is made of available space for a wide variety of activities. Actual score is 4.5 3. Space is provided not only for vigorous team sports but individual athletics such as bocci, horseshoes, handball and tennis. Actual score is 4 4. There is a swimndng pool and shower facilities. Actual score is 2.5 5. Gymnasium clothing is issued regularly and 125 l&und#r#d regularly. Shoea, protectors, towels, soap. Actual score Is 3 6 . Athletic equipment is both safe and adequate. Actual score is 3.5 7. Mowing pictures are regularly shown in a place $hlch allows good view for all inmates. Actual score is 4.5 d. There are adequate library facilities, books and services. Actual score is 2 9. Social rooms and club rooms are available for group meetings. Actual score is 2 10. There is a running track and space where walking is permitted. Actual score is 2.5 11. There is a boxing and wrestling ring, tumbling mats, parallel and horizontal bars, handball courts, volleyball and paddle tennis or badminton standards. Actual score is 12. Indoor and outdoor space is planned and equipped with a high safety factor. Actual score is 4.5 13. There is a regular store room with a repair and cleaning system. Actual score is 4. 35 14. The recreation director has a private and adequate office with proper equipment. Actual score is 4.5 15. Radio and / or television facilities are provided with sou&e selection allowed tothe inmate. Actual score is 3. IP6 16. The appearance of both indoor and outdoor facilities is neat, clean and well-kept. Actual score is 4.5 17. Space and materials are provided for plays, theatricals and special programs. Actual score is 3.5 18. Facilities and equipment are provided for competitive team athletics such as football, basket ball, baseball, softball and track. Actual score is 3.5 19. Adequate room is provided for outside spectators as well as the inmate population. Actual score is 3 20. There is a proper balance between facilities for the carryover types of activities and the extreme ly vigorous program. Actual score is Maximum total possible is 100. Actual total score is 68,75 The actual total score for facilities will be converted into a lesser number near the end of Part III . A profile chart will follow the explanation of the scores listed above. 1. Adequate space la available both indoors and outdoors to serve the entire inmate body. In the gymnasium which is about 175 feet long and 10 feet wide the maximum Inmate load is considered to be 60 men with room on the sides for very few spectators. At 0 'Henry Field which is about 350 feet on each side there is scant room to run two softball or toucn football games at the same time. Bleacher seats allow about 2500 men 1 ’7 to watch such games or all-star games, A play field to the south of O'Henry field ia aoout 80 feet wide and 300 feet lon^. Cheas and cards, two shuffleboard courts, 1 basketball court, weightlifting, 7 horseshoes courts and a badminton, volleyball or paddle tennis court utilize about all of the usaole area in the play field* There are streets adjacent to the athletic field and tl.e play field which the inmates use in going to the area or returning to their cells* Inmates are also considered "in bounds" if they use certain parts of the streets for walking* It has already been noted in Chart VII that more than 50 percent of the inmates had little choice but to walk or sit in the bleachers* Perhaps this number will always be content to sit on the sidelines in any program if this sort of thing is passively accepted. With the area available in the g}mnasium and the athletic field in a prison that is badly overcrowded this criterion cannot be rated highly. It is scored at 2. 2 . Multiple use is made of available space for a wide variety of activities* In the gymnasium there ia a permanent ooxing ring* It is used for boxing, wrestling and, when available, for tumbling and juggling. The main basketball court ha# been used for volleyball, wrestling and tumbling, bide baskets permit free shooting if the men did not wish to play a game of basketball* The trampoline was port nule and was sandwiched in be tween the regular basketball court and the volleyball court at the end of the g^Tnnasium* In a space as confined as this there was not much choice but to make multiple usage the only sensible procedure* Weightlifting 12^ and hi^h balancing actu had to have the safety angle erapnaaized at all times. These activities were also placed in various locations in the gjTnnasiuin as conditio ns permitted. The constant pressure generated by a Large number wanting to use limited space made multip] usage almost mandatory, ILLUüTh.iTlUN V Illustration bhowing the Space Devoted to Various Activities in the ü^ntmasium. Scaled 4" to 10'. 2 s 13 0 an / |l Zl lé ao ( 6 Key to gymnasium layout; I m supervisor' 8 office 12 ■ weightlifting 2 storeroom, repairroom 13 — paddle tennis, volleyball 3 s checkroom 14 - punching bag k s supervisor' s shower 15 = II tl 5 s equipment. towels 16 = chinning bar 6 m toilets 17 t)asketball basket 7 •z showers IB s II II 8 - boxing, wrestling 19 s II II 9 ■ basketball court 20 II II 10 - trampoline 21 - entrance stairs 11 tumbling 22 ■ emergmcy exit This layout has been changed several times but all tnese activities remained in the picture. Even the space over the storeroom and towel room was used for storage of various items of equi]i;«;l, Tuis represents maximum usage of the space at hand. At the field tne suftoali fields 'i were turned into football fields, A few track meets have been held here over the past years, more recently, however, other equipment such as horseshoes and basketball courts must remain much in the sa^ne place and utilized for the same activities. In the honor dorms cards and ping pong were permitted in the center aisles. The men use these same tables for study or writing at other times. After the riot many of the dormitories did not use the table tennis equipment for weeks. Because of the space limitations, inside and out, multiple usage of areas was almost at a maximum when the recreation program was in full develop ment, uiuch lost ground has been regained in the months following the blow-up but progress has been slow, Tnis criterion rates high in the Judgment of the writer. It is placed at 4,5. 3 * dpace is provided not only for vigorous team sports but individual athletics such as bocci, horseshoes, handball and tennis. Reference to the participation charts and the gymnasium layout will show that there is excellent balance between the team and individual type of activity. It is in this area that the greatest gain in recent years has been made, in the Judgment of the writer, T>o often the more publicised team games demanding much space for a relative few have crowded out the individual type of sport, A faic rating for this cri terion is 4 # 4, There are swijtLidng pool and shower facilities, Ohio Penitentiary has no swimming pool. Although periodic mention has been made about the possibility of building a pool on the present site of the greenhouse it is the opinion of the writer that it will be 1 3'; several years before the proper authorities will pJLve the go-ahead sign for such a project. There are gang showers numerous enough to handle the normal gyinnaaium load. There are also prison showers to which the men are taken re^^ularly, winter and summer. The showers at the field are only two in numoer and are so placed that large numbers cannot use them. There are several departments wnich nave rigged up showers for their working companies. The Machine Shop is one example. Most ail inmates have access to showers. All eligible companies are taken to the prison showers twice weekly in summer and once weekly in winter, L any working companies have showers .vid all men who go to the gymnasium have another chance to take a shower, in fact, are re quired to shower. The biggest problem for the recreation director at present lies in the fact that men taking part in field recreation have no chance to take a shower after finishing this activity. Although there is no swimming pool available this factor is rated 2 ,5, 5, Gymnasium clothing is issued regularly and laundered regularly. Inmates who take part in the gymnasium program are furnished shorts, protectors, prison socks, and tennis shoes. Towels are also provided and all are laundered daily. The shoes must be re-used many times because few men own tneir own. A few pairs of tumbling and boxing shoes are also availaole. The trunks, shirts, towels and socks are made in the prison snops and therefore are in fair supply. Basketball shoes are donated by various colleges and are in short supply much of the time. This criterion is ranked at 3* b. Athletic equipment is both safe and adequate. The safety factor was closely checked at all times. Headguards were available for boxers. Light and heavy gloves were also supplied. Helmets for the football players and shoulaer pads, hip and tnigh pads, in addition to first aid equipment were in evidence at the field or gymnasium. Football and baseball snoes were furnished team members. Properly lined fields and dugouts together with smooth pla;/ing sur faces helped to keep accidents at a minimum. In spite of such precautions, the following injuries occurred: CHA-tT Xi showing the Numoer and Kind of oevtre Injuries occuring during Field Recreation at Ohio Peni tentiary in the Months of May, June, July and August, 1953 May 4, sprained ankle sliding into base May 5, hand spiked, 8 sutures required May 21, ran against dugout, eye cut, sutures required May 25, broken ankle covering base May 27, player spiked May 28, sprained ankle sliding June 3, injured shoulder June 5, sprained ankle sliding June 8 , injured foot running bases June 16, baserunner spiked June 24, baserunner spiked June 30, hit in mouth by ball, sutures required July 8, catcher received t o m fingers from ball,sutures July 16, players ran together, lacerated head July 21, catcher injured hand July 27, finger dislocation, catching ball. X-ray Aug. 6, shoulder badly oruised, splinted, dressed Aug. 13, ankle injured running It is to be noted that most all of these injuries came as a hazard of the game with faulty playing techniques the main cause. Only one case out of 18 involved placement of equipment. This was the accident caused by a player running into a dugout. These injuries happened during the 13? intramural and field prorrams. All-Ütar football and the boxing crew furnished the usual quota of broken teeth and nosea. ho other fractures than tnebe occurred during an eight month span in the gymnasium program, derious sprains were X-ray#d. The gymnasium floor was very smooth cement and presents a serious hazard. The recreation guards nad orders to take any suspicious case to the hospital when injury occurred, all tumbling equipment was constantly checked. The athletic equipment was old and hard-used but kept in a good state of repair. The wrestlers broke some of the boxing ring floor boards and this was finally corrected by addin*^; a second floor diagonally on top of the first. It required about six months time to get tne lumber for this job. Limited budgets cause all possible repair skills to be used and the shoe shop, machine shop, carpenters, painters and plun.bers have all contributed to the upkeep and repair of any athletic equipment which is fixable. Balls of all kinds, bats, gloves and softball masks were in good supply. The varsity softball and football team had team Jerseys, Adequacy is a relative term, oome items have always been in short supi ly, football pants and extre. ie tennis shoe sizes were always needed, oweat shirts were always in demand but denim iackets made in the prison shops nelped to substitute for this item* Aft^r Weighing the various positive and negative aspects of ttd s criterion it is the judgment of the writer that it be rated 3,5• 7. koving pictures are shown in a place which allows good view for all inmates. Movies have been regularly shown in Ohio Penitentiary for many 1^3 years. Up to the present time practically all have been first class and late release films. Tne a-uphitneater-like auditoriur. permits all inmates to s _e clearly. Tne movies must be shown in three shifts be cause of the email size of the auditorium. This factor rates highly at 1,3* 8 . There are adequate library facilities, books and services. Library facilities at Ohio Peniteritiary are poor. There are neither books in sufficient quantity nor sufficient space in which to quarter the library. If we refer to tht. Chart I on page 36 we note that 15Ü inmates who were being paroled ranked the library very near to the bottom when comparing it with twelve other services in the in stitution, It is possible the warden will utilize part of the new building being erected adjacent to the hospital for a new library, oervices are very limited because of lack of library books and s pace. This factor is rated 9 • bocial rooms and club rooms are available for group meetings, bpace is at such premium in this prison that there are not many rooms available for any kind of meeting, Jince the riot in which the Catholic Chapel, the Commissery and the Deputy Warden's offices were burned out, space had to be provided not only for these but several other offices located in these buildings. The Laundry had to be re located as it was a total loss. The bank and orcnestra practice in the auditorium. The religious groups have rooms assigned in the same building nousing the Deputy Warden's office, the recreation offices. Barber bhop, library, honor placement, personnel office and drafting 13a room. Alcoholics Anonymous has a regular meeting room. As for social and club rooms there are very few occasions when such space is needed unoer the present program in this maximum security pris CXI, When the writing and artists club met before the riot it was in the gymnasium on bunday* After the riot there has been only limit ed meetings of trie writers' group. This criterion is rated at 2, 10, There is a running track and space where walking is permitted. There is no running track in the prison. Vrhen the boxing company had running to do, it had to be around the prison over space other than a regular track. Walking is permitted on paved streets or walks. Close custody prisoners are walked under heavy guard and in very small numbers. This constitutes their only outside recreation. At O'Henry Field walking is permitted in certain parts of the adjacent paved streets. oince the facilities for walking balance tne lack of the run ning track this factor is rated 2,5. 11, There ie a boxing and wrestling rint;, tumbling mats, parallel and horizontal bars, handball courts, volleyball, paddle tennis or badmin ton standards* There were two boxing and wrestling rings, one located in the gym nasium the other _ knock-down ring for use outside, bight to ten mats have been in use in the gymnasium, These were obtained from Ohiio btate University, There were no parallel or horizontal bars in the gymnasium but there was a chinning bar. There were no handball courts but volley ball and paddle tennis standards were available. This criterion ia rated good with a score of 4. 135 12. Indoor and outdoor apace la planned and equipped with a high safety factor. The recreation department waa forced by circumstances to continually think about the safety factor when planning the layout of activities. At O'Henry Field the limitation on space forces the dugouts to be placed within eight to ten feet ot the baseline and too close to the batters. Illustration Vlil shows about 150 feet by 40 feet of space available in the gymnasium with at least eight different activities planned. The number of injuries occuring here over a period of 12 months Septem ber 1952, to oepteraber, 1953 was amazingly few in number. About 15 to 20 men were sent to the hospital to have injuries checked or teeth re paired during this period. The writer was in charge of this gymnasium for the year mentioned. There were many weeks when none other tnan first aid for super ficial wounds was required. Chart VIII shows the number of severe injuries occurring during field recreation programs. Considering the fact that all equipment and space is very hard used by men enjoying the recreation program this very low incidence of serious injuries pro vides strong evidence that space is judiciously used as it affects recreation. The rating for this item is 4.5, 13. There is a regular storeroom with a repair and cleaning system. The recreation department has been fortunate in having expert repairmen some of whom have been on the inmate staff. When material is short in supply it is necessary to make repairs. That has been done to a reniarkable extent at Ohio Penitentiary, dlnce the prison is large ly self-serviced with enough skilled tradesmen of all kinds repairs are 136 referred to the proper party. The prison paint crew was used periodi cally by the writer, oo were welders and plumbers. Repair of many leather or Ccinvas bearing articles was done oy recreation crewmen, Shoes were sent to the prison shoe shop* Anything washable was sent to the laundry. The trampoline bed was washed by hand on the frame of the traiDTioline, The recreation department has storage s;ace at the gymnasium and above the recreation office in the auditorium building. This factor is rated aighly at 4.25. 14, The recreation director has a private and adequate office with proper equipment. There was a large ground level office available for the recrea tion clerks. Three typewriters, filing space, adequate desk space and a mimeographing machine were in evidence. The director has a private office off the large central room used by the clerks. Compared with many offices in this and other prisons this office ranks very good. Estimated score for this criterion is 4,5, 15. Radio and/or television facilities are provided with some selection allowed to the inmate. No television was provided for prison inmates other than honor camp members. Radio programs were provided during the hours from two to four o'clock on Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays also from seven to eight o'clock on the evening schedule. The inmates in the prison honor dormitory have a television set, A choice of network pro grams is offered to radio listeners and head phones make it possible for three or four men in a cell to enjoy different programs, without 137 distracting one another* Radios must be provided by the inmates them selves. It is an ironic fact tnat V.arden Alvis, Dr. o. Don LcCullough and the writer were talking in the prison yard about wajs and means of securing television equipment for the prison when the October riot broke out. Perhaps sometime in the future there will be television provided for use in individual cell clocks. This criterion is Judged to be rated at 3 by the writer, 16. The ap.'Carance of both indoor and outdoor facilities is neat, clean and well-kept. One of the things which surprised many visitors at Ohio Peniten tiary was the attention paid to cleanliness. When the recreation crew was picked up after breakfast each week-day morning part were taken to the gymnasium and part to the athletic field. The first activity of the day in either case was to clean up the facilities. Fields and courts were lined, raked, and watered. The gymnasium was thoroughly mopped and cleaned. When investigating committees came through the prison in the weeks after the riot they invariably took notice to the attention paid to good housekeeping. The House Finance Committee approved the bill an hour after its 23 members and five other legislators made a two-hour tour of riot and fire damaged Ohio Penitentiary during the rooming and ate lunch ... inside the prison walls ,., Rep. oamuel L. Devine, a member of the committee, said the prison was "immaculate ly clean," the basis of twelve months observation the writer can testify Prison Expansion Vote Due Tuesday, Columbus Citizen, January 7, 1953, p. 1. 13P such appearance was not merely "window dressing" for a special occasion but was an everyday practice. This factor is rated at 4.5 . 17. Space and materials are provided for plays, theatricals and special programs. Examination of entertainment fund expenditures was made by the writer. These entries covered the fiscal year June, 1952 to June, 1953* There were 11 entries specifically charged to the Christmas Show or decorations. The Fourth of July and Labor Day boxing and tumbling programs for all the inmates were held In the yard. Very few special expenditures were made for these programs. Flays were not part of the present recreation program. Neither arc the prison band and orchestra, #10 practice daily and play urtille the companies march to meals or work. The recreation department is not in charge of the Christmas Show al- thou^ it has provided skilled acts in tumbling, juggling and balanc ing. Varsity football and softball have been played with civilian teams from the outside area. Plans were being completed to bring in outside basketball teams to compete against a varsity prison team but since the riot these plans have been discontinued. Since these might be considered as special programs this phase of the activities is affected in rating. Althou^ the programs which were held represented a high degree of planning and skill, they were more carefully rationed during the 62 Financial Report, Ohio Penitentiary, op. cit. last two years. The warden had not committed himself regarding the time competition with outside teams will again be permitted. This criterion in the Judgment of the writer is rated at 3.5 . 18, Facilities and equipment are provided for competitive team athlet ics such ae football, basketball, baseball, softball and track. The main competitive games at Chio Penitentiary are softball and football. Little or nothing is done with track or besebalT and not much in basketball as far as formal team competition is concerned. There are three softball fields but there is no running track. The football field is approximately 80 yards long. Baseball is out of the question because of limited space. In the gymnasium colored shirts are provided for the company men playing basketball. Gloves are pro vided for softball players and a few football shoes. Bats are both purchased and made in the wood working department. Masks and pro tectors are provided for softball. Touch football was the fall intra mural game until recent months when tackle football was introduced by the recreation director, A recheck of Chart I, Part III, of this study finds reference made tx) softball Jackets, football shoes and softballs. Basketball shoes are supplied to the inmates for use in the gymnasium but they are used shoes donated by surrounding colleges. Some men buy their own shoes if they are particularly interested in basketball. This factor is scored at 3,5 , 19, Adequate room is provided for outside spectators as well as the inmate popnilation. PLATE VIII Part of the Ohio Penitentiary Inmate Recreation Crew lAo worked with the Writer during 1952-1953 o l U Vflien softball or football games were held on Saturday or Sunday afternoon it was the practice of the Deputy Warden to allow about one- half of the inmates to see a varsity game one week. The other half viewed the game the following week. Limited space and security were the main reasons for this practice. At O'Henry Field there is a wire enclosed space for seating perhaps 100 spectators. This has not been used by outside people for two or more years. In the gymnasium there would be room for not many more spectators and these would not have any screen to separate them from the inmates. During outside boxing shows the inmates simply crowd around the ring two thousand strong. Usually about two dozen guards are in evidence each armed with a good, stout night stick. If all the men are to see such a show it must be repeated, as was the case on Labor Day, 1954. The cause of this dou ble showing are two familiar reasons; security and limited space. This factor is rated at 3 . 20, There is a proper balance between facilities for carry-over types of activities and the more vigorous program. The term "carry-over refers to those skills which are more apt to be used later in life. Football, basketball and basebaQ.1 are ex amples of games not likely to be followed after school ages. Volley ball is a game well suited to all ages. Interestingly enou^ little is done with this game in Ohio Penitentiary, Other activities accom modate few players and are followed more actively in this prison. One example of this kind of activity is horseshoes. Only four men can play on one court and there are seven courts. If 500 men are reporting for lia on one court and there are seven courts. If 500 men are reporting for evening recreation it would require a very large number of horseshoe courts to service any sizeable part of this size group. Hi ere are two shuffleboard courts in Ohio Penitentiary. Eight men can use two shuffleboard courts at one time. If they played for one-half hour sixteen men could be accommodated during a one hour peri od. It becomes apparent that when one talks about some of the quieter games such as we have just mentioned in addition to handball or paddle tennis that the space and load problem gets very complicated, With the space at hand in both the gymnasium and the field it is the belief of the writer that a practical balance is being made between carry-over activities and the more vigorous program. In the hobby-interest classification of recreational activities very little is done. Presumably such things should have a high carry over value because they are suited to al age levels. In Ohio Peniten tiary most recreational activity is thought of in terms of the athletic games mentioned above. There has been much prejudice on the part of the security staff against such activities as the writers' club or the bridge club. They believed such clubs are used mostly for contact pur poses by the inmates. It is the belief of the writer that the majority of the security staff thought the inmates were using these clubs only to get out of their cells. This part of the study was judged to be worth 3.5 . The following profile chart resulted from the evaluations of 20 criteria used to judge recreational facilities. CHART XII A Profile Chart Showing the Criteria Evaluations in Judging the Facilities in Ohio Penitentiary 1 ■ 2, adequate space 2 — multiple use HS 3 — team, individual sports -, 4 4 ■ 2 .S swimming pool 5 — clothing Issued - 3 6 — safe equipment ■- 7 mrtvS mm 8 . Z library 9 ------% social rooms 10 — Z’S running track 11 boxing ring------^ 12 — planned safety -■ .. 13 — storeroom ------14 _offices ------15 — radio, television , » 3 16 — cleanliness - .. ■ 17 — plays, drama . 3.S 13 -competition ..... — Ô-S 19 — spectators - 3 20 — carry-over ■ J*5’ Poor Below Average Above Maximum Average Average The total actual score of all the facility evaluations was 6b,75. This number will be converted into a score related to 20 tiirough use of the proportion found in the last pages of Part 111 . Evaluating the Outcomes of the Prison Recreation Program in (%ilo Penitentiary. The individual criteria used to evaluate outcomes of the progrwr. are listed in the following part of the study. The actual scores are given. The for each criterion is 5 • 1 UU 1. Recreation has helped to reduce tensions in the inmate body. Actual score is k 2. There has been a noticeable reduction in prison discipline cases. Actual score is 2.5 3. The severity of institutional court charges has been reduced since recreation was introduced. Actual score is 2 A. Competition has served to provide a healthy psychological and physical release from prison monotony. Actual score is k»5 5. The rate of successful parole cases can be attributed in part to the recreational program. Actual score is 2 6. A majority of prison inmates regularly take part in some phase of the recreation program. Actual score is 4.5 7. The institutional budget makes some allow ance for recreation. Actual score is 1,5 8. The emotional stability of the total inmate body is aided by and through recreation. Actual score is 3,25 9. Increased instruction if first aid, game strategy and techniques for more inmates has re sulted through the recreation program. Actual score is 3.5 10, Recreation participation has resulted in increased harmony among institutional personnel. Actual score is 1.5 l/*5 11, Prison security has been improved through the recreation program. Actual score is 3» 5 12, The number of active participants in rec reation steadily increased over the past five years. Actual score is 3*73 13, More favorable publicity about prison affairs has resulted from the recreation program. Actual score is 4,23 Maximum total is 63 . Actual total score is 40.73 The explanation for Judging each of the items used to evaluate outcomes is made in the following paragraphs. A profile chart will be constructed from the scores of the individual criteria, 1, Recreation has helped to reduce tensions in the inmate body. It was stated earlier in this study that recreation existed in Ohio Penitentiary through the order of the warden. It was stated that recreation was a privilege and not a ri^t granted to the convicts. Since the program is permitted to function in the prison it may be assumed that there must be one or more reasons for its existence. It has been charged that one of the main reasons behind the average prison program is not so much rehabilitation of the prisoner as it is control of the prisoner, *^3 it would be hard to conceive of any prison admin istrator allowing a program to function which would, in his opinion. John Barlow Martin, op. cit.. p. 233 1L6 Increase tensions among the in-nates. It is more reasonable to suppose that most inmates want recreation. If inmates want recreation then they will endeavor to conduct their affairs so that the continuance of the program will be assured. If one inmate does not subscribe to the routing of prison living then this privilege is revoked for the time being. ILLU^Trt.-.nON VI A Reproduction of a Prison Court Order Concerning Recreation Privileges SmU/ARY COURT ORDER 1 - 1. RE: 92 U ______ It is the judgment of this court that the above captioned inmate shall have his ( ) radio privilege revoked (.x^) recreation privilege revoked, and shows ( ) writir.g privilege revoked (xx ) shows and recreation privilege re voked for a period of 20 days Effective: June 22, 1953 Expiring : July 11, 1953 oUWIAKY COURT OFFICE Signed; E. L, Maxwell, Deputy harden (8A; Perhaps this adds to the evidence that recreation is used only as a tool for keeping the inmate body under control, This might be thought of as a negative approach with the old escape-value philosophy predoro- Summary Court Order, Office of Deputy warden, Ohio Penitentiary, June 22, 1953. %/,7 Inating. IfVhy not assume that there is a positive and constructive element in the picture for those men who try to stay "in-bounds" with in the strict prison routine? It is difficult to see how the above order would reduce tension within the individual whose privileges were revoked. If tiie inmate was causing trouble among other prisoners then his recreation privileges were not proving to be a deterrent to mis conduct. One of the strictest disciplinarians in American prisons, Joseph Ragen, took his stand in favor of recreation, i^r, Ragen was president of the American Prison Association in 1951 and ..arden at Illinois Jtate Penitentiary, ,e provide a good recreation program. Une of our big activities is the outside ball game. A team comes in from the outsice every Jaturday and plays the men at our institution — we have softball, handball, tennis, basketball, horse shoes, picture shows and a number of other things, ^5 This man must have been convinced of the inherent good connected with recreation. He is a very strong individualist, according to the record. There has been no riot at Utateville, in Illinois. The Committee on education of the American Prison Association has stated that recreation in the prison must contribute toward emotional stability and provide a compelling incentive for developing a proper social attitude. They have also stated that one of the aims of physi- Northwestern University, The Reviewing btand. Radio Forum, Aug, 19, 1951, p. 6 , IU3 cal education in institutions is the maintenance of normal functions,^ Although the recreation staff has repeatedly claimed that the recrea tion program at Ohio Penitentiary kept the riot from exploding before it did, many of the security staff were convinced that recreation was contributing to a breakdown of discipline. Even old time convicts who had spent a large part of their life in prison have stated that same thing. dome older convicts have mentioned the fact that the companies Wio go to the field for rec reation are too "loose". They were used to the "tight", aryro-type of discipline. ^7 It appears that much of tiie desirable or undesirable element con nected with prison recreation depends upon the person who judges it. Dr. Earl Anderson, Professor of education, Ohio State University has experienced a similar effect in his urork evaluating various college and public school programs. My work takes me to various parts of the country to help evaluate different aspects of ed ucation programs in schools and colleges. I am often shown the various phases of the program by enthusiastic educators who are certain they see this feature or that feature functioning in an outstanding manner. The trouble is, I don't see what they say they are seeing, at all. Maybe I am not looking for the same thing. 68 The writer has experienced many occasions when he was convinced of the effectiveness of his program in reducing prison tensions. For ^ Gerald Curtin, op. cit.. pp. 223 - 22J+ . P. G. Hudson, Inmate Personnel Director, Ohio Penitentiary, Inter view with the writer, Aug. 10, 1953. Dr. Earl Anderson, Class Lecture, Education 800-E. 1953, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio. 149 example, the uproarious laughter Which followed the antics of two men wrestling professional style during a Labor Day program. Again dur ing an intramural football game in 1954 the warden and the writer noticed the favorable inmate reaction as they were cheering for their respective teams. He would be remiss if he did not recognize that some problems may, at the same time, have been increased. It is the judgment of the writer that this criterion is fairly evaluated at 4 . 2. There has been a noticable reduction in prison discipline cases. The supervisor of the prison recreation program deals with a broad cross section of the entire inmate body in the course of his duties, i.ithin a week he and his staff may well contact, directly or indirectly, 80 percent or more of all the men in prison. One of the results of this situation is Uiat the recreation office is notified by the deputy 'arden *s Office when recreation privileges are with drawn, A red label is also hung over the in:nates cell indicating with drawal of privileges. Dr. K. oon McCullough has told the writer that the number of discipline cases had been reduced to some extent during the expansion of the recreation program in the years 1950 - 1952. Mr. P. G. Hudson has stated, on the basis of one and one-half years close observation, that those men who are assigned to recreation company reduce the number of their court calls by at least 50 percent. We should note that he bases his claims on recreation staff history. It does not cover those inmates «dio participated in the program. Mr* Hudson has access to all of tlie inmate records. He notes also that this same percentage of reduction in court cases occurs when men are 150 assigned to what he calls the two most stable labor companies in Ohio Penitentiary, the Planing Mill and the Machine Shop. Three reasons hare been given for this comparative low rate of court calls involv ing these two companies and the recreation crew. 1. one or two court calls will result in a transfer out of the company, 2. A more normal intelligence level is required to hold a job in these companies and men are selected for a particular spot, iherefore, the interest level is high. The supervisors of the departments try to put their men where they have a chance to function better, 3» A relatively good physical condition is a factor in the clas sification process, The inmates who were on the recreation crew during the years 1950 to 1953 were good performers in many activities, Ihere were expert boxers, wrestlers, tumblers, football and basketball players. This seems to indicate that udien men are carefully screenec and put into woric which they can do and like to do, the incidence of severe disci pline cases show a marked drop. How about the inmates wfio are not in work companies of one kind or another? Ihe experience of the writer was that four or five notices were received on the average per week which forbid participation in the program. One of the duties of the writer was to take the boxing ring ropes to the vault every week day for safe-keeping, ihis necessitated the 69 P. G, Hudson, op. cit. 151 use of the same entrance needed to get to the "hole". The manes of the Inmates who were sentenced to the hole were posted where they could be seen by anyone going to or from the vault. The writer can testify that this number did not change much over a period of twelve months. It was usually 10 to 15 in number at any one time. This list of names represented the inmates involved with the most severe rule infractions in Ohio Penitentiary. It meant a bread and water diet in a small, dark discipline ceil. In an over-crowded prison holding more than four thousand convicts this list of names does not seem tu be much larger than the law breakers incarcerated in jail of a city of similar size. Of course this list rotated rapidly, ilie number of inmates who were sent to prison court during the years 1952 - 1953 because of rules infractions were significantly small. Inmates who were in the mental ware were rarely reprimanded even though they came weekly to the gymnasium. Some of these men had been returned to this prison from the Lima utate hospital for the Criminal ly insane but they appeared to enjoy their recreation time in the gym nasium. The writer recorded one case where two boxers got too enthu siastic for their own physical and mental condition and had to be separated. Another case involved inmates in a company of sexual de viates idio were sent to court because of improper actions, a third involved a fight at the athletic field because of a feua between two colored men. It appeared that any reduction in the number of prison discipline cases in the general inmate body at Ohio Penitentiary was very limited. The reduction in the number of court cases among the 152 more stable companies, recreation included, is marked, about 50 per cent that of the other companies. The estimate for this criterion is 2.5 . 3. The severity of Institutional court charges has been reduced since recreation was introduced. Judge J. H. Lamneck, past Director of Public ’Velfare for Ohio, has stated that increased commission of fresh offenses by parolees have brought people to realize that a system of punishment in a penal insti tution which permanently makes men unfit for a return to a free fivil- ian life is a liability to our society. A prison must rehabilitate, educate, and treat as well as punish; Various systems have been tried. Over past years Pennsylvania's system was a solitary confinement plan where the prisoner had a cell and workroom which he rarely left except by death or expiration of sentence. The Auburn or Silent System placed the prisoners in cells arranged tier upon tier such as found in most prisons today. Inmates were marched to workshops with out talking. The Irish Prison System allowed a prisoner to progress through several classes with a gradua^ increase in privileges and freedom. Ohio Penitentiary at present contains elements of the Irish and the Auburn System. The present program aims at improved classi fication and parole methods, staff and equipment. This information may serve as a background for comparing the present court charges with 70 John H, Lamneck, and Arthur L. Glattke, op. cit.. p. 7 153 those of the past. During the last several years unusual or corporal punishment in Ohio Penitentiary has been a thing of the past. For those whose past behavior proves them untrustworthy the sentence is to the "L" Block where incorrigibles are housed. These men eat in their cells aind only leave their cells for a very closely guarded exercise march around the yard walk. For the severest infractions the "Hole" has already been mentioned. Discipline is enforced by withdrawal of priv ileges, transfer from desired work companies to idle ranges, and in extrejae cases to the Hole or L Block. In the months following the riot 79 main ringleaders and secondary rioters wore housed in L Block, The trend has been toward less severe institutional court sentences. The number of cases coming before the prison court has not been sig nificantly reduced and over a given period may fluctuate due to peri odic "crack downs" by guards. This was mentioned in the State Patrol Study of the prison which was made public in January, 1953» It cannot be proven that recreation has been the cause of any great change in severity of court charges at Chiu Penitentiary among all the inmates. The number of severe charges affecting the recrea tion staff personnel were very few in number during 1952 - 1953. Here is a summary of these charges, 1. Fixing and using a hot plate while the crew was quartered in the gymnasium for 4 months following the riot. Equipment was confis cated. 71 (%iio State Journal, Columbus, Ohio, January 7, 1953» p. 1 . 1 54 2, Bringing in food taken from the prison kitchen. Sentenced to solitary for 3 days, 3, Causing trouble in cell with another number of the recreation crew. Inmate was transferred out of the crew, 4, Promoting a lottery. Inmate transferreo to L Block, 5, Inmate not performing duties at the field. Transferred out of the company, 6, Fighting at Field. Sentenced to solitary. For a period of twelve months this is not an extreme number of court cases from a prison crew consisting of 23 recreation workers and about 23 boxers, wrestlers and tumblers. Since it cannot be explicit ly proven that recreation alone caused a reduction in severity of court charges this criterion is rated 2 , 4. Competition has served to provide a healttiy psychological and physical release from prison monotony. For participant and spectator alike this factor is one which has the promise of high value. During the course of a year the writer had many visits in the gymnasium from the Warden, the Deputy V Dr, R, W, Halliday, Counselling Clinic Director, wrote that he was sure he could observe a very healthy increase in self-respect because 155 of recreation skills which were developed by large numbers of men, 72 The prison newspaper continually carries sports items in its columns. The September 26, 1953 issue and the June 6, 1953 issue featured ath letic and intramural stories in headlines. Here is a social tool which functions Just as well inside prisons as it does outside if we are considering the high level of interest involved. The writer has previously mentioned the September 1953 visit to the athletic field in this prison. The enthusiasm of the mem watching a football game was genuine and natural. It reouired no great skill to observe that this was wholesome release from the prison routine. Is it any puzzle idiy the term "recreation therapy" is becoming more commonly used? Can we not see the reason why many sociologists are trying to claim recreation as their own? An interesting example of this is found at (*iio State University where courses in recreation are under the Department of Social Administration, Hospitals such as University Hospital are making use of recreation as one means for aid ing post operative cases and for the physically retarded. The armed forces medical staff believed thiere were values in recreation for the handicapped, "Hie slogan at Great Lakes Hospital was, "If he can get out of bed he can take some form of exercise". Desired outcomes were listed as: 1, Promotion and improvement of health, 2, Improvement of social adjustment. 72 Dr, R, V/, Halliday, Personal Letter to the V/rlter, Sept, 2, 1953. 156 3» Increase in basic information in many sports. U» Improved mental outlook. '73 xrisoners, in many ways, are handicappeo socially and psychologically, decreation is one means by w^ilch help might be given to large numbers of inmates. Dr. IVatson lalker, Chief Surgeon at Ohio Penitentiary until he was drafted into the military forces, personally gave the writer the money needed to purchase springs for the trampoline in the gymnasium. This money was taken to the prison Business Office and the order for the springs was checked through regular channels, ^dthin a few days the recreation staff had made the change from makeshift rubber bands to the vastly improved steel springs, why did ür. rtalker do this? Because he was sufficiently convinced that this particular part of the recreation program provided genuine good for the inmates. This phy sician was selected as one of the 10 "men of üje year" in Columbus, Ohio, January, 1954. '74 it is the Judgment of the writer that this criterion be rated at 4.5 in tliis institution. 5. The rate of successful parole cases can be attributed in part to the recreational program. Let us see how one inmate who was on the recreation crew made out during a short three or four months of parole. Inmate P ___ was a fairly skilled football and basketball player who had at least one *73 j, M. Beam, "Sports for the Handicapped," Journal of Health, Physical Education and Recreation, Vol. 17, No. 5., May, 1946. *74 Columbus Citizen, Service to Others, January 1, 1954, p. 1 . 157 year of college education. This man had taken a very active part in recreation at Ohio Penitentiary, Likewise, he had been very active in high school athletics. He was paroled in the soring of 1953. Even though he had told the writer many times that he was certain he never would be back in prison, this man was returned in the fall of 1953 for a new offense, forgery. Even though this inmate had above average recreational skills, other forces were more potent in both his environment and his own make-up, i.e could generalize and claim that recreation knowledge and skill made little difference in the case of Inmate P ___ and others like him, Donald Clcnmer points out the fact that in the average prison about four percent of the prisoner's time is devoted to recreational pursuits. Too often this is of the spectator sort. We recognize the fact that the recreational attitudes and skills of the inmates were patterned by many years of high school and local habits. Many of these were of questionable nature. Therefore, Mr Clemmer concludes that it cannot be expected that the leisure pursuits of our subjects have contributed except in rare instances to the beautification of their lives or to the welfare of their communities, 75 CHAhT XIII Comparative Statistics Showing the Number of Men Paroled in all Ohio Prisons and the wumber of declared Parole Violators at large Donald Clemmer, op, cit,. p. 209 , 158 ______1930 1940 1945 1946 1947 1948 1949 paroled 4,267 4,253 3,604 3,408 3,056 3,405 3,622 declared violators 3,571 3,756 3,673 3,767 3,814 3,845 3,917 at large The above chart is taken from the report on Ohio’s Correctional Program compiled by Judge John Lamneck and referred to previously. The violators of parole during the years 1945 - 1949 outnumber the paroles granted during those years. The list of violators is cumulative, how ever, resulting in an ever increasing number for those who re/r.&in at large. Ihe biggest expansion of the recr^ tion program was yet W come at Ohio Penitentiary, The above figures include all prisons in the state. They do not include juvenile cases. One of the excuses given by prisoners for the riot at Ohio Peni tentiary was that too few paroles were grantee in recent years. It m i ^ t be assumed that there had been no great change in rauaber of pa roles granted throu^ 1952, One interesting phenomenon noted by Mr, Clemmer in his text was that custodial supervision gradually relaxed as prisoners learned to "take" their recreation period in a more ra tional manner. Jesse Steiner, states that many people outside follow the fortunes of their favorite teams and players and for them this becomes an important recreational pursuit, .alter Reckless explains that Hurt’s Cleveland btudy on delinquency showed no significant dif ferences between delinquent and non-delinouent groups with regard to recreation. The individual's own inclinations or those of his friends 159 provided the determining factors in delinquency, not the general enter tainment situation of the community, 76 phe New ïork Crime Commission found that delinquency was 20 to 40 percent lower in congested areas provided with recreation facilities than in less congested areas with very limited facilities, Thurston’s ourvey of Cleveland recreation in 1917 concluded that 50 percent of delinquents spend their time in un guided pursuits. 77 lir* Joseph Cannon, Supervisor of tiie Pre-release Program at Ohio Penitentiary has estimated that about 20 percent of the men paroled at Ohio Penitentiary are returned as violators. The writer was asked to talk to many men scheduled to be paroled about the importance of proper use of leisure time, where tc go, what to do and whom to contact. The rate of parole violations, which is about 20 percent at Ohio Peniten tiary is considérée low when compared with other state institutions. There are some states in which such violations run 40 to 50 percent. Federal Bureau of Prison records show that oO to 7 0 percent of men who leave prison return because of new crimes. According to another stucy the only factor which seemed signifi cant In leading ex-prisoners away from crime was the aging or matura tion process, 78 It is possible that recreation is partly responsible for the low rate of returned parole violators at ühio Penitentiary, The Pre-release Program and the parole officers also must be Included 7^ Vied ter C. tieckless, op, cit,, p, 141 , Ibid. p, 139 . 78 Sheldon and cleaner Glueck, Five Hundred Criminal Careers, New York, Knopf, 1930. 160 in the picture. It is very difficult to determine urtiat exact part recreation plays in prevention of recidivism. This criterion is rated at 2, 6, A majority of prison inmates regularly take nart in some phase of the recreation projt;ram. Figures have been given elsewhere in this study which show that from UO to 50 percent of the inmates belonging t ; companies scheduled for the gymnasium took advantage of tne opportunity over an eight month period. Attendance fi^jures show that ruout 90 percent of all eligible men took part Iji field recreatio : at uhio .enitentiary during the same length of time. the men in the honor dorm outside the main walls of the prison have television, pool, radio, basketball shooting, horseshoes, cards and a small library witich they may use ourlng off hours. Many honor dorm men have radio in their rooms. Practically all of the 150 men housed here make use of some font of this program with television a favorite choice. The intramural program at the fiela during the day takes each company on the average to the field once a week during the morning or afternoon. From 85 to 90 percent of all men eligible take advantage of t is period also. Tne nrogram at Ohio Penitentiary is broad enough tu provide for a large ^;art of tlie prison population if they wish to participate. This criterion rates 4*5 » 7. The institutional budget makes some allowance for recreation. A similar statement was made in the list of criteria for judging 161 the philosophy behind the program. It was explained in another part of this study that its inclusion was based on the premise that ad ministrative heads who believe in recreation will spend money in that direction. It is Included again in this sectlo- which deals with the evaluation of outcomes because of the oremise that recreation should be recognized as 6ther departments are at the time of budget making. If the money spent for recreation work in an institution is buried under some title sucn aa entertainment then we have an educa tive and promotional job to do with legislators and high level ad ministrators, The writer has received all issues of Motive to date and phases of recreatior; are aopearing in some of them. Director John D, Porterfield, head of the Mental Hygiene and Correction De partments in Ohio recently wrote: Prevention in correction work has several avenues. The prevention of crime in the first place is an overnrfielming consideration, Dociety has much to do in changing and improving its community, more to the point, its family environment if it wants a measurable reduction in crime. Influencing factors vary from psychology of enforcement officers, from civilization's economic conditions to comnunity programs for adult education and recreation, 79 If proper use of leisure time is considered a desirable social objective outside prison walls, why not have a similar objective in side prison walls and earmark funds specifically for this prupose? The impression gained from personal experience and many of the sources read in connection with this study is that many outside pressures tend John D. Porterfield, Motive. Ohio Dept, of Mental Hygiene and Correction, Nov. 1954, p. 3 • 162 to influence prison authorities to be very guarded in openly declar ing any considerable amounts of money as recreation funds. The usual method is to use the 10 percent Commissary profits to run recreation. Riots in prisons merely add to the problem because most people are not sympatlietic toward an enlarged recreation program at such times. The writer rode city busses daily for many weeks following the Ohio Peni tentiary riot. The ;;ian in the street may not be properly informed but he certainly believes in the theory of retribution, if the remarks made by many bus passengers is any indication. The present heao of Ohio’s special education and recreation department for penal institutions has stated to the writer that he is trying to nromote a definite budgetary plan for recreation and have it recognized as such. Public pressure and limited funds are two factors which seem to have conspired against this at the time of this writing. This criterion is rated.at 1.5 . 8, The emotional stability of the total inmate body is aided by and through recreation. Penitentiary administrators generally feel that the recreation program add to the good morale of the inmate body. V/arden Alvis and Deputy '.Varden Maxwell have shown repeatedly by statement and action that they consider recreation an important help in the mental well being of the prisoners. The writer was told by the guards who were in charge of the mental patients that after recreation these men seemed to be much more settled and at ease. Bi-Annual Report to the Commissioner, by Director of Special Education, Division of Correction, State of Ohio, July, 1954. 163 The inmate nurses and guards would not allow those patients who were extremely confused to come to the gymnasium. These mental cases would have periods when th^r were violent or in such tension that they were kept in their cells or taken to the nospital. Those who were more orientated were brought to the gynnnasium. Tnis was aone with the knowledge of the prison doctor and psychiatrist. The writer spoke to many of these patients and they invariably had one question, "V-hen will we be allowed to come back?" Let us consider another inmate who has since been paroled. He had been in several working companies including the recreation crew. He was quiet with a decided tendency toward inversion when ne was brougnt into the recreation company. This inmate was an excellent work er and was put in charge of weightlifting in the gymnasium. He respond ed best if he chose the time and place to speak* The writer was able to gain the confidence of this man after several months time. His re actions were much more natural and relaxed after nis experience with the recreation crew. He was made a runner after about nine montns work with recreation. As this inmate was leaving the gymnasium for the Deputy /.'arden*3 Office for his new placement he came over to the writer and shook hands wtiile he said with a smile, "You know this was the beat time I nave spent in this prison. Thanks a lot," doming from this man, as it did, this reaction represented a complete reversal of nis reactions from nine months previously. About September, lv54, the writer was insiae the walls at Ohio Personal notes. Penitentiary Recreation Office, 1952, 1953 of the writer. 16a Penitentiary wncn another inmate approached, "Do you know I am due for parole?" inmate B..• asked. He then said that he was going to try to make a go of things outside and that tie riad a Job promised when he left prison. To the writer, this man had, for the first time in two years, spoken in a serious and thoughtful manner. He tiad always been interest ed in recreation but was always the happy-go-luck^, playboy type of individual. He always appeared insincere and tricky with definitely juvenile outlook and actions. Undoubtedly this prisoner had finally come of age, had grown up. It is the conviction of the writer that recreation formed a big part of the base which kept this man interest ed, occupied and in-bounds until he finally matured. Time will tell whether he will make good but it appears that this inmate will make a good parole risk. The writer tias before him the names and numbers assigned to a cell block July, 1V53.^^ These cells are 7x7x9 feet in size. Four of these cells hold three men each, seven hold four men each, three hold two inmates and three each hold one inmate. Compared with the range about six months later thirty out of AA men remained. Only nine men out of the 30 were in the same cells on Larch 1, 195A. The lA men who were not on the range were mostly boxers and wrestlers who were trans ferred to other companies, borne were paroled, oeven out of each ten men who remained were in different cells that when this count was first made by the writer. Yet this company was the recreation company which was considered one Deputy Warden's Office, Prisoners’ Cell Assignments, Ohio Peni tentiary. of tne better cou.panies in the penitentiary, i-'urtherraore, the writer and the Director of Recreation were especially careful in watching for trouble spots among cell partners. Inmates were invited to request changes. If the request was considered to be sincere the Deputy Rarden woula ask to reassign tne men to new cells. Tney ren.airied on the same ranpe however. A range la a part of a cell block. The vast majority of prisoners were not iri a position to be shift ed as freely as these men. With three and four men to a cell tensions must Duild up in any over-crowded prison. Tnis one is no exception* To prevent sure spots from developing there is a constant shifting of prisoners but not at tne same rate as the recreation company. This criterion rates 3.25. 9. Increased instruction in first aid, game strategy and techniques for more inmates has resulted through the recreation program• Mention nas been made in another part of this study about instruc tion given to umpires and referees. These men, in turn, as they worked football or softball games imparted playing knowledge to the players. In the gymnasium the writer and the recreation staff gave instruction in volleyball, basketball and paddle tennis rules and techniques. The result of the entire pro, ram was an increase in playing skills and knowledge of rules and strategy. The field crew was given some instruc tion in care of the injured. Any serious injuries either at the field or the gymnasium were sent at once to the hospital. Not much Instruc tion in first aid was given to the recreation crew. Two men were per mitted in a training room near the deputy's office. For bumps and 1 bruises either security officers or inmstes with special permission could obtain neat anh massage in the training room. It appears that one of the greatest possibilities for inmate instruction lies in the area of safety as apolied to sports techniques. Knowledge of methods of sliding in softball mignt prevent leg injuries, ifiany boxers were n.ore careful because they had been professional fight ers and were cons'^iour of Mie need for headgears or properly laced gloves, first aid supplies were Kept at the field and in the gymriasium. These were closely supervised by the civilian workers in charge. CHART XIV Boxing Company Injuries from June 10, 1953 to August 15, 1^53. 1. Inmate A_ front gold bridge broken, men were sparring, sent to prison dentist, 2. Inmate V/_ instructor in boxing, right forearm broken while using medicine ball with inmates; X-ra^ showed fracture. A cast was put on arm, 3. Inmate bù_ , lower left ribs hurt boxing or b^ ring ropes. Rested two days. i*. Ininate 7 stitches required for cut over left eye, op; onent buir.ped him with his ne ad* 5, Inyiiate _, 6 infected teeth pulled, not caused by boxing. 6, Inmate Vl_ _, partially broken front plate. Another tin.e had cut above right eye. Another time 2 stitches were needed above left eye. This inmate was extremely active and aggressive in the ring. He was the best at his weight which meant all opponents went all-out against him, 7, Inmate H_ 3 teeth broken, sent to aentist. B, Inmate D , the writer noticed what he thought was evidence of very poor vision, Cnecked by If-? the physician. Jight tested so limited that this man was taken out of the boxing crew be - cause of a possibility that permanent damage might result. ^3 These cases proved to be serious enough to merit iiiedical atten tion. First aid was limited to a temporary sling for tne fractured arm and limiting blood flow while ttie patients were being cue eked into the hospital. With 50U to 6üü inmates using the gymnasium and 3,UÜG to 3*500 using the field weekly it was essential that some knowledge of first aid was demanded of the staff in charge of recrea tion. This criterion is rated 3.5. 10. Recreation participation has resulted in increased harmony among institution personnel# With the advent of stricter security measures in this prison dur ing 1V53 two or more uniformed guards were sent with the various com panies who were scheduled to go either to the field or to recreation* This was one outcome of the official report widch suggested that recre ation was causing a breakdown in discipline. The recreation director and supervisor made use of this time to explain the program to the security guards, especially the younger men. It has been estimated by the officer who nelped to conduct the investigation that at least naif of the older men who had worked ten years or more in the institution were not sympathetic with the new recreation program. The writer judges this to be a fair estimate. Many of the civilian men who were in charge of the ten prison industries O') Injury Records, Gymnasium Office, Ohio Penitentiary, 1953* were outspoken against too much plaj' time which they claimed was ruin ing their shop production records. About a half dozen of the younger officers came to the gymna sium ouring their off hours to participate on their own time. It has been observed that most prison guards wern very happy to do wtiat most factory and office workers do at the end of the day, get away and go home. For tnose few who did come to the gymnasium for snort periods the writer could see active interest in tne pro gram, At the field or gymnasium the officers who brought their men were partially sold as time went on. The recreation staff was never accepted entirely by the security staff. Very poor pay for the guards until recently was one cause of discontent because the recreation supervisor and director were in a higher salary bracket, i».en who work for years at a Job and then find themselves ranked, salary-wise, by a newcomer cannot be expected to turn hand springs with joy over such conditions. Because of the in formality with which any m o d e m recreation program worthy of the name is run the writer always felt resentment amon^' many of the security staff. This criterion is rated at 1,5, 11, Prison security has been improved through the recreation program. This is a very debatable factor. The recreation program, if it reaches a considerable part of the inmates, takes the men from their cells to the field, gjonnasium or auditorium. On July 4, 1953» <^,000 inmates were turned loose in the yard to watch a boxing, wrestling and tumbling show. For those who thir.k of security in terras of one convict locked in one cell this sort of thing is very disconcerting. i u c In a recent issue of "Motive" the writer stressed the fact that healthy custody can exist only *tien there is opportunity for adjust ment and peace of mind on the part of inmates. This calls for a dy namic program of industry, education recreation and personal guidance, all of which contribute to the social re-direction and development of prisoners, The Glueck study mentioned the maturation factor as a most im portant element in rehabilitation of prisoners. Providing Inmates with a chance to show that they can get along with relatively more freedom such as provided in recreation periods is one logical way in wtiich this maturation process might be checked. This depends upon sympathetic and understanding personnel who know what they are trying to do. One of the reasons why harden Alvis walks unguarded about the in side of the prison is that the vast majority of the inmates respect him and feel that he is doing his best to help them. They know he is a strong advocate for recreation and athletics for prisoners. The recreation supervisor is in one of the best positions to build good rapport between inmates and he should be of the first to recognize when this understanding is breaking down. This goodwill is one of his strongest factors in getting along with the inmate body. Unfortunate ly, many of the security staff believe that this informality has no place in the tightly controlled prison society. Only the very naive person would believe that if an organized pro gram of recreation is not provided that there will be no recreational £. Don McCullough, "Ball and Chain Type Custody Thing of Past," Motive. Nov, 1954, p. 16 . 17.:; pursuits. The men will invent their own and the activities will be far from socially accepted. Pince jnost security guards think of security in terms of steel and concrete rather than in terms of per sonnel and program they are definitely divided about the security value of the recreation program, i?ntil more specific cîiecks can be made on the secu rity values which many vf us believe are inherent in recreation this criterion will be evaluated at 3.5. 12. The number of active participants in recreation steadily increased over the past five years. During tne years 194V, IvVO and 1V51 recreation personnel was liiait- ed to one security guard and restrictions allowed only working companies to go to night recreation apiroxlmately once in two weeks. The total eligible men who could take advantage of the evening progran was about 3,000 men, oince 1V5^ there nave been changes maae so that about 4,OuLi men are eligible for both evening recreation in two periods and daytime participation in intramurals. The length of the outdoor season was extended so that the men were allowed to ue outside tnrougn most < 30 to 44 from 1V49-1V51* TacKle football was introduced in 1V51, with heavyweight and liglitwei/nt teams. This Hurricane squad nad not been activated in the two years following the riot but tackle football was introduced on an intra;iiural basis. Tne new ,jymnasium permitted at least 1200 additional men per week to obtain indoor exercise than the relatively few boxers and wrestlers who made use of a small room for this purpose previous to 1951, The r n new gymnasium program was knocked out by the riot but was reinstated to a limited extent six months later. After a year it has again de veloped to a po^nt where about 5UÜ men per week participated. Celi clock recreation was introduced in 1951 also and this gave each ranre one night per week during the winter Tiwontns for free choice of recreation activity in their block. About 1,0U0 men per week par ticipated in this program at its height. This program also was in activated from November, 195^ until the present writing. As we conqnare the limited program of 1949 and 1950 most all recre ation was spectator in nature with emphasis on a few skilled teams. In 1951 and the first nine montns of I95k there was a great increase of participation cue to increase in recreation civilian help, the build ing of the new gymnasium and cell block recreation. Practically all inmates in the prison had some recreation made available to them at this time. After the riot the better part of two years was required to win recreation back to a point comparable with 1951 - 195^. We night say, therefore, that recreation at Ohio Penitentiary has had two periods of development and one severe decline during the last five years* Tnis factor is evaluated at 3*75. 13. Lore favorable publicity about prison affairs has resulted from the recreation program. The art display at the bouthem Hotel in the fall of 1954 was an example of prison public relations* It was widely and favorably pub licized in many newspapers. Recent writings in the official Correction Department organ had as their theme varying phases of recreation. Rec reation serves as a vehicle by which public opinion may be favorably 17- iiTipressed. The Christmas Chow at Ohio Penitentiary, the progress of its Hurricane teams in past years and many other recreational activi ties furnish fertile ground for state-wide ana nation-wide publicity, inside the prison it is common tc find the newspaper fillec A'ith intra mural scores and coming schedules. ihe f llowiny stcrv wai> sent out, over the wires of associated press, 15 OHIO G0W7ICTS KNTCR EXHIBITS AT ART SHOW COLUMBUS, OHIO, AUGUST 14, 1954 fifteen Ohio Penitentiary and London Prison Farm inmates will have their entries in an art during deptember. Their works of art number 40 oil paint ings, water colors, pastels, charcoals, col ored pencil portraits, pen and ink sketches, wood block prints and wood carvings. Miss Millicent Easter, Art director at til8 hotel ana the otate Division of Correc tion and the Department of Mental Hygiene and Correction made the exhibit possible. 85 Actually, this display wai made possible by a member of the .elfare Department’s staff. However, the entire department received more than statewide publicity which was favorable, oometlmes publicity can back fire. During the year 1952 one of the writers in uhio ienitentiary sold a plagiarized story tc a magazine. The fact was not discovered until some weeks after the magazine had paid the inmate, Duch publicity did not help those men who were doing an honest job of writing while in their cells, oome sola their stories wtiich did not cause as much at tention as the one who copied his. The Hurrican softball teams, until 1952, met and defeated some of ^5 News-Dun, Associated Press News Release, Dpringfield. Uhio. Aur. 15, 195ÏH----- 173 the best softball teams in (Jhic, A check on tolumbus newspapers of this and previous years will show scores and data wtiich is generally considered favorable by administrators. Because of problems created by the riot these contests have been confined tc games with honor camps or London rrison harm. Art study classes, ohristmas ilays, soft ball games or football games, July fourth or Labor Lay special pro grams, outside or inside prison walls serve as a vehicle for public ity, which, in the main, is favorable. This factor is evaluated high ly at 1,25, ihe following profile chart was constructed through the evalua tions of the 13 criteria by wtiich the outcomes were judged, CHART aV A rrofile Chart chowing the criteria evaluations in Judging Outcomes of the Prison Recreation i rogram in uhic i’eni tentiary 1 — leas ^ 2 -I discipline aided 3 ^ court charges reduced h wholesome 5 — m parole aided 6 — participation aided - 4 f 7 /'5~ sound budget 8 — emotional stability — — 3 ^ ^ 9 increased instruction ■ 3-5^ 10 ItS increased harmony 11 -security aided ■ 3*5' 12 — participation increased ■■ 13 — publicity aided - Poor Below average nbove Maximum Average Average The items in Chart AV totaled AC,75, This total will be converted 1 into a score through the proportion shown in the following paragraph. Conversion of the Factor ;'otaJs. in reading each of the profile charts it shoula be explained again that any factor rated 5 if perfect; U, above average; 3> average; 2, below average; i poor. In the atter.pt tc evaluate philosophy, per sonnel, activities, facilities and outcomes it has been assumée that each cf Uiese five factors are of eouel value, a method of corversio. is used tc reduce all these factors to an e<'-uai base regardless of the number of elements usee to measure each of the 5 factors. ihe mechanics of this plan is explained elsewhere.* ihe purpose is to reduce each profile tc a proportional score wr ich is more readily understandable. 1. The total of the 11 factors evaluated ur'.der the heading of philosophy was arrived at by adding the judgment ratings. ihese were 4.5; 2.5; 2.75; 3; 3.5; 4; 4.25; 4.5; 3; 3.75; 4.25 ana totaled 40. ihrough conversion the following formula results: 40:55 : : x:20 55 X = 800 X % 8 Cl/55 X — 14«^4 2. Ihe totals of 10 criteria were used to judge the recreation staff. These scores were: 5; 4; 3; 4.75; 4."'5; 4; 5; 3; 4. "5; 3; 4.?5. Forming our proportion with this totai cf 41.50 It is founo,- 41.50 : 50 : : x : 2U 50 X = 830 X » 830/50 X - l o , 6 * bee pages 53» 54, Part II 3* Ih# folloiiing #cor#« involved the recreation program* 3* 91 2* 4.5; 4; 4.75; 3; 3.75; 2.5; 2; 2.5; 4; 4; 3| 3.75; 3.5; 1.5. Hiis totaled 52.25 . 52.<-:$ Ï HG : : x ; 20 8G X . 1045 X = 1045/80 X = 13.0b 4. There were 20 items rated in order to Juage facilities. The scores of these were Z; 4.5; 4; 2.5; 3: 3.5; 4.5; 2; 2; 2.5; 4; 4.5; 4,25; 4.5; 3; 4.5; 3.5; 3.5; 3; 3.5. When converting this total of 68.7 5 the following score results; 68,75 : 100 : ; x : 20 100 X « 1375 X • 1375/100 X * 13.75 5. For the 13 factors noted in judging the outcomes of the rec reation program the scores were 4; 2.5; 2; 4.5; 2; 4.5; 1.5; 3.25; 3.5; 1.5; 3.5; 3.75; 4,25. These totaled 40.75 . 40,7 5 : o5 : : x : 20 65 X - 815 X a e i 5 / o 5 X = 12.54 The five factors: philosophy, staff, program, facilities and out comes at Ohio Penitentiary have been rated with the following conver sion scores resulting: 1. Philosophy...... 14.54 4. Facilities...... 13.75 2. Jtaff...... 16.6 5. Outcomes...... 12.54 3. Prograa...... 13.06 Total score is 70.49 176 Sumtaary of Findings Involved in Part III . Each of Ü 10 five factors: philosophy^ staff, programs, facilities and outcomes have been subjected to an evaluation process which is based on personal visitations, experience on the job, prison records, quostionaires anti pertinent writings In the field. Eacr: of tne five factors are assumed ot have eoual weight. One underlying theme con nected with this entire study is that we should know more about the role being played by recreation in prison society. Some factors aooear more difficult to judge than others. Yet, some clues are to be found for evaluating the more diffi cult parts represented by philosophy and outcomes, 1. One need seems parajnount in the light of t'is study. Llore attention should be given to the explanation of the program for new inmates. These men should be told the aims, purpose, and scope of the entire program. The prison paper is the main method used at the present time. 2. The lower rating of the program noted on page 175 is duo to the restrictions which hampered recreation as a result of the prison riot. This part of the study covered the years 1952 and 1953. The months following the riot were used to win back for recreation some of the status it had earned previous to the blow-up. Two years and more have elapsed since that incident and at the time of this writing the recreation program did not include block recreation. Dormitory recrea tion ie in much the same position. It is doubtful whether either pro gram will be reintroduced in the near future. 3. A considerable number of penologists believe that part of the 177 recreation program should be concerned with teaching men some new skills well enough that the innate would probably be in better position to use them once he was released. Since this study has been started the instructional phase has again been reactivated. The pre-parole survey chart shown later In this study seems tx) indicate that the men who were ready for release ranked the instructional program at about the same level as the working companies. 4. The experience gained with prisoners in neea of the adapted program indicates the problems involved are little different than those outside prison wails, hxtra crtre and supervision is required to build a successful adapted program anywhere. The nresent staff physician and the warden have indicated a aesire to help in the establishing of an adapted recreation program. The "sick, lame and lazy" referred to earlier are in need of more guided care than they have been receiving, 5. Although a start has been .uade with reference to irunate plan ning and selection of program, more attention needs to be given to in creased action in this area. An inmate rlanning council night be a solution to this problem, Tliis council could serve as a clearing house for many problems which arise. More coordination of effort be tween the recreation staff, inmates and other personnel would likely follow, 6. The deputy warden of Ohio Penitentiary tolc the writer in an interview on November 23, 1954, t;iat the population of this prison will not be reduced to any extent in the near future, Tliis represents one man's opinion, of course, but who Is in better position to voice a more valid estimate? Facilities for récréai.ion will be largely 178 confined to present buildings and space. The supervisor of education, vocational training and recreation are constantly looking for more space in Which to operate. The penal industries are crowded and look ing for more room. The only result for the recreation staff will be a continued tight and careful scheduling of events in a crowded environment, 7, Black topping or cementing of the area now being utilized for horseshoes, basketball, shuffleboard, weightlifting and chess will im prove a constantly sore spot with the oower plant and mill supervisors who have to combat clouds of dust resulting from the games played ad jacent to O*Henry Field. 8, Tlie instructional phase of recreation should aim to provide the inmate with more useable and acceptable skills. Those skills should then be practiced in the intramural and evening recreation per iods, Some of these skills should be planned with carry-over values for later years, ^uiet games and interest activities are suggested for men who are past the vigorous game stage. For the young and vigors ous activities must be included to meet their needs. The decision, in 1954, to play tackle football was one of the most popular moves made in recent years by the Ohio Penitentiary staff. The staff was guided by a poll of the inmates in this case, 9, Another trend which seems to be evident in this prison is the tendency to think in terms ol activity for all rather than a special ized few. One of the charges thrown by physical educators at directors of athletics is that too much emphasis is given to a relatively few highly skilled varsity players. This same charge might be made of many 179 penal aet-upa where the program is rigged to favor the allatar team. 10, This leads us to another conclusion which gradually but per sistently forced its attention upon the writer. Basically, the same problems which must be faced in the planning and executing of a recrea tion program in places outside prison walls are to be found almost on a one-to-one proportion inside security institutions. Let the reader name almost any difficulty connected with the running of a high school or college program, facilities, staff or financing, to name a few, he will find a very similar corallary In running a prison physical edu cation and recreation program, 11. Recreation in Ohio Penitentiary is in a dynamic position. It is being administered and executed by two college trained men who are enthusiastic in their work, . Others on his staff are less enthusiastic than the warden about the place and value of the recreation progra/a in this m.aximum security in stitution, It will be up to the recreation staff to conduct their program in such manner that more security staff members will be favor able impressed. In this institution, as in outside institutions, the tremendous importance of energetic, well trained and enthusiastic rec reation and physical education personnel shoula not be overlooked. Only they can provide the bridge which will bridge the gap between the shortcomings of the present and the possibilities of the future. 1 8 0 PART IV EVALUATING PHILOSOPHY, PERSONNEL, PROGRAM, FACILITIES AND OUTCOMES AT LONDON PRISON FARM Evaluating the Philosophy Back of the Program at London Prison Farm Philosophy was evaluated through the use of 11 criteria* The maxi mum score possible for each evaluative criterion was 5. The actual score was also given for each item* 1* There is evidence as expressed in a printed list of objectives that recreation has a place in the insti tuions! aims* Actual score is 4*75 2, The recreation program is generally accepted by officials in charge. Actual score is 3*0 3* Recreation expanses are considered an integral part of the institutions budget* Actual score is 2*5 4* The administrative heads cooperate closely with the recreation supervisor* Actual score is 4*0 5* The recreation department has official status and rank the same as other departments. Actual score is 4.0 6* There is a stated long range blue print for improving the recreation set-up* Actual score is 4*25 7. The inmates are invited to take part in the planning and conducting of recreation in-so-far as it is practicable* Actual score is 3*0 8* Institutional rules permit the inclusion of all inmates except those who are under restricted confinement* Actual score is 4*75 9* The beliefs and statements of the adminis trator are supported by the working conditions affecting recreation* Actual score is 3*0 131 182 10* There has been continuing evaluation of the recreation program as it applies to the overall plan in each institution. Actual score is 3*75 11, The turnover rate of recreation personnel shows a low rate* Actual score is Maximum total possible is 55 Actual total score is 40*5 The explanation for judging each of these criteria is given in the following paragraphs* Likewise, the conversion of the total score for philosophy is shown along with the profile chart constructed from the conversion score* All able-bodied inmates must work at this institution. Between 1200 and 1300 men are assigned to London Prison Farm. This number does not Include about 500 men who are sent either to Lebanon Honor Camp or live in the Honor Dormitory at London* It appears that the pattern followed here is based on the practice of work first, play afterwards. All six dormitories at the farm may take advantage of the recreation program in the yard during the open months* Recreation Director William Beer has advanced this outdoor time to about a seven—month span. The season extends from May through October if weather permits* The superintendent, kr, R, B, Eckle and the Deputy Warden, Mr, G, E, Miller, together with Mr, Beer were previously employed at Ohio Penitentiary, The two head administrators were promoted to their London positions late in 1952, w . Beer in 1953. Each of these men had a vital part to play in the recreation program functioning 183 under Warden Ralph Alvis* Dr. K, D. McCullough and later the writer were supervisors of recreation during part of the tenure of these men at Ohio Penitentiary. This was the background of the men who are now in charge of the London Prison Farm, Lr. Eckle and Mr. killer were sufficiently convinced about the worth of recreation at London Prison Farm to institute an evening recreation program in which all inmates might watch or participate. True, equipment was limited, but this was a start toward making recreation time available for all inmates. This plan gives us some concrete evidence that more emphasis is to be placed on the broad program which will serve larger nunfaers of Inmates. It is possible that those men encourage this kind of a program because they are not confusing security with custody. Mr. Eckle, in a per sonal interview with the writer on August, 1953, declared that he did not believe that security needs to suffer because of the functioning of a recreation program. He also stated that inmate moral was helped by participation in recreation, Mr, Beer is the first professionally trained physical education supervisor to be appointed at London Prison Farm, True, he estimates that only one-third of his time is given to recreation since he also directs the Alcoholics Anonymous program and the education program. An attempt is being made to expand the recreation program with emphasis upon participation. Carry-over activities with a view to worthy use 86 London Prison Farmer, London, Ohio, June 27, 1953» page I isu of lei mure time are aame of the stated objectives for this program. A more complete list will be plven on following pages. The recreation supervisor conceives of his prof^ram as & common denominator which ties in with the treatment program as well as that part of the program which Dr. ’“/alter Reckless calls amenities* This term refers to those things which make for more pleasurable living. While the recreation supervisor conceives his program as a vital part of the educational plan, it is tiard for administrators and professional staff outside of his program to think of recreation in as broad a light, tloet penologists agree about the morale-building qualities inherent in their recreation program. They also value recreation as a preventive for trouble caused by pent-up physical and emotional drives. Many penologists in Ohio follow the line of thinking exenplified by the department of corrections in which prisoners are not paid %diile attending school classes in the various institutions. Working cm an assembly line punching out dog tags, feeding laundry machines, making shirts or digging potatoes is considered pro ductive and constructive work, but few penologists are willing to place prison school companies or recreation participation in the same class as vocational work. Dr. Benjamin Frank has given us an idea of some of the philosophy which should be more comnonly associated with organized recreation in prisons. A recreational program, if it is to have any truly correctional influence, must be more than a yard period, a series of athletic events, or a weekly movie. Such a program must utilize the 185 functions of play and recreation from the point of view of the individual and the group and not based on the conception of a coach developing a good team. The program must help the individual to develop for himself regular habits of using his leisure time constructively. This necessitates the offering of a wide variety of activities for m m y types and Interests, for a wide range of ages, and for all seasons of the year, indoor and outdoor, active and inactive. New activities must be constantly introduced because the span of interest among men in institutions is relatively short.— — Chiy a person who understands recreation al theory and is experienced in its practice can put such a program into effect* ^7 With this quotation as a,background for our thinking, let us attempt to weigh the various factors which might give us insight to the philosophy behind the recreation program at London Prison Farm, 1, There is evidence as expressed in a printed list of objectives that recreation has a place in the institutional aime» The writer is in possession of a typewritten list of general object ives for recreation in London Prison Farm which are based in part on material published from the Office of Lpecial Kducatlon, Ohio Department of Correction, The two general objectives listed are: 1, Prepare inmates to use their leisure time wisely and skill fully* 2, Develop the recreational interest of inmates to coordinate with their vocational trend and abilities. This same source contains a specific list of objectives for recrea tion and physical education programs in this institution. These are: 1, To teach sports. t'7 Benjamin Frank, Bulletin Board, Bureau of Prisons, United States Department of Justice, Washington, D, C., 1946* 13 ü 2, To teach carry-over sports and activities, 3. To teach worthy use of leisure time. U* To have fun, 5. To stimulate and perpetuate team-work, 6, To stimulate individual social development, 7* To meet the needs and interest of the individual, 8, To develop skills of the individual, 9. To develop a varsity program. 10, To develop an intramural program. These objectives are part of the blue print which helps give direction to the recreation program now functioning in London Prison Farm, The rating for this criterion is 4,75, 2, The recreation program is generally accepted by officials in charge. During the writer's first visit to London Prison Farm on August 10, 1953 he was shown the large gymnasium, A chain was drawn across the bottom of the steps leading to the gymnasium, A sign was bolted to this chain. The words printed on the sign will not soon be forgotten. They were, "Idle Room," A security guard was in charge of the recreation program at that time. When asked about use made of the gymnasium by the inmates he was infonned that very little use was made of this area during the open months of the year. The reason given had a familiar ring in that the term, "punks," was used several times. The officer in charge was very energetic and enthusiastic. He was definitely interested in his work. Yet he was untrained as far as recreation and physical education 187 was concerned. He was very conscious about the negative effects of the program. The present supervisor of recreation has had about the same per sonal battle to get recognition for the program as experienced by the writer and his predecessor at Ohio Penitentiary, The security personnel in this institution are gradually changing their thinking toward the recreation program, A very strong and positive factor has been the active support given to the present director of recreation by Mr, Kcklo and Mr* killer. Another factor in this changing attitude is the evidence of added interest in the combined education, vocational train ing and recreation plans originating from the head officers in the Division of Correction, State of Onio. security guard Elwer, now at London Prison Farm, was formerly a recreation guard at Ohio Penitentiary, He is a college graduate and has shown much interest in the functioning of a properly planned recreation program, lùrperience teaches us that it is easier to win acceptance for recreation from the younger men than from the older security officers. The picture of the 1954 London Farmer boftball Team shows one of the education staff who was interested enough to help with some of the details of running this team. One of the problems which confronts any recreation director 1ji security institutions is that represented in the increased work load necessary to run the program. As more inmates are involved with a broadening recreation program, more work is necessary. This is not always popular if it means added responsibility for the security guard staff, Lines London Prison Farm 188 is planned with dormitory confinement and there is more freedom of movement than in a maximum security institution there is less of a problem getting the men to and from recreation. This helps to ex plain in part the rating of this factor at 3. 3. Recreation expenses are considered an integral part of the institu tional budget, Superintendent ackle informed the writer on December 23» 1954 that $12,000,00 worth of fence necessary to increase recreation space was stored in the institution. He also stated that this would mean some other part of his general budget would have to suffer that much. He had only a given amount of money to run his institution. It then became his problem to allocate sums for the various departments in the organization. bince an eight foot cyclone fence is a capital Ing^rovement, it could properly be paid as such even though recreation would be the chief gainer. Inquiring eyes scanning this expense item will find only a record of several hundred feet of fence and no mention of recreation program. Yet the superintendent had to be sufficiently enthusiastic about the need for this space or he would not have requested the pur chase. The salary of the director of recreation is rated under civil service regulations at a captain’s level. Presumably, he is a security captain. Actually, this is one way to obtain qualified per sonnel at something near a living wage. In other wcrds, this expense is not listed as a recreational expenditure. For many years the Christmas ohow was one important source of revenue for the recreation 139 program. In 1952 and 1953 about $1800 was realized by allowing the public to see this production. In 1954 the general public was not allowed to see the play, ooft drink vendingnachines are another source of revenue. Honor inmates are allowed to have some money in this prison and they help to finance their recreation program with their purchases. In coming months candy vending machines vd.ll help give another source of revenue for the financing of recreation supplies, Mr, Beer told the writer that one of the objectives he hopes to achieve is a specific budget for recreation which will be named as such. %e conclude at present that the country-wide plan of financing recreation through commissary profits is in force at London, Deputy Warden Miller esti mated that $3000 per year is spent for recreation equipment at London Prison Farm, While this statement was made to the writer in 1953, the present recreation director give $5000 as his estimate for 1954 ex penditures, bince the traditional method of financing prison recreation programs is employed in this institution at present this criterion is rated 2.5. 4, The administrative heads cooperate closely with the recreation supervisor. The recreation director has access to the superintendent's and deputy warden's office at all times. The very fact that a trained man was placed at the head of the education m d recreation department at London Prison Farm gives us some evidence that the administration is actively interested in improving this part of the institutional program. 19ü Mr. Beer toi'; the wi’iter that one of tiie ,n;i3 t imi.ortant factors o his job f r the past year ha:- rc/n the r,u:':'ori, piven to !ii. ,i by his su periors, Ir. his oii! II, ^uco i, f the resent status -ttacheo t,o his office has c o ne about because the ahmlr;!; tra*'i on has rtrinrly nr the enucatioh sj-ii; re ere : t i on prorrruns, iiiis .n.;. rht be c L'rsicert'. a o only one reason why any [ royra. i i i an institution gains acceptance. The progr;ini itself r-ind the work uf those directly in charge nust he of su'-'ii caliber tiiat security staff ano -'ther professional workers will arcept. the value of e m e r e y inn cenartneat. I art of thlr sup:,art given tc recreation at loiiclo:'; i’rison Far-.', sta-'uy fraa. th» fact that an attemp t is : »;iny :r,ade t o bring activities wnich are recreational in nature under the scoi e cf that d ep,,rtrieri t. ,,electic n a no previewing of movies, for example, is now under the ci rent charge of t.he recrea tion director. oc is the lenc i ng library. In nan;; nri none such work is handled by anyone vvrio is willing to take t.ho job. The result has seen a lack '"•f internal organization which might be blamed in jvart on the ao.talni strutors, 'flie m ve . eeus t- bo coward a centralizing of relate ! recreai uoal fiiracti uris a ' Lo.uihon ; riscuu Farm, C joperati'jn between tiie «depart,..ent «'■ f rt- vreatl «' _ntn'> noao adudr.io- tr;it >rs is at a high level, Tiio rating fcr this f- ctor is I, . The recreation department has officia sta tu s and rank the same a ' other departments. In an attempt U; acriuire the services of trie present director of education anri recreation at the time he ternlnateu his sernrices at Ohio P en iten tia rv ,an e ffo r t was ma e to have him c la s s if ie d as a i v i superintendant of education. Hecauae of a lack of school experience, this did not mature as civil service requirements prevented this pro posal. However, it was possible to secure a captain's rating for the man who was sout'ht for the position. The following; information was found in a recent f rison Harm publication: Administrative Officials H. J, dckle------— Superintendent d. b. killer------Deputy Warden K. E. Tope------Business Manager William I, Beer------Education-Hecreation Director This evidence shows that the man viio is in charge of recreation is listed as an administrative official. It has been previously stated that his civil service rank is that of captain. A question now arises. Where do recreation duties come in to the picture? Mr. Beer estimated in a recent interview with the writer that at the present he can devote only an estimated 20 percent of his total time to the recreation and physical education aspects of his work* It might be fairly concluded from this that the work connected with recreation is tied in with other areas to the degree that one wonders which is primary and which is secondary. Nevertheless, the recreation director in London Prison Farm has a recognized part to play in the all-over program. This factor is rated 1. 6, There is a stated long range blue print for improving the recreation set-up. The first thing which might be noted here is that the office of 80 Agricola, London Prison Farm, London, Ohio, Vol. I, September, 195Af page A3 19Z the director of education and recreation has declared the intention of following the otate Department of Welfare objectives as they relate to the London scene. The dtate Director of Special Education, Welfare Department, has listed the following policies ^or education of prisoners : 1. Education and recreation are to be part of the total correctional program* 2. Education and recreation are to be available to all in mates of correctional institutions, 3. Professionally trained and experienced personnel shall be in charge of educational programs insofar as possible, 4. Full utilization is to be made of facilities, equipment and supplies already available to correctional institutions. The recreation director at London Prison Farm recently told the writer that he was working toward the following objectives; 1, Recognition of a definite budget for recreation, 2, Acquisition of at least two more men to assist with tlie physical education program and athletic program at London Prison Farm, 3, Enlarging the area available for recreation and planning the activities which will function here, 4, Consolidating recreational activities and educational activities under the director of those departments, Er, Beer, the recreation director, is working at present on the blue printing of the added space which is being made available for the outdoor program in the near future. The deputy warden estimates that more than three and one-half acres of space will be added to the present 193' outdoor facilities. The superintendent showed the writer where low ground is being filled in. He also stated that he *rill have to level off the top of high; rolling areas to bring the new field to usable grade .^9 If we sum up this evidence, it should be evident that the officials in this institution nave contuitted themselves to the policy laid down by the Director of bpecial education, Welfare Department, Moreover, there is physical evidence to show that they are going ahead with an enlarged physical education program. Therefore, this part of the factor is rated at 7. The inmates are invited to take part in the planning and conducting of recreation in-so-far as it Is practicable, Hecreation offers one of the areas in which it is possible for the inmates to help. Here is a quotation from a letter which was sent to the writer by the director of recreation: The men here are housed in seven separate dormitories, bach of these dormitories elect a manager and a captain for the team that is to represent them, of players from their respective dormitories. Thus the Intramural League is formed and a schedule is made up in ray office for league play, '^0 Eleven inmates are assigned to the recreation department at London and these men are assigned to the many tasks of running the program such as : 1, Issuing equifjuent from the recreation office, ^ ------R, B, Eckle, but erintendent, London Prison Farm, London, Ohio, Personal Interview with the writer, December , 195L, 00 William Beer, Director of Recreation, London Prison Farm, London, Ohio, Personal Letter to the writer, December 24, 1954. 19i* Ofi'iciatinr intramural games, 3. Trainer and first aid help, 4. Instruction and guidance in the use of various games, equipment. 5* He {a ir of e(^ulpment. 6, Typing of schedules, notifying of teams, general office work. 7. Care of outside facilities. Inmates play an important and essential part in the conducting of the program and some part, even though a minor one, in the planning of the set-up. One program vfriich is almost entirely produced by inmates is the annual Christmas show, because of the part played by inmates this factor is rated at 3, 8. Institutional rules permit the inclusion of all inmates except those who are under restricted confinement. Since inmates earn their way to London Prison Farm from Ohio Peni tentiary, they all know that actions on their part which will result in trouble bring about a transfer from The Farm, At the prison farm all men can take part in the following recreational activities: 1. To play or watch softball or basketball, 2. Walk to the recreation field after the evening meal and take part or watch in any of the outside programs, 3. Luring inclement weather, to go to the gymnasium during the morning or afternoon, to use any apparatus or space available, 4. To stay in their dormitories and listen to radio or watch 195 television. 5. To ta e time off from working assignments and watch the world series baseball games, to watch or take part in the Christmas bhow or the Fourth of July Field Meet. 6, To make the all-star softball or basketball teasw or to watch up to sixty games played* 7. To attend weekly movies. These are also shown on holidays, 8, To use the library facilities. There are only six correctional cells at this institution. There fore, the number of men who are unoer close confinement is negliilble. There are the usual number of working crews necessary for the running of the institution such as the kitchen crew, the hospital helpers, and power plant squad, ouch services require work au^und the clock. Aside from this group all inmates at London Prison Farm have access to the recreation period. The hecreation Director, Assistant Deputy ’karden Haugh, security Guard Huehier and Deputy karden M i l l e r estimated that, in their opinion, 20 percent of the men at London Farm do not leave their dormitories for movies, s i e c i a l pro : rams, or recreation. These men read, write, or study after their work is done. Up to the present time, however, they have not been interested in recreation. This factor was rated at A.75* 9* The beliefs and statements of the administrator are supported by the working conditions affecting recreation. kr. Eckle and Mr. Miller have stated to the writer that they be lieve recreation is an important part of their program. Not long after these men were assigned to London Prison Farm, they were instrumental in 196- establishing evening recreation for the inmates. Tne superintendent believes tnat the men return to the dormitories refreshed and calmed down to what they wish to do. They more quietly’ go to read, listen to the radio, or sleep* The deputy warden said that he believes the following results can be noted as a result of their recreation pro gram: 1. Tne general morale improves at once* 2* The men are induced to get out of the dormitories. 3. It gives the men a chance to move around. It is a means for energy release* The writer was told that because the recreation field fence at London Prison Farm will cost $12,000 this money would not be available for other needed things in this institution. This capital improvement reduced the total amount of funds available outside of recreation. This evidence seems to indicate that the superintendent wants to im prove the recreation facilities. The recreation director is planning the new lay-out which will be made possible by this additional space. A significant fact to be noted at this point is Uie distribution of time spent by the recreation director in an average week. CHART XVII Chart bhowing the Work Week Hour Distribution of the Recreation Director at London Prison Farm* Directing educational program...... 15 hours Alco.olics anonymous.... 3 hours Recreation planning, directing...... 20 hours 197 Miscellaneous, counselling, selecting m o v i e s ...... 20 hours weeKly total 63 hours If we now consider the fact that for many years this institution has had an all-star softball team which plays thirty to thirty-five games during the open months and a casketball team Wiich has a twenty game schedule, we have another division of work which is very demand ing* This strongly suggests that the work load assigned to one man is much too heavy to permit a high quality program in all departments* The words of Doctor benjamin Frank again remind us of tlie various motives behind many recreation programs. To a large extent, however, recreation in a penal institution is still accepted in the nature of a necessary concession. It is for the most part thought of in terms of the weekly movie, of sports, or something of a seasonal appendage to the institu tional program. In exceeding 1^"^ few institutions is there a recreational program planned and administer ed as a corrective influence for groups or for individuals, ouch programs as do exist, with occasion al exceptions are little more than meager attempts to fill idle time with some activity. 91 Part of a divisional report on thi a recreational program at London Farm stated than an active program of correction therapy is being start ed* It also stated that a drive was being made to have a program in which all inmates will be able and anxious to participate* More emphasis was undoubtedly being placed on recreation than in previous years, facilities effecting recreation were being improved and trained 91 Benjamin Frank, op. cit*, page 178 198 leadersidp has been brought in. One problem seemed to be that of securing additional men and defining their duties more clearly. The writer judged this factor to be worth 3, 10. There has been continuing evaluation of the recreation program as it applies to the overall plan in each institution. The writer is in possession of two reports involving London Prison Farm. One is titled, "Bi-Annual Report to the Commissioner on Educa tional Activities," the other, "Educational Department Curriculum, Ob jectives and Program," The first report has to do with an evaluation of the vocational, academic and recreational programs at London Prison Farm and was made by the Office of opecial Education, Department of Correction* The second report was made by the Office of the Director, Recreation Department, London Prison Farm, Both of these reports were made during 1954. The purpose of the first survey was to report to the administrative head of the welfare department about the latest projects within the recreation department. This survey listed the following factors which are important at the present time: 1. Ohio Civil Service requirements often result in the loss of qualified civilian personnel because of salary restrictions* 2. Lack of authority by education and recreation department supervisors to select the inmates who will take part in their staffs and program* 3. There is lack of integrated effort among employee groups within the institution* 4. Lack of a specified budget for both recreation and education 199 which would show both per capita expenditures and needs. The functions of such surveys should be to give help to all in terested persons in pointing out the direction future action should take. The report made by the director of recreation and education at London Prison rarm pointed out the need for recreation skills and interests which will complement the inmates vocational activity. This report stressed the importance of proper health habits and attitudes, oince narcotics, alcohol, nutrition and knowledge of anatomy were mentioned, close connection between the recreation and education pro gram was sug^sted. Investigation by the writer showed that both recreation and educa tion classes were scneduled for the same hours in the evening after the assigned manual work for the day is completed. This forced the inmate to make a choice of one or the other on konday, Wednesday or Thursday, This arrangement suggested the conclusion Uiat profits to the state in the form of manual labor was taking precedence over attempts being made to aid the individual through the education and recreational program. This seemed to be the tangible outcome of a kind of retributional philosophy common to many penal institutions today. It appeared to the writer that those in charge of recreation and education programs have a tremendous selling job to do before any significant change will occur in the near future. Collective opinions of security staff and administrative officers regarding recreation and its proper place in security institutions repre sent a very potent force, buch men are constantly judging the worth 20a of a functioning recreation program. Though such evaluations be strongly biased, they are at the same time expressed in the form of more or less restrictive actions in a hundred different places with in the institution. Their collective weight helps determine to a large degree the climate within which the recreation director must function. An example will r.elp to illustrate this thought. A con siderable number of inmates at London Prison Farm were interested in forming a boxing company. The writer was asked by several men to see about the possibility of activating such a conçany. Upon checking with the deputy w^irden, it was found that plans had been made to start this activity some weeks previously. The reason the plans were suddenly killed was that inmates began pressuring for special concessions in the form of special food, training time, and facilities. The history of all-star boxing companies in prisons has not been a happy one, Many tensions and pressures result which have not been healthy. The result in this instance was that the recreation director allow ed light sparring with fourteen ounce gloves, but nothing in the nature of an organized boxing coupany. The evaluation of this activity re sulted in the present kind of program which is geared to serve the aver age or even below average performer rather than a few outstanding boxers. The rating of this criterion was placed at 3» 11. The turnover rate of recreation personnel shows a low rate of job separations, A personal visit by the writer with the deputy warden and the rec reation director of London Prison Farm on January 13, 1955 resulted in this information regarding the recreation department personnel. 201 CHART XVII Chart Showing the Inmate Recreation btaff, Their Job Assignment and the Length of service at Their Present Job, at London Prison Farm. Inmate Inmate Length Assignment No. Name oervice d—— 2 C...Y 15 raontns Weightlifting 9---0 A,.,Y 10 months Table Tennis d———3 C...Y 9 months Volley ball d — —5 M..,Y 12 months BiSketoall 9—-»—6 ki, • *o 14 months Basketball 9---4 B. ,,R 7 iflonths Basketball 8 ---2 Ü...N 36 months Janitor 9——“8 T,.,N 14 montns Trajûpoline 8---9 C , , , o 16 months Tumbling 9———1 H..,I 13 riiont hs Recreation Cle 9---3 H...N 3 months Equipment, Off: 9— 5 a..,o 1 day Trainer The men who had less than one year of service were those added to the crew since the present recreation director took office twelve months ago. During this time only two nad to be changed to other companies. This was done to avert trouble between two inmates who had threatened each other, bince there were 13 men on the staff when the two inmates were transferred, the rate of turnover in the last twelve months was 15.3 percent. Although there are less severe tensions in this medium security prison, according to the administrators, this appeared to be a very low 20^ rate of separations from the recreation crew. Therefore, the rating of this criterion was placed at 4 .25* The philosophy Le hind the prot-’ram at London Prison r arm was evaluated ti ro:rh the use of 11 criteria. The individual scores of those criteria are charted below* CHAhT XVIII A Profile Chart showing the Criteria Evaluations in Judging the Philosophy Behind the Recreation Program at London Prison Farm. 1 ^)rlnted oDjectives , 4 . 7 S ’ 2 m»staff opinion— ^* 3. 3 ■!— I « expenses budgeted 4 .•administrative coopérât!cn _ -4. 5 ^recreation status , 6 —long range planning 7 — inmate planning — 3 * 8 — participation opportunity 4 / 7 S 9 — working conditions. 3. 10 — evaluation — 3. 11 — staff 1 2 3 4 5 Poor Below \verage Above kaximum Average Average The total of the scores contained in Chart XVIII will be converted into another score through a proportion found near tJ-ie end of Part IV. The next job is to evaluate personnel. Evaluating the Hecreation Personnel* The individual criteria used to evaluate personnel cUid tne acLual scores for each are found in the following list. The maximum score for any one criterion is 5* 203 1. The director of the recreation program holds the same statue, rank and pay as comparable department heads in the institution. Actual score is 5/* 2. The recreation head is professionally trained. Actual score is A»5 3. There is a definite in-service training program for training security guards and inmates who help with recreation. Actual score is 3*5 A. Inmates are utilized for important parts of the recreation program such as equipment repair, upkeep, storage and inventory. Actual score is 3*75 5, The recreation head has good community contacts and utilizes these in the functioning of the program as evidenced by publicity, personal talks to groups and equipment donations* Actual score is 3*75 6 , The personnel is experienced in the recreation and physical education field. Actual score is 3*5 7, The appearance and action of the recreation staff commands respect. Actual score is U . 8 , The major percentage of time spent by the recreation staff has to do with the work of this department. Actual score is 2. 9* The recreation director regularly attends state and national meetings. Actual score is 4*5 10, The recreation head is emotionally stable. Actual score is 4 » 204 Maximum total is 50 Actual total is 38.5 Ttie explanation for Judging each of these criteria is given in the following paragraphs. Likewise, the conversion of the total score for personnel will be shown toward the end of Part IV , The recreation director at London Prison Farm operated his program under the organization associated with a medium security institution. Since he had to work under the administration of the superintendent, the deputy warden and the assistant deputy warden, these men affected the program. Superintendent hckle. Deputy Jarden Miller and Assistant Deputy Haugh were all in close contact with the recreation program at Ohio Penitentiary when the writer was supervisor of recreation. The present director of recreation and education at London Prison Farm was a recreation guard at that time, which included the years 1952 and 1953. The result has been a team which works together in close cooperation and with a generally favorable climate concerning recreation. 1, The director of recreation holds the same status, rank and pay as comparable department heads in the institution. The present recreation director at London Prison Farm is listed as the Director of Education and Hecreation, He draws the salary of Cap tain according to the civil service schedule for the State of CSiio. The administrative heads have given him support and recognition in an ef fort to develop this part of their program. In this they have the strong support of the State Supervisor of Hecreation for the Welfare Division, Because of the rank, pay and status of the recreation ^05 director this item is rated 5 . 2, Tiie recreation head is professionally trained. The London recreation director was a 1953 graduate of Ohio btate University where he majored in physical education. Ho is a trained teacher. The director had approximately three years in recreation guard experience before his appointment to the present position. He has had experience as a varsity athlete and as assistant coach of va rious athletic teams in the public school system. This man was much more matured than the average college graduate since he spent several years in the army during World War II, Because of his Qualifications this factor is rated at 4.5 . 3» There is a definite in-service program for training security guards and inmates who help with recreation. Deputy Warden Miller has instituted a definite guard training pro gram in which che recreation director has a planned contribution. In a two and one-half to three hour session the aims, objectives, and operation of the recreation program are outlined and discussed by the director and newly entering security officers. To check the entire program the warden has a group of supervisors who are delegated to help run the various departments. To help with the training of these men who are ranked as lieutenants, there is held a weekly meeting. Deputy Wairden Miller states that he believes the common interchange of ideas is both democratic and educative. The following report is used by these men in checking the work of institutional guards and for im proving the entire program: 206 ILLUSTRATION V II A Facsimile of the Supervisor's Report used at London Prison Farm Date G. E. MILLER, DEPUTY WARDEN CHECK ITEM INDICATING SUBJECT OF THIS REPORT 1.. .Ehiployee discipline 2.. .Institution maintenance 3*..Recommendations 4...Employee promotions 5*«.Inmate affairs 6...Miscellaneous r e m a r k s Signature of Supervisor Title 92 Any persons who are involved in such reports may be interviewed by the deputy warden. The importance of intelligent and active staff workers is constantly impressed upon the supervisory staff. This is another thought behind the training program practiced at London Prison Farm. Incidental or concomitant learning can be one of the strongest forces for good in staff-inmate relations. The recreation director is in one of the best spots to effect such learning since his program cuts across the entire inmate population. The rating for this criteri on is judged at 3.5 . 4, Inmates are utilized for important parts of the recreation program. The recreation program in this institution is aided by twelve in- 92 George E. Miller, Deputy Warden, London Prison Farm, Personal Interview with Writer, January I3 , 1955 207 mates who are under the direct charge of the director. The various men and their duties may be found by referring to Chart XIII on page 195 . At least ten different types of jobs are recorded in this list which was checked by the writer at London Prison Farm on January 13, 1955 . Inmates help to run the recreation program according to this announcement dated October 15, 1954: Re: Intramural Basketball To Vihom It May Concern: A meeting of managers was held, Mr. rV.I. Beer, Director of Recreation presiding. The following subjects were taken up at once: (1) Eligibility of players, (2) Limitations for Farmer Players, (3) Officials, (4) Practice, (5) Overtime games, (6) Selection of Managers. The Managers agreed to the following disposi tion of the above stated subjects: ... The above findings will govern intramural play this season. V.llliam I. Beer Director Recreation 93 The entire notice is not reproduced. It provides some evidence to show that the inmates not only aid in the physical part of the pro gram, but in the planning. Inmate umpires and team managers are used in all-star games and in intramural games. Comparison might be drawn between the practice at London Farm and with recommended procedure from California Department of Corrections. The Supervisor of Recreation may utilize the 93 Recreation Department Notice, London Prison Farm, Oct. 15, 1954. 208 services of inmates as assistants. Under no circumstances, however, are inmates ever to have such control of equipment or supplies as to refuse the approved use of this enuipment under the supervision of responsible members of the free personnel. The Inmate Advisory Councils have nc disciplinary or executive functions. Inmate councils provide a valu able source of Information for the Supervisor of Recreation, and should be consulted by him from time to time to ascertain the interests and needs of inmates relative to the institu tional program of recreation, 94 Although there is no specific inmate council at London Prison Farm, considerable use is made of inmate help. This factor is rated at 3.75 . 5* The recreation head has good community contacts and utilizes these in the functioning of the program, 111 ere is increasing attention being paid towaurd conmuni ty-pri son farm rapport. Some evidence to support this contention may be found in the newly formed Madison County Independent League, This athletic league was activated in December, 1954, largely through the efforts of V/illiam Beer, Recreation Director at London Prison Farm, The following teams are in the process of playing a round robin schedule in basketball at the time of this writing: 1. Ranco Company 4. Hume and Mabe 2. Plain City 5. Springfield 3. St. VJheels 6. London Prison Farm State of California, Department of Corrections, Richard A. McGae, Director, Policies. Organization and Prodedures for Recreation, Sacramento, California, November 5, 1954, pp. 17-18 . 209 It was necessary to do a considerable amount of contact work to bring this league into reality. The national trend, as far as penol ogists are concerned, is to promote this kind of competition with outside teams, because of security needs close contact must be main tained with outside people* Another project involving London Prison Farm was the art display held in a Columbus hotel. The following is self-explanatory: Hundreds of persons visited the art gallery of the bouthem Hotel, Columbus, during oeptember (1954)» to view an exhibit of art works by in mates of the Ohio Penitentiary and the London Prison Farm. The Exhibit, which included 64 en tries by 15 prisoner artists, attracted state wide attention. It was co-sponsored by the Division of Correction and the bouthenn Hotel, Miss Millicent Easter, art director of the hotel was hostess at open house on the first Sunday afternoon of the exhibit* Among those attend ing was Mrs, Frank J* Lausche, wife of Ohio's Governor. 95 This program and the annual Christmas program at London Prison Farm represents a phase of community relations which can be very val uable. Four public school men from London, two of whom are school administrators, have been recruited in the past year to teach in the education program at London, These men are in close touch with their director, Mr, Beer, who as the recreation head, serves in a dual capacity, borne teachers have made trips with the softball team and have demonstrated their interest in recreation by helping during off hours* This is another valuable form of community contact. The future plans 95 Motive, Ohio Department of Mental Hygiene and Correction, October, 1954, p. 12. 210 at London include a scheme for allowing outside persons to watch various phases of the athletic program in the new athletic field on which work has already started, i^uch of the rapport between community and institution is the result of action by Lr, beer and the tiead of the special education department in the Welfare Division. Because of the progress which has been made in the public relations area, this factor is judged by the writer at 3.75. 6, The personnel is experienced in the recreation and physical education field. The director of recreation at London had experience as a practice physical education teacher at Ohio otate University, He had been a varsity high school athlete prior to his college training. The exper ience of the director since graduation has been limited to liis present job as it is his first position since graduation. He was hired during the last part of 1953 so that his total tenure at London has been a little more than one year at the time of this writing. The director had about three years experience as a recreation guard at Ohio Penitentiary, During those years he worked closely with two of his present superiors, Superintendent Eckle and Deputy Warden Miller. The recreation director also worked with Dr, E, Don McCuilough and the writer during that same period at Ohio Penitentiary. It is evident that the recreation director now at London has had a rather broad back ground of training. This factor is rated at 3 «5, 7, The appearance and action of the recreation staff commands respect. In an interview with the deputy warden of London Prison Farm on 211 January 13, 1955, the writer was infomed that the recreation director had recently asked for transfer of two inmates from the recreation crew to other Jobs to prevent trouble. The deputy was frank in his opinion that this was a good move on the part of the recreation director, security men Judge the professional worker in a prison in terms of their own practices and experience, j-ost of them will tell you they think the professional staff do little to aid in what they call security. The director has had experience in World Kar II and this military train ing has carried over somewhat in his general handling of inmate affairs as it concerns his department. To any visitor and ooserver it is at once evident that this department head has earned considerable respect from both inmates and security staff. This criterion is therefore rateo at 4. 8, The major percentage of time spent by the recreation staff lias to do with the work of this department. The recreation director gave the writer the information contained in Chart XVI, page 196, According to this chart, the director spends an estimated 20 hours out of a total 63 hours per week in recreation plan ning and supervising. This figures to 31.7 percent of his total work ing hours. We might call it one-third of the time. Let us see what the California Department of Corrections recommends. The bupervisor of Hecreation must concentrate his activities on the weekends and three afternoons and evenings each week when on duty. It is evident that in his absence the services of other personnel, customarily correctional officers, must be utilized. The Associate Warden or buperintendent for Custody shall cooperate at all times in the achieve ment of this purpose. 96 The set-up at London has been in operation onl^' a few montns, so there has oeen little chance to tnink about a forty hour work week. It appears tnat anyone who is concerned with i,rison recreation will nave to confine most of his working nours to those periods of the day and week which are recognized by many penologists as the most monotonous and depressing, namely, late afternoon and night, week-ends and holi days. This view-point seems to fit the present situation at London, This criterion is rated at L, 9, The recreation director regularly attends state and national meetings The recreation director at London Prison Farm is professionally minded. For example, during the week of January 17, 1955, he attended the Purdue University Clinic on Penology. He also is regularly present at departmental meetings for the otate of Ohio. He has written for the Journal of Correctional education which published his article, "Prison Education," in the April, 1954, number. He is planning to obtain his master's degree in the near future. Up to the present time, this man has shown a wide-spreaa interest in attending meetings, writing and improving himself. On this account this criterion is rated at 4.5. 10, The recreation head is emotionally stable. It is generally recognized tnat it is important to have a level headed and stable type of person to do a better job in the strict con fines of a prison. Many situations arise where a quick-thinking but btate of California, op. cit., p, 16, " ~ ^13 calm-acting recreation director can win more confidence from the in mates and staff alike. The prompt and efficient care for injuries to the inmate staff or participants offers one place where attention is often negatively centered, Tne writer was informed that safety education was considered an important item in improving recreation department and inmate rela tions, A sense of fairness is an important asset to anyone wno must constantly deal with a cross section of the inmate population. To one not possessing a great degree of stability, a sense of fairness would be difficult to maintain. It is interesting to note that the present recre ation director chose to remain in correctional work after having had two to three years experience a-, a recreation guard at Ohio Penitentiary, The writer has had close contact with the director during the past three years. On the basis of the observation during this Interim, the cri- i.erion listed in this part of the study is rated at 4, The following profile chart was constructed from actual scores of the criteria throug h whicn the staff at London Prison Farm was evalu ated , CHAivT XIX A Profile of the Criteria evaluated in Judging Recreation Personnel in London Prison Farm 1 ♦rank, pay m ■— - " ' " 1 «.training, education ■ ■ — ' 3 9 inservice training 3 . S 4 «inmates utilized i. - ■ i-TS 5 «.community contacts ■■ ■ 3^^ o «^personnel experience . 3'^ 7 —inmate respect ■ ^ 3 I ■ — time spent 214 9 «w meetings attended , 10 — emotional stability — - . 4. 12 3 4 5 Poor Below Average Above kaxlmum Average Average The total score of the personnel evaluation was The conver sion score will be figured near the close of Part IV. Judging the Hecreation Program. The following list of criteria were used to judge the recreation program at London Prison Farm. Actual scores are shown. The maximum score for any one item is 5. 1. full use is made of Saturday, bunday and holiday time for recreation activities. Actual score is 4.0 2. Outside services are included in the program. Actual score is ^.0 3. A fair share of the activities are planned for non-skilled participants. Actual score is 3*0 4. Special recreational events such as field daj’S, plays and concerts are planned periodically in addition to the regular program. Actual score is 4.25 5. The recreational program regularly includes a major part of the population. Actual score is 3.5 0. Printed material is available providing information regarding all phases of the program. Act’oal score is 3.75 7. There is provision made for both active 215 and quiet type activities. Actual score is 3»0 8. All institutional activities recreational in nature are coordinated in the departmental propram. Actual score is 3*5 i. Hobbies, creative cral'ts, music and art are provided for in the weekly pro pram. Actual score is 10. Provision is made for the adapted program for those in need of individual attention, Actual sc ii-i' - 3«25 11. Wholesome competition is fostered both on a team and individual basis as a w rtliwhile educational experience. Actual score is 4«C 12. ihere is a balance between carry-over activities and those suited to the present situation. Actual score is 3»C 13. Time is provided for planned instruction in the program activities. Actual score is 2,75 14. There is specific and tangible eviaunce of future program expansion or refinement of the existing program. Actual score is 4.5 15. A major part of the recreation program is based on participation rather than the spectator’s role. Actual score is 3 «5 16. i'nere is class instruction in health, first aid and i\ygiene. Actual score is 4.25 kaxlmum total • 80 Actual total ■ 52.25 216 The explanation for judging each of the items used to evaluate the recreation program is made in the following paragraphs, A profile chart will be constructed from the scores of the individual criteria. 1. Pull use is made of Saturday. Sunday and holiday time for recrea tional activities. With movies shown on Friday and Sunday, varsity softball on Saturday and Sunday during summer and early fall months, an annual Christmas entertainment prograjn, a field and track meet each Fourth of July as well as Big Ten Football gæaes and World Series Baseball, the inmates at London Prison Far,i have access to a variety of events during the course of a given year* The prevailing philosophy is that recrea tion should fill in the hours not occupied by a normal work schedule. This criterion is judged at U • 2, Outside services are include,: in the program* Athletic squads froia the nearby towns might be considered a kind of services brought from the outside. Movies likewise might be con sidered in the same category* A list of basketball teams played during the 195W - 1955 sched'ole included teams from Lancaster, Springfield, Newark, Westerville, Sabina, Columbus, Plain City, Sidney, Martinsville, Dayton and Baltimore, Ohio, The movie schedule at the time of this writing included the following March and April prograjn: March 4 - 5, 1955 Naked Alibi March 11-13, 1955 Long Voyage Home March 18-20, 1955 Eagle Snuadron March 25-27, 1955 Fighting Command 217 April 1-3» 1955 Magnificent Obsession 97 Umpires are soaetijnes assigned to prison contests by the regional umpires association. This practice has been f ollowed for many years, as shown in the London Prison Far.n publication covering June 20, 1953 through November 14, 1953. Aside f roj.i the services mentioned above, the only mention made about inmate services are religious advisors. The most recent evidence of outside services is found in the pamphlet listing the Christmas program, December 15 and 16, 1954. Tiie follow ing acknowledgments were made, 1, Musical Arts of Columbus, Ohio, 2, Heaton’s Music Store, Columbus, Ohio, 3, The Shell Studio, Columbus, Ohio, 4, A1 German son, Coliuabus, Ohio, These companies helped in furnishing eiiuipment for the above program. Since this evidence shows an average nu'iiber and kind of outside serv ices, this criterion is eveuluited at 3 • 3. A fair share of the activities are planned for non-skilled participants. The better players are selected to represent the dormitories at London Prison Farm in both basketball and softball. The all-star teams represent the top performers from all intramural teams. This part of the program does not give the unskilled player much of a chance 97 Movie List, Superintendent's and Recreation Office, London Prison Farm, January 1, 1955 4Ln8 to perform. Weightlifting, volleyball, handball, horseshoes, chess and checkers do represent activities where a novice might elect to take part. Since little formal instruction is in evidence, the inmate must be motivated to the point where he will enter the activity in the London gymnasium: CHART XXI A Chart Showing Inmat# Gymnasium Activity during a Typical Afternoon Recreation Period at London Prison Farm Weightlifting...... 10 men Basketball 14 men Badminton 4 men Pitching, catching...... 4 men Trampoline ...... none Volleyball...... none Spectators...... 4 men Table Tennis 6 men Boxing, sparring only,. 4 men Total 46 participants The recreation director has estimated the maximum load which can be handled in the gymnasium at one time at 55 to 60 inmates. We may assume that on this particular day about three-fourths of the maximum load was being handled. These inmates were all in the gymnasium be cause of their own choice. They represented about ten percent of the population of the two dormitories assigned to the gymnasium for 219 January 13, 1955 . It ia planned to have dormitory football teams in the near future, perhaps by October, 1955 . Since there are 225 to 250 inmates per dormitory, it requires considerable skill to represent a dormitory team. It might be fairly concluded that at least half of the activi ties are available to the unskilled, although they are not used as of ten as they mi^t be. This criteria is rated 3 • U* Special recreational events such as field days, plays, and concert are planned.periodically in addition to the regular program. July Fourth Field Meet, Christmas Entertainment, 'Vorld Series, Intersactlonal Football games, and Intra-penal contests with Lebanon State Farm and Ohio Penitentiary provide a variety of programs which all inmates may watch throughout the year. This factor is rated at 4.25 . 5. The recreation program regularly Includes a ma.lor part of the population. Personal observation and interview with London Prison Farm offi cials indicate that practically all injoates have access to some form of recreation. Morning and afternoon gymnasium attendance runs from 40 to 50 inmates during the winter months. Evening attendance runs sonovrtiat higher unless there is a basketball game with an outside team. From 275 to 300 prisoners watch such games. Two hundred men is the average number during summer months who go to the yard for eve ning recreation. While the men are taking part in gymnasium or field 220 activities, each dormitory is allowed to have four television sets, privately owned, and any inmate may have a radio. The State provides television only in the tubercular ward. Cards are allowed and auiet games, as chess or checkers. Water colors are allowed for art work. Canaries are permitted in this pris on. Books may be taken from the library. Magazines and newspapers may be subsorlbad for or purchased at the commissary. On the basis of three year's observation, the superintendent, deputy warden and several other staff members estimate that 80 to 85 percent of the in mates attend special spectator events, Mr. Buehler, guard in charge of the auditorium claims that between 15 and 20 percent of the inm.'îtes will not leave their dormitories for movies, plays or any other enter tainment. This has been explained by officers and staff at this pris on on the basis of two factors: 1, All men are housed in donritories with considerable freedom to move about. The ceilings are high with aderuate llgnt and ventilation, 2. All men are assigned to jobs during the day. Some men revert to former habits and wish to be ouiet after working hours. They don't care to go to the gymnasium or to the yard, since they have workea in the f ields all day. Compare this situation with Ohio Penitentiary where about one- half of the men cannot be aissigned to jobs and must stay in cells which are over crowded. Some penologists claim that 20 percent of prisons inmates make up what they call a "sick, lame or lazy" section. This has been noted in a previous part of this study. This factor is 2?.l' rated at 3.5 in this prison. 6, Printed material is available providing; information regarding all phases of the program. The director of education and recreation has provided a printed list of objectives for the recreation and physical education depart ment, This list has been recorded on page 179, Part IV, of this study. The printed material is available in th" director's office, and this proposed plan for the addition to the athletic foeld came from that source, ILLUSTRATION VIII Drawing Showing the Proposed New Recreation Field at London tdrison Farm Scale * 1/8" to 10*. N ------fOO' J m / o Key to Recreation Field 1 * softball o = weights 2 * music area 7 = shuffleboard 3 * checkers and chess g * basketball ^ * football 9 - horseshoes 5 - track 10 = volleÿball and badminton The posted list of names of the twelve inmate recreation wo liters has been reproduced In Chart XIII of this study. Another source of gen eral information regarding the entire institution is to be found in the publication, London i rison Farmer, a newspaper published weekly. A monthly magazine has since replaced the newspaper. Ihe current movie list includes 16 first run productions to be shown weekly starting January 7, 1955 and ending April 8, 1955, at which time another list will be available at the cirector's office. Bulletins regarding rec reation announcements and regulations are to be found on dormitory bul letin boards. There is no evidence of a bound manual which would cover all recreation department policies, objectives, organization, and pro gram, Definite progress has been made in supplying printed information as it pertains to the recreation department at London 1rison Farm, This criterion is judged at 3.75. 7, There is provision made for botn active ana quiet type activities. Radio, television, cai’ds, checkers, chess, musical instruments, horseshoes, line handball, reading and ping pong are the activities observed by the writer in numerous visits to London Lrieon Farm. These activities may be considered in the non-ctrenous class, aome are fol lowed in the dormi tor}' itself, some in tlje gymnasium and others at the recreation field. Some of the more vigorous activities are basketball. 223 softball, trampoline anri weight lifting. It is difficult to maintain a Judicious balance between active and ouiet t}'pe activities. 2any prisons do not have adequate space for strenous games either inside or outside. Institutional environjjent and psychology favor non-action and quiet subservience on the part of the lnr:ate. The well organized pro gram should provide some less strenous activities geared to meet the needs of the following groups of inmates: 1, The aged, 2, The irJirm. 3, Those who have active interests in art, hobby or craft work, 4, Inmates who have rather strenous Jobs on an assembly line, inside work crew or farm labor crew, 5, Post operative cases. The idea is to provide a program which will be within the capabil ity, need and interest of almost everj’^one, Un this basis London's program is rated at 3 , 8, All institutional activities recreational in nature are coordinated in the departmental program, dome progress has been made in coordination of recreational actiiv- ities, laovies, which are certainly considered recreational and educa tional in nature, are selected by the recreation director. In many prisons this job has been given to almost any general staff member #io happened to be closest to the warden or deputy warden. At Ohio Penitentiary the recreation director had nothing to do with the selec- z z ù tlon of movies, inusic is under control of recreation only as it in volves a place to play at the recreation field, iiie Christmas Irogram at London has been under the oirection of a security staff member for years, ilie recreation director was in charge of ushering for the 195L program, itadio and television are not under the direction of the rec reation director. Une main reason given for separation of many activities considered as recreation is the security problem, ïhe ole argument between custody and security again comes into the picture, llany penologists consider the trained "professional staff" highly incompetent to handle prisoners from what they consider the security viewpoint, ïliey are too soft hearted, do not know the tricks of the trade, are taken advantage of too easily, etc, Ihe result is that the security staff are put in charge of various parts of the program. Another reason has been that recreational directors have only recently earned their way Into any re semblance of professional recognition In prisons. Here-to-fore, vari ous recreational duties were assigned to security guards at London Prison Farm, Since the appointment of the present director of recreation and education, tlie move has been toward the centralizing of recreation duties. This factor is rated at 3,5 . 9, Hobbies, creative crafts, music and art are provided for in the weekly program. If vocational training is considered in the same sense as creative crafts, there has been increased attention given to such activity. The writer learned that badminton paddles, ping pong paddles, horizontal ladder and chinning bar were inmate constructed. The Bi-Annual Report to the Commissioner on educational Activities, June 30, 195^, mention ed vocational activities as part of the institutional program. Recrea tion benefits from such a program s nee considerble carpentry, welding and c ons true tic nwork ia neeoed from time to time. Craft work is allow ed only to the men In the honor dormitory. Painting may be done only with special permission from the deputy warden. The band a no orcnestra practices regularly, but art, boobies and crafts have no regular in struction period, un the basis of the present program in effect at London Prison harm, this factor is Judged to be 2,5 . 10, Provision Is made for the adapted program for those in need of individual attention. The staff physician sometimes contacts the recreation director for the purpose of planning special recreation activity to aid in post operative cases with a view toward recovery of strength and range of motion, aach case was personally supervised by the director and in volved exercise, designed to improve a particular motion or function, ihe director had undergraduate experience with ur. nrthur uaniels of Ihe Ohio btate University f aculty in the area oi adaptec physical edu cation, 'Ihis factor is rated at 3,25 * 11, ..holesome competition is fostered both on a team and inolvldual basis as a worthwhile educational experience. It is doubtful whether many penologists consider prison athletic events as much educational In nature, as a device to keep inmates from causing trouble and to keep things running smoothly Insioe the prison » Dr. ickstonr., leit, presents a trophy to iir. j.ri, Leonard, recreation Director at t^io Penitentiary after a softball series. Mr. .illiaai deer, recreation Director at London Prison Fam; is second from, the left. Inmate managers are at the ends of cr the line. 227 walls. if we consider prison competition from tnis standpoint alone, then we are following a negative philosophy. Phis negative viewpoint is not to be found only in prj sons. ihere are those in outside insti tutions who see in high school or college athletics and recreation pro grams too much of the escape-valve theory, ms it has been called. According to this line of tr inking, the average man must have some acceptable method for getting rid of his pent-up energy, much like the safety valve on a steam boiler. Since many believe this to be true, what better device is there than competitive activities. This is not carrying our thinking far enough. In planning a prison recreation pro gram which fosters wholesome competition, there are innumerable oppor tunities for those in charge to give inmates a chance to work toward some goal as a member of a coordinated group. There are Jobs to be done, training to be followed, equipment to be kept, and a dozen other things. He does not believe that security needs to suffer at all. That leadership which recognizes the educational possibilities and responsibilities inherent in the recreational program is indeed thinking beyond the mechanistic escape valve idea. For example, let us consider the possibilities of educating the inmate population in proper conduct when attending athletic events. An explanation to the men of vhat is expected arm why it is expected will go far in eliminat ing trouble such as that mentioned in an earlier part of this study. Varsity teams represent London Prison Farm in softball and basket ball at this time. From tv.enty to thirty games are played with outside teams. There has been no resemblance to the riot which occurred 98 John barlow Martin, 0£, cit., p. 233. 2.6 • recently at the Mar}'land Prison. Boxins^ is cor.fined to a non-competi tive, recreational basis. The deputy warden stopped varsity boxing because of excess demands which were requested by the participants. The men in the dormitories try out for their intramural teams in softball and basketball. It is possible that inmates will form favor ed groups or cliques whenever teams are formed, Close supervision by the recreation staff help to keep such favoritism at a minimum. Line handball, paddle tennis and badminton provide opportunity for individual competition. It is the judgment of the writer that there is a very wnolesome approach to competition in this institution. More opportimi- ties should be provided for the average player to compete in a wider variety of activities. This factor is evaluated at 4, 12, There is a balance between carry-over activities and those suited to the present situation. How and where leisure time is spent constitutes a problem for society at large. How much more vital it is to get inmates to see this problem and do something about it. The recreation director has an op portunity to educate both security staff and inmates in skills and interests which seem to fit the individual now and later in outside society. This provides a good arguing point for positive instruction in physical education classes so that necessary skills may be taught and attitudes developed rather than putting the entire program on a purely incidental basis. Many of the activities listed on the program have strong carry over potential for older age groups. Crafts and hobbies, as noted previously, are strictly limited in this institution. Inmates in the ^-^9' honor dormitory may make craift articles if they wish, others may not* This criterion is rated at 3* 13» Time ia provided for planned Instruction in the program activities. Formal instruction is practiced only to a limited degree at London Prison Farm, Inmate instructors are present for many of the recreation al activities. They are very safety conscious in this recreation depart ment, Much of the instruction is incidental in nature. Perhaps this is the most effective type in penal institutions. Quoting from the recrea tion director's report, we note the following excerpts with the words in parenthesis being the writer's; These (football) managers and captains are schooled in the fundamentals of the game by the recreation director, ..* a competent instructor (weightlifting) is provided for each class and all safety measures are abided by, ... every safety precaution possible is provided and the men are coached (trampoline) and encouraged on safety, .., a class vrill not be started (ping pong) but instruction will be offered to those who desire to better their game* 99 The deputy warden and the superintendent in this prison believe that formal instruction of any kind should be done after the regular ly assigned work is finished. If much formal instruction is to be done in future physical education classes, it will have to be done in the evening. This is the same time given over to school work and field or gymnasium recreation. It is doubtful whether much formal instruction will be given in recreational skills in the near future in this institu tion* This factor is rated at 2,75* Recreation Objectives and Program Recreation, and Ph^ysical Education Department, London Prison Farm, London, Ohio* 230 14. There la specific and tangible evidence of future program expansion or refinement of the existing program. Reference to Illustration Vlll on page ^^1 of this study offers tangible evidence that the facilities are to be expanded in the very near future. The cyclone fence which will enclose the new recreation area has already been acquired. The administrative officers have indi cated their willingness to go along with plans for introduction of intramural football in this prison. Their aim is to activate this part of the recreation program in the fall of 1955. The formation of the basketball league in which the Prison team is a member represents an attempt by the director to improve the athletic program. The supervisors report originated by the deputy warden represents an attempt to evaluate all departments andstaff members. This device did not originate in the recreation department, but affects the upgrad ing of the program and its sufiervision. In an attempt to weigh the value of this factor, we cannot forget the records of the men who are at the head of the institution and of the department of recreation it self, The superintendent, deputy, assistant deputy and recreation director worked as part of the staff team at Ohio Penitentiary before being assigned to their present duties. This fact appears to be a strong factor toward guaranteeing an expanding recreation program at London Prison Farm, This criterion is rated at 4,5. 15. A major part of the recreation program is based on participation rather than the spectator role. Most of the London inmates who go to the gjinnasium during the day time periods take an active part in the program. It is not mandatory 231 for inmates to take jart in the program. Those who go usually want to enter an activity. Few prisoners stay on the sidelines during this period. In the evening about 25 to percent stay on the side lines if there is no intramural or varsity basketball g-me scheduled. If there is a game scheduled, then a great majority of the men watch from the side line. From 250 to 300 men watch basKCtball games with outside teams, about half that number watch intramural contests. During the open months of the year there is more space available for outside activities, spectators are more numerous. There ia more space for men to walk and the usual sight to be noted during the open mentha ia from 10 to 20 inmates walking a given route either alone or with a friend. At the time of the initial visit to London Prison Farm, August 10, 1953, the deputy warden stated that from 20 to 25 percent of the inmates took advantage of the outside recreation program at that time. If we take into account an inside population of 1400 inmates, we arrive at an average night time recreation load of 280 to 350 men. During subse quent visits during 1954 arxl the early months of 1955, the writer was told the evening recreation count averaged 250 to 300 men, Tnis aver age is being maintained despite the fact that great strides are being made in the education and vocational training program, iieference lias been made to the academic teachers from London, Ohio public school system, Wr. Chester Kellso and iir, Jacob VonKaenel, Th, two vocational teachers from the same school system are Ur. Leroy Roudebush and Ur. Ashley Kicking, These accredited public school 232 teachers under the direction of kr. V*', J, Beer form a teaching staff at London Prison which permits a very creditable academic and vocation al program to function. Tne inmate is forced to make a choice whether ne wishes to attend academic classes, vocational classes or to the recreation field, Tne academic and vocational classes contained 75 inmates during January and February, 1954 with another 25 men seeking help from the education department in special areas or seeking books to read. Thus we see that school progra/n attracts an average of 100 inmates daily during the closed season. Academic and vocational classes are discontinued during summer months. Interesting games with outside teams result in an increase of from 100 to 200 inmates and most all of the total are spectators. The fol lowing chart will help to explain the story: GHAJtT AA A Chart bhowing the Average Daily Number of Inmates Using the Recreation Facilities at London Prison Farm, Winter Program koming— ----- — 50 Afternoon— — — 50 bven i ng—————————— Total 150 Evening attendance when outstanding basketball games are played with outside teams-— ------275— 300 bummer Program Evening only----- 300 Week-ends when outside softball games are played the attendance jumps to------— 600 to 700 233 The recreation director has 300 chairs placed in the gymnasium when varsity basketball games are played. This was the meane by which the count was checked* The increase in spectators amounts from Ü+Ü to 50 percent over the average daily number of inmates who use recreation facilities. Peak loads during the outside program run to a 100 percent or more increase in attendance. These attendance marKS always occur auring the playing of softball games with teams from other prisons and outside teams or special days such as the Fourth of July Field ileet. Based upon the evidence presented here, it might be rightly assumed that varsity programs and special programs are responsible for increasing inmate attendance from 40 to 50 percent on Wednesday and Thursday nights during the indoor season, klmost all of this increase and that of the 100 percent increase on Saturdays and oundays during the summer was due to varsity games and the gains were nearly all spectators, not participants. For this reason the criterion listed above is rated at 3.5# 16. There are class Instructions, movies and lectures in health and hygiene. Definite imits of study are presented in the academic curriculum for the teaching of health and hygiene. A, First Orade through Fourth Grade, Health— narcotics, safety, first aid, community health agencies# B, Fifth Grade through Eighth Grade, Health— nutrition, sex education, mental health, prevention and control of disease. to teach health to the student so as to enable him to keep in good physical condition as far as can be accomplished by healthful living# to know the chemical effects of aloohol and other narcotic» on the body, to understand the sex organs and their functions and where the line of deviancy is drawn. To understand nutrition and health as well as safety, ... class 'will be conducted on konday, .ednesday and Thursday. ... classes will remain in session frutn October 10th until June 30th.^ These units of star’-/ function under the guidance of the director of education and recreation. They are taught by the two acade^aic teachers previously mentioned, «bout the only movies shown which stress health are the so-called movie siiorts wiiicii have an occasional health theme, lient ion hao already been aade about the close personal check made by the director on all injuries requiring first aid, 'Hie recreation crew is very safety conscious with prevention of injury being one of the objectives. This factor is rated at 4,25 . The following profile chart was constructed to show scores of the individual items used to rate the recreation program, I'aximun score is 5 , CHART AÂI A Profile Chart bhowing the Criteria Evaluations in Judging the Recreation Program at London Prison Farm 1 -«full use of time - ^ 2 — outside services ■ J » 3 - 3' activities for unskilled 4 —special events — 5 «.number using program ■ 1 ) 6 — material available — — — J 7) 7 — 3. active, passive activities 8 — activities coordinated ■ 3.5" 9 —crafts, art ■ ^■5' _ I 2 3 ^ ^ ICO Ibid, pp, 1 - 3 • 235 10 — adapted program — 3.2 ) 11 — competition fostered 1/ — carry-over skills , 3 13 — . Z.TS planned instruction Ih — future planning <4.5 15 — participation plannee- , 3.5" 16 -class instruction ■ ^.25' 1 2 1 4 5 Poor Below ,.vcrage Above Maximum Average nverage Ihe profile chart above shows a total of 55.75 for ude program evaluation. This score will be converted into a lesser total through a conversion proportion shown near the end of ; art 1\J» recreation at London rrison farm is in the hands of t^en vdic are well acquainted with the possibilities ana problems connected with it. Recreation is in an expan budget his time and energies in a three-fol'. .vmner, Therr- trc boUi advuitayos and disadvantages in tiiis plan wnich will be morr -1 'y discussed in a fallowing part of this study. The next job is to judge facilities at Lonacn Prison Farm. Criteria for Judging the „orth of Recreational Facilities in Selected Ohio Prisons. Tho 20 criteria which were used to evaluate facilities are shown. The actual scores are indicated for each evaluative criterion. The Maximum value for any one item is 5 • 236 1. Adéquats space is available both indoors and outdoors to serve the entire innate body. actual score is k 2. Multiple use is made of available space for a wide V a r iety of activities. A ctual score is 4 3. Space is provided not only for vigorous team sports but individual athletics such as hoccl, horseshoes, handball ann tennis. Actual score is 3»5 U» There is a swi.nming pool and shov/er facilities. Actual score is 2.5 5. Gyinnasiun clothing is issued regularly .and laundered regularly. Shoes, protectors, towels, soap. Actual score is 3*75 6. Athletic equipment is both safe and adequate. actual SC're is 3*15 7. Moving pictures are regularly shown in a place which allows good view for all inmates. Actual score is k 8. There are adeouate library facilities, books and services, actual score is 2.5 9. Social rooms and club rooms are available for group meetings. Actual score is 1.5 10, There is a running track and space where walking is permitted. Actual score is 3.5 11, There is a boxing and wrestling ring, tumbling mats, parallel and horizontal bars, handball courts, volley ball and paddle tennis or badminton 237 standards. Actual score is 3,5 12. Indoor and outdoor snace is planne i and equinned with a high safety factor. Actual score is Z»,2^ 13. There is a regular store room with a re pair and cleaning system. /ictual score is 5 14. The recreation director has a private aund adequate office with proper eoulpment. Actual score is 4,75 15. Radio and / or television facilities are pr-:>vided with some selection allowed to the inmate. Actual score is 4*73 16. The apj->earance of both indoor and outdoor facilities is neat, clean and well-kept. Actual score is 4.23 17. Space and materials are provided for plays, theatricals and special programs. Actual score is 4,5 18. Facilities and eaulpment are provided for competitive team athletics such as football, basketball, baseball, softball and track. Actual score is 3,25 19. Adequate room is provided for outside spectators as well as the inra 20. There is a proper balance between facilities for the carry over types of activities and the ex tremely vigorous program. Actual score is 3*75 Maximum total 100 Actual total score is 72 238 The explanation for judging each of the items used to evaluate facilities is made in the following paragraphs. A profile chart will be constructed from the scores of the individual criteria, 1, Adequate space is available both indoors and outdoors to serve the entire inmate body. The gymnasium at London Prison Farm is 246 feet long and 68 feet wide. The floor is concrete. There is plenty of ventilation and l i ^ t since the room is (in the seccnd floor with eas^, north and west walls exposed. The following courts are in use at the present time: 1. basketball 80' X 40’ 2, volleyball 36' X 1 8 ’ 3. badminton 40’ X 24' 4. line handball 20' X 12’ 5. 4 ping pong 8 ' X 4' 6. wei^t lifting 2 8 ’ X 1 4 ’ 7. 2 checker tables 12' X 1 ’ 'Vhen these courts are in maximum usage about 100 inmates are par ticipating, This does not include any men who are spectators. If most of the area, not included in the playing courts is utilized by onlookers, another 100 men may be accommodated. Reference has alreacy been made to the usual evening crowd of 300 who see basketball games with outside teams, Tne official number of inmates inside the stockade at this prison was 1435 on January 13, 1955 - Maximum morning or afternoon attend- 239 ;ince amounts to a little .wre than 13 percent of the total inmate body, ùvenlnj' attendance ap'roxixiii^tes 22 percent. If a system of daily mul tiple gymnasian periods could be set up, this space would be adejuate for tfiis institution, Hecauae it is not being utilized in this nianncr, t!ie gymoasiujn is not out to i usape ^t th 3 present time. iLu;i'Hi..TicN IX Showing the Space Allotted to Various Activities in the Gymnasium, London Prison Farm. Scale - 1/16"w 4 ’ h Z^(o' ,T /o 00 VO KEY KEY 1 showers 7 - volleyball 2 office 8 - basketball 3 weights 9 - badminton U tumbling 10 = line handball 11 = spectators 5 ping pong 12 * spectators 6 checkers The new athletic fielc at London Prison Farm has already been started. Ii'early four acres will be made available for the recreation pro/nun. This m i l be in additi. n to the present area which is about two ihd one-half acres in extent. It has not been decided whether the old field will be kept in use for recreational purposes once the new area is finished. Illustration VIII, page 221 shows the tentative layout for the new 24C athletic field. From 175 to 200 inmates can be kept actively busy in the new area. This does not include spectators. If sufficient bleach er space is provided, all inmates inside the stockade will be -ible to see athletic events* If the old recreation area is kept, then the out side facilities wrjuld *» sufficient to allow participation by any in mate who desired it, as the tota.j space would then amount to six or more acres. The auditorium wiiich is used for the showing of movies on week ends and for play producti-jis will comfortably hole 1200 persons. The space available at London Prison Farm or which will be available in the near future, permits the planning of a better than average recreation program. This factor Is rated at 4 . 2. Multiple use is made of available space for a wide variety of activities. Examination of the layout now being used for recreation at London Prison Farm shows a comparatively large number of activities being followed both inside and outside. at least twelve different areas are utilized in the gymnasium and the outdoor area shows the same number. The tumbling mats and trampoline, the ping pong tables, the badminton and checkers equipment is movable. During nights when outside teams are played in basketball, all the eoulpraent is cleared to make room for spectators. Outsice areas allow for I.se of seasonal games such as softball and track in the summer or football in the fall. Because of the relatively large size of the gym nasium, there is more inside space available than in any similar insti- ^ul tution in Ohio at the time of this writing. Because of the varied program functioning at this institution, this factor is evaluated a t 4 . 3. Space is provided not only for vigorous team sports but individual athletics such as bocci, horseshoes, handball and tennis. Basketball and softball are the main vigorous team sports prev alent in this program. The director of recreation is planning to add tackle football and track in the near future, Borne boxing is allowed but not in an all-out manner. These are vigorous activities. Track and field may be considered botii as a team and individual sport. As played in this prison, line handball, ping pong and volleyball are considered quiet games. Weightlifting is popular here as in most prisons. This is a vigorous activity but individual in nature. Line handball is quite popular. Spectator interest is centered around softball and basket ball, If and when dormitory football is added, it may reasonably be predicted that this team sport will become at least as popular as the o th e r s. Comparative proportion of space is not always a criterion be cause some games renuire many times the area of others. Checkers, a quiet game ntay be comfortably played in an ar-a of 36 souare feet, but basketball may require up to 4500 square feet in a court of adult size. The first averages 18 square feet per player, the second 450 square f e e t . If much play is to be expected outdoors, it w ill be of tremendous help to hard to:; basketball, volleyball, badminton or handball courts. Permanent cement pits for horseshoes is a great aid, Phis allows the men to use such areas many .aore days of the year anu k»:eps dirt and duo*. d ('Vn to a minimum. Level grass areas permit, such games »s bocci or croquet, two games wLiich might well be added to the p rogr;ur at London, It is tj;e jucgment of the writer that this factor is worth 3,5, L, There are swinning pool and shovjer facilities. ,hen the writer /aade his first, visits in 195L to London Prison Farm the admini stration talked enthusiastically about the prospects for an outsico swlnuuing pool, . uring subseouent visits tl.e impression has t>een gained that actual fulfillment of this objective is a long time away, ..t pu-csent there is no pool at this institution, ohower facil ities are to be found if, each dormitory -'ind the gymnasium has a shower and training room which is 30 x 16 feet in size. Uni y 6 si.owor heads are available in the suower room ; however, inmates are allowed to show er in each dorinitory at almost any hour, idth theae shower facilities available and swianing facilities nonexistent, this criterion is eval uated at 2 . 5, Gymnasium c lo th in g is issued regularly and laundered regularly, viz, ahoes, protectors, towels, soar, iearns representing tl;e dormitory are issued equipment wJiich is regularly cleaned. In addition to this, any inmate who wishes may check out shoes, sLiorts and protector. If a basketball game is to be played, sets of colored jerseys are issued from the ecuipment room adjoining the office. No clothing of any kind is issued especially -43 for outside activities witi. tiie exception of uni forms for the varsity softball team. ..hen football is adreri totlie program, it will be necessary to acquire and issue appropriate equipment. This criterion is evaluated at 3.7t . 6, Athletic enultifnent is both safe and adequate. Game eouijiment is stored in and issued from the office of the recreation director at uondc n i risen r'ann, ihe gynuiasiuu shoes and clothing are of good grade. The laundry is done daily anc repairs are made either by Uje recre tion crew or prison : ersonnei who are esj ccial- ly skilled for the job at hand. Kor example, a torn softball iidtt is sent to the shoe repair crew where there are skilled leathor workers and materials available. t o m uniform rates attention from tlie tailoring department. During the i^ecember IS34 visit the writer saw 100 gymnasium shorts, 8 basketballs, 4 dozen softballs, 1 dozen softball mitts, catchers equipment, team uniforms for basketball and softball, 1 dozen bats, badminton paddles and birds, nets for volleyball, basketball and badminton, 1 dozen sets of horseshoes, besides volleyballs and handballs. Part of the 30 x 16 foot departmental office is used for storage and Issuing of eruipment. A verj' small enclosed room on ton of the office is used to store surplus or out of season equipment, ^ome cefinite progress has been made during the past year in improving both the quan tity and variety of the enulfment made available to the inmates, n full size trampoline, 3 sets of bar bells and two 5 x 10 foot tumbling or wrestling mats with synthetic covers are in the gymnasium. There is a horizontal ladoer and checker tables for 2 dozer men Four ping pong tables are used in the rymnasiuni, i'he traini r g room contains a whirlpool bath tc> aid injured men. A massage table and a well equif-ed first aid cabinet together witfi two heat lm;ips -ire under close supervision of the oirector inc twv inmates wt^o ar* trained for care of athletic injuries, llie cuaritity, quality and variety of ath letic equipment in the opinion of the writer, justify a rating o f 3*25 for this factor, 7• Moving pictures are shovm in a place which allows good view for all Inmates* The auditorium at London Frison Farm holds over 12*'’0 inmates. The floor is flat so that all inmates in the back would hive trouble seeing, security regulations, however, permit about 500 inrnjites in the auditorium at one time. The result is that 3 different days are usee to show the movies to the inmates inslre the stockade ,an ! the honor doniiitor^', ..itli groups split up in this manner, all irmiates can easily see the movies. The writer has viewed prcgraras on th.c staj-.e in this institution, and found the plat Terr, high enougn to per.l t good visibility. The screen is hung above the stage so that better vision is permitted to those men in the back row4i« This factor is Tr ter at U T. There are adequate library facilities, books and services. Facilities permit inmates in some prisons tt- select a book or mag azine and then make use of an adjoining reading room much in the same manner as the public or school library. The library at London Prison Farm is about 20 x 20 feet in size wnich allows no opace for reading. Inmates uxay check books out at prescribed times but reading must be done in their dormitory. The recreation director has rrovidea me bucks for his office which he allows some men to use. Tiiese books are educational and technical in nature but are very limitée In niunbcr — from 7 ^ tc' 100 publications. Library facilities and services are rated at 2.5 . 9. Jocial rooms and club rooms are available for group meetings. The only space available for group meetings is a room on Uie seccnd floor of a dormitory building which serves as a chapel and part time education office. .alcoholics anonymous, pre-parcle groups, officers training classes, psychological testing and personal advising all func tion in this medium sized room. ihe area in which inmates may visit with their families has been renovated and made more pleasant, utone top» tables were replaced recently with wooden top tables. It is ]pos sible that more space will be made available for the various groups nov/ organized at London Prison i'arm. At the pjresent writing, these facilities leave much to be desired. This factor is rated at 1.5 . 10. There is a running track and s;iace where walking is permitted. There is no running track in this prison, ruture plans include a quarter mile oval, iien are permitted to walk during the outsioe season. The great majority of inxaates here are assignee te outside jobs or jobs where they may move about. ihe men may also move about in their dormitories. Lpace permits more inmate movement than in an over-crowded prison such as Ohio ^tate ± enitentiary. i’he result is less desire for walking by tne inmates. This criterion is rated at 3.5. 2U6 11. There Is boxing and wrestling rinp., tumbling: mats, parallel and horizontal bars, handball courts> volleyballj paddle tennis or badminton standards* There is nc boxing and wrestling ring in this prison. .restling is done on large mats. horizontal ladder was made by the inmates. Line handball is played on a court marked on the floor or ground. No regular handball courts exist, .sighted volleyball and badminton standards keep the nets tightly stretched, yet may be moved to allow for multiple usage of the area. Hi is factor is judged to be worth • 12, Indoor and outdoor space is planned with a high safety factor. The director of recreation informed the writer that only two seri ous accidents occurred during 1951. Both resulted from participation in softball. One player fractured his foot sliding into a base. Another inmate fractured his arm as a result of a collision with a player while running after a fly ball, 1potters are usee in any tum bling activities, ihe weightlifting platform is located so that it will not interfere with other activities in the gymnasium. Because of the large area available in the gymnasiuii, all activities have ade- nuate space without interfering with one another. The outside field is well kept with suitable backstops, A dor mitory wing cuts into left field and presents a hazard to the left fielders in softball because it is only about 225 feet from home plate. Stretchers are kept available at all softball, basketball and special events such as the Fourth of July Field Meet. It has been mentioned that the director personally checks first aid procedure at these events. ^A7 Illustration VIII shows the layout for the new field ishich will be usable near the Fall of 1955 . Present plans call for seeding the en tire area with the exception of shuffleboard c ourts and horseshoe pits. ihis factor is rated at . 13. ihe re is a regular store room with a repair and cleaning system. The office of the director of recreation is 16 x 30 feet. .ithln this office is to be f >und hangers and shelves for the storing of enuiprnent, lîuch of the eouipment is issueo through ^ window facing the gymnasium. This pern its equipment tc be checked in or out without corning inside the office, t'n to/i of the office is a small but well- built storage room which is 6 x 8 feet in size. Here is stored out- of-season equipment and surplus balls, bats, and nets. It is secured with a strong lock. lymnasiun. clothing which is issued daily is cleaned in the prison laundry. Innuites on the recreation crew do a considerable amount of repair work, For more extensive repairs the shoe repair department helps with the leather work and the tailoring men repair uiûforms. The welding crew is constantly utilized to repair metal backstops or basketball goals. i’he carpentry and nlumbing crew are often in evi dence in the gymnasium or on the athletic field. ihis criterion is judged to be worth 4.5, 14.The recreation director has a private and adequate office with proper equipment. f..r, beer's office is located in the southern comer of the gym nasium, It is for his own use although there is eouipment stored in 248 the same room. Lighting is adeouate anu tnere is an inter-office phone, The director has a loud speaker system which he c%n use to speak to all of the imrates in the gymnasium or call anyone to his oil'ice. une door leads frori this office to the gang showers and training room. There is a typewriter which the inmate cier* may use. This office is entirely adequate for the recreation director. It is rated at 4,^5 , 15, Radio and / or television facilities are provided with some selection allowed to the inflate. Four television sets are allowed in any one dormitory at London Prison Farm. These are inmate owned. Any man may have a radio. These are purchased by the inmates themselves, t^ore th^tn four tele vision sets may be used in the tubercular ward because some of these patients must not move around in the ward, Prograr.is are selected by the inmates. In the doruitories the men are permitted tc view any of the four television sets in operation. It is felt that this number will permit all inmates to see a favored progr;im at any particular time. This plan permits any inmate to enjoy one or both types of program. It is rated at 4.75 . 16, The appearance of both indoor and outdoor facilities is neat, clean and well-kept. The person who visits a modern prison is usually surprised at the care given to housekeeping. The condition of the facilities at London Prison Farm shows that much time and effort are spent in keep ing the place clean and orderly. The gymnasium is very clean. One inmate is assigned to keep close check on the entrance to the gymna- 2h9 sium and the toilets. Other men help to keep the office, store room, gymnasium floor and training room in goon condition. Any extensive painting is done by the prison paint crew. The field is well lineo an(i raked, ..hen the outdoor seasons are at hand most of the recreation is centered outside. Concrete walks and bleachers are closely checked. The f ield is watered and rolled regularly. It has been the experience of the writer that facilities here are kept cleaner and in a better state of repair than most public institutions. Two factors make this possible: 1. Most cynologists know the value of cleanliness from the stand point of health and moral of the prisoners. They know it creates good public reactions to have neat and clean facilities, 2, There is enough help available to accomplish this never-end ing job. On the basis of several personal visitations by the writer this criterion is rated 4*25 . 17, Space and materials are provided for plays, theatricals and spécial programs. The special programs which are prepared at this institution are ; Fourth of July field meet and softball game. Labor Day program which is similar, and the Christmas Varieties Show, ,.e laiglit consider soft ball games and basketball games with outsiae teams as special events since the inmates look forward to them with great interest. The London team meets the Ohio Penitentiary softball team in a yearly series. The winner receives the Carl Behrer Trophy which is donated by a man who is 250' interested in art work amont the prisoners. He has riven rmaeh . f his time and money to help improve art work and in this instance the ath letic piTogram, Small prizes are awarced the winners of thf,- Field and Track Lîeets held on the Fourth, of July and Labor Day. Fift” doll - 's has been set aside yearly for s u -1, things as cigarette liri ters nr identification bracelets. These are given to the men who win or are runners-up in tiie varied events, hack drops for the variety shows are prepared in a room adjoining the auditorium. Costiuaes ar> sometimes maoe by the irunates and on occasion rented from Columbus theatrical supply firms. This is one of the strongest features of the institu- Lion;al progra/n. Not all of it is entirely under control of the rec reation department. The musicians anc the variety program itself are directed by security staff officers. Loud speakers are set up by the electricians crew for special events. This criterion is rated at 4.5 . 18 Facilities and eouipnent are provided for competitive team athletics such as football, basketball, baseball, softball and track. The main team athletics at London Prison Farm consists of basket ball and softball with some track and field events included in the Labor Day and Fourth of July program. Team uniforms are provided for softball and basketball. No baseball is played on a team basis nor Is football. Future plans incluiie both track and football on an organized basis. Gymnasium eouipment is issued to ttie men will wish to compete in the running even te in tiie special program. There is a separate diamond provided for the all-star softball team so that they will not interfere with the dormitory games in the intramural program* Tennis ^51 shoes are available for the basketball snuad. Gloves for softball, masks, chest protectors and guards are provided for the players. This criterion is rated 3.25 , 19. Adequate roo.n is provided fur outsioe spectators as well as the inmate population. The London Christinas Variety 3how was shown to the outside popu lation for many years. In December, 1953, 17'JO people saw this show during a four day schedule. The ad/.iissior. money was placed in the Inmate Recreation Fund, This number of people coaid have been han dled in the auditorium in two nights. Security checking of those entering the show prevented the staff from admitting more than AGO to 500 on any one night. In 195A the program was shown only to a controlled group who had been invited to the show. The trend in this institution seems to be away from inviting sizable crowds to view inmate athletic or recrea tion events, ,,hen the new athletic field is completed, present plans call for a series of bleachers which will hold about 200 spectators. These will be raised and placed outside the stockade. How practically this plan will function remains to be seen. It will keep spectators separated from the inmates. Only team members are permitted to come in from the outside to play basketball g.ames. home spectators could be handled as there is space for bleachers in the gymnasium. The practice at present is to use 300 folding chairs for inmate spectators, 'iben other penal insti tutions play London Prison Farm, it is customary for officials and their 252 familiea to watch softball games, II might be fairly stated that al though there are some facilities at hand for the use of outsihe spec tators, tiie present tendency is to cut down or eliminate entirely programs to which they lire adjnitleci. This criterion is rated at 2.5 . 20. There is proper balance between facilities for carry-over typos of activities and the more vigorous pro»:ram, A recreation program should include active games for the jtiore vig orous type of individual. Football, basketball, softball and boxing are geared more closely to present needs. Another objective is con cerned with that future time when the indivioual's needs are best served with tne ouiet type activity. Very little hobby or craft work is permitted. The director of recreation states that he feels the carry-over aspect of recreation is important because of the belief that rehabil itation is aided through his program, Jome fairly vigorous ga;nes may have strong carry-over possibilities. Handball and swimning might be considered examples. The music, and dramatic activities offer an out let for this type of ability which is not ; articularly hampered by increasing age. Creative writing iitay be done by anyone in the dormi tories, Horseshoes, ping pong and badminton are games suited to those who are looking for other than vigorous athletics. Although the outside citizens, as a general rule, are very crit'- cal of providing prison facilities such as swimming po Is, swimming is looked upon as the most complete, all-round exercise. The erection of a pool at London Prison Farm is only an idea at the present writing. 253 V.'eightllfting is popular is this prison and Line handball is becomirg very popular. Cards are r'ermlt.te' as long as they :\re not used for gambling purposes. Chess and checkers are permitted in t)ie gymnasium, dormitories or récréai ion field. The inmate has opportunity to participate in a fairl” v«ide range of activities in this prison, Lost spectator interest is centered on the traditional sports, softball and basketball, witli football to be added in the near future, baseball, boxing, basketball, and football are the chief television sports in this r riso:. according to the guards wtio are in charge of tne dormitories, because of the range offacili ties this criterion is rated at 1,75 . The profile chart v.hicn f Ho w s shows the ciffi ront items from which the recreation facilities at London Prison Farn were evaluated, CH/iRT Jail A Irofile Chart bhowing the Criteria évaluations in Judging the Facilities in Lo iaon Prison Fana 1 __adequate space 4 2 mill tipi e use 4 3 — tesjn, individual ------3.5' A — . „ /?. swimming pool 5 — clothing issued ------3.75 6 __safe e^'uifvnent 3 . ^ 5 ^ 7 —movies . 8 __library - ^ . 5 ’ 9 / S' social rooms 10 — running track ______3.5 11 — boxing ring ------3.3* 12 — plaiU.e ’ . .J.fety _ ^.Z5 13 «wStorerooTi . ^.5 U — offices I. . ■ '^•T'5' 15 — radio, television n — i-. — ^.75' It — cleanliness ■ . i— 4 25 17 — plays, drama — -f.5 Ifi _ competition 3.(?iT 19 — spectators â .s ^ 20 carry-over — J . 7 ^ 1 2 3 4 ^ Poor Below Average Above ;.‘aximuin Average average The total evaluation score of tie facilities at London Prison Farm was 72 , This number will be converted to another score near the end of Part IV. The next task is to evaluate outcomes. Bvaluating the Outcomes of the Prison recreation Program in London Prison Farm. evaluation of the outcomes involved the scoring of 13 items. i’he actual score for each criterion is shown. Ihe maximum score for each item is 5 . 1. rtecreation has helpec to reduce tensions in the inmate body. Actual score is 3 2. There has been a noticeable reduction in prison discipline cases. Actual score is l,2fi 3. rhe severity of institutional court, charges has been reduced since recreation was introduced. Actual score is 3« 5 L, Competition has serveo to provide a healthy psychological and physical release from prison monotony, Actual score is 3.75 5. The rate of successful parole cases can be attributed in part tc the recreational program. Actual score is 2,75 255 6. a majority of prison inmates regularly take part in some phase of the recreational program. actual score is 3 7. The institutional budget makes some a llo w a n ce for recreation, ^ctual score is 1.75 8. i'he emotional stability of the total inmate body is aided by and through recreation, rtCtual score is 4.25 9. Increased instruction if first aid, g.iine strategy and techniques for more inmates has resulted through the recreation program. actual score is 3,75 10. Kecreation participation has resulted in increased harmony among institutional personnel. ^ctual score is 2.25 11. Prison security has been improved through the recreation program. A ctual score is 3.75 12. The number of active participants in recrea tion steadily increasec over the past five years. Actual score is 4 13. More favorable publicity about prison affairs has resulted from the recreation program^. -actual score is 4,5 Maximum total possible is 65 Actual total is 41*30 The total score of 41*30 for outcome evaluation w ill be converted into a score through the proportion sound near the end of rart IV, ilie individual scores w ill be «plained in the following paragraphs. 256 1. Recreation has helped tc reduce tensions in the inmate body. In 1953 wtien the wave of prison riots In the United otates was at Its peak, no riot occurred at London Prison Par:;i although the stape was all set for one, 'I’he writer has talkeo several times tc Uuta irunates and security guarcs at this institution about the riot which almost but never did come off, it was tc have occurred in the usual place, the dining room. Une o f the reasons i t d ie not break out, in the onirnon o f deputy warden, w; s that In this institution all inmates are housed in dormitory wings, i'he y can be quickly isolated here and in the dining hall. i'he re could have been destruction of property, of course, but the inmates would have had little chance tc carry their plan to other sections of the prison. Another f a c t o r i s th a t no inmate i s s e n t d ir e c t ly tc th is Farm, He is screened out and must earn his way tc this institution, iiie in mate is not under as tight control as at uhic i enitentiary aiio most all realize this, ihey also know that if they can't hfindle this added responsibility of freedom, they will be 'uickly sent back tc Uhlo penitentiary, I'his common sense approach seems tc work best for both irjoate and authorities, Frrin time tr Lime men do try to escape. The following chart show: the disposition of the entire number of inmates at uondon Krison rarm: CHaliT k Chart Lhowlng Number of Inmates at London prison Farm and Percentage of Kecapeee on a Given Date 2<7 1. inmates inside stockade...... 1435 2. Inmates in honor dormitory...... 305 3. inmates at Lebanon Honor Lamp...... 170 4. inmates away without leave...... 3 Total 1912 percentage away without leave...... 001$ These figures Yirere secured from the deputy warden's office by the writer during a personal interview on January 13, 1955* The informa tion shows that less th^n two-tenths of one percent of the men were missing on that date, Ur, Liller, the deputy warden, also stated that they figure a monthly turnover of fifty inmates in this institution. These are not all incorrigibles, however. Inmates may be returned tc uhio Penitentiary for several reasons, oerious surgery cases are referred tc the better eouipced .^oliunbus rrison, Lerious behavior cases are sent tc Columbus, A few are trans ferred at their own reouest. The last group transferred is made up of those who can't or won't adjust tC' the London routine. If we balance the monthly turnover of fifty iar.'tes against the 1912 men who make up the total prison population at London, we arrive at a percentage turn over of 2,6 , .his T'iXe of turnover has not changed materially in the last several years. The present recreation pirogram has been functioning only two years 50 that it is not possible tc state at this time whether any reduction of turnover is die tc recreation, wup>erintendent mckle and deputy ..arden killer have indicated verbally tc the writer that they believe tensions are reduced through the recreation program. This criterion is evaluated at 3 • 2, ill ere has been a noticeable reduction in prison disclnline cases. i'he few discipline cells in ivondcn .risen ran: are seldorr. in use. Inmates are :uicklv sr.iftec tc ühic i eni tciiti ary if t he v continue t< be trouble makers, ihe ;nen knov.' they can earn their way from inside tiie stockade to the Lebanon Honor Cainp or the Honor uon.iitory. Securi ty restrictions are fewer in t.ese last two places. More freedom is allowed, Yet it is a curious fact that several inmates have told the writer they preferred the tight discipline at Uhio Penitentiary tc the life at the Prison Farm or Honor Camps, Perhaps this ty^ie of inmate feels so insecure that he does not trust the added freedom to which he is exT'osed at London Prison Farm, The aojidnistrative officials strate that the number of discipline c ses in this institution has not oh mged noticeably during the 1952-1933 period. This facljor is therefore rated 1.25. 3, Ihe severity of institutional court charges has been reduced since recreation was introduced. It has been stated in this study that the iamates assigied to Lon don Prison .-arm are screened. Intelligent classification of prisoners snould result in fewer tensions anc better adjustment to prison routine. These classifie', r •- .-Ps who are sent to the London Prison Farm may further be sci^ ...uu -j *it to Lebanon Honor Cajiq^ or U' the Honor Dorm, wiiich is outside Uie rrison stockade. 259 The American Prison Association nas gone .n record favoring classification of prisoners. The writer has lonr neld the viewpoint that those who are responsible for classifying prisoners could well make use of the recreation program as one source of valuable inforaia- tion on inmate behavior, rewer court cases and cases involving less serious charges, if they could be definitely ;>roven to result from recreation, voula provide important evidence in favor of recreation programs. At London Prison r'arm the administrative neads will not say that there has been any significant change in the number of cases or in severity- of charges attributable to recreation alone, Most penolo gists speak of tneir entire program as the causal agent related to fewer or less severe prisoner infractions, rieference to Chart a VII, page 201, indicates that or.ly two men were transferred out of the recreation company in this institution within a period of a year. This was done to avoid trouble between two inmates and thus, to keep them awai'' from prison court, kr. hckle and Ur. ^J.ller have stated that they consider the recreation progra/n very nelpful in providing a more wholesome atmosphere in their institution. This criterion is rated at 3.5. 4. Competition has served to provide a healthy psychological and physi cal release from prison monotony. Information found in Chart XVII on page 2X4 of this study shows that evening attendance is increased from 50 to 300 on those winter nights when the London Prison Karrn basketball teajri plays civilian teams. During the summer period attendance at the athletic field is 260 more than doubled on those da^^s when outside softball teams f lay the prison tcain. This su^zf^ests tnat the men in prison are interested in the comiittitive American /ames just as people are who live outside the w a lls . kr. James V. dennett, Director of federal dureau of Prisons, in an interview with John,Barlow Uartin, stated tliat he oelieved partici p a tio n in a w e ll rounded r e c r e a tio n pro.zrain need not in t e r f e r e w ith custody and that fewer disciplinary problems resulted. He was talking aoout Federal Prisons. He also stated that psychiatry in prisons to day is little more than a dream. No doubt he nad in mind the lack of trainin’; in personnel to carry out such pro/rams. He could not have overlooked the case studj method commonly used by psychiatrists and psychologists together with the vast numbers in most prisons who would be untouched by such methods. Jan we n et see a great need for a pro^ ram such as recreation which can be geared to take care of large numbers of inmates'; Loose super- V s io n of the recreation program together with poor planning can result in an unhealthy atmosphr r in prisons as on any jilayground outside, A well-known penologist stressed this point in a personal letter to the w r ite r ; ..• there should be few problems created because of a recreational program. However, because of limited facilities and help, some problems do arise. There is some tendency for gangs or cliques to control cer tain prases of the program. It can become a custodial problem when not properly organized with competent help and follow-up. Fights can occur in a so-called loose-jointed competitive sport. Often, injuries are predominant when teaching and coaching help has been deficient, regardless, any effort put forth to provide recreation for prisoners is praiseworthy and ■^61 certainly better than nothing at all, ^01 It appears that leadersi.ip is an important factor in aetennining the good or nad points connected with psychological and physical out comes associated witn a particular prison recreation pro-ram. London Prison Farm has leaders at the top level wtio have shown their inter est in recreation for all. The overall plan in this institution permits a prisoner to make a selection from several recreational activ ities after a regular work assignment. Dr. Halliday, Director of the Counseling Clinic, ünio Penitentiary believes that the ability and opportunity to develop recreational skills plays an important part in the increase of self-respect among inmates. Competition in the prison recreation program may provide influences which may be constructive if it is well planned and carefully supervised. Erie Stanley Gardner believes that physical education furnishes one pathway/ trrourh which the prisoner attains self-improvement. ... sooner or later we're going to have to wake up to the grim realities of the prison situation, '.ve are going to have to realize that we can't expect to cure men by punisnine them. We're going to have to work out a real program of rehabilitation. That brings us to physical recreation. It is my theory that with many ... you have to get the men interest ed in self-improvement on a competitive basis. If you can start a man broad Jumping or pitching horse shoes and teach nim something of the art ... so that he begins to notice an improvement in what he is doing, you have got that man interested in self- i;ap rov ement. 102 101 Darwin E. Clay, Director of Education, liichigan Reformatory, Ionia, Michigan. Personal Letter to the Writer, November Id, 1954. 102 arie otanley Eardner, Personal Letter to the Writer, November 26, 1954. 262 This internationally famous writer, ori,finally trained as a lawyer, has made a life timL st^^dy of prisjns. Here we find evidence of a talented iiyman who places much faith in the outcomes associated with recreation. The opportunities for enpa^inp in various kinoa of competitive activities at London Prison Farm are numerous en.vu^'^h to permit partici pation by practically any inmate who wishes to do so, Tnis criterion is rated at 3,73. 3. The rate of successful parole cases c an be attributed ir^ part to tne recreational prof^ram. The Chief of tiie Division of Corrections, ...r. !.. C. noblentz stated in a recent interview triat the oLate of Cuio has 53 officers working with 4ÜÜU paroled inmates. Most all penologists stres^ the importance of well-trained parole officers if tne released men are to succeed outside. The American Prison Association takes the view tiiat it is jiiuch mort- sensible to give added attention to the broaden ing of tne parole system. Then young offcnaers may be guided while living outside of prison walls rather than sentenced to a post grad uate course among nardened criminals. Economically, it is cneaper to set up a parole system which will allow more inmates to function in society unoer the guidance of an expert parole officer. California is following this plan of uoing a cari-:ful joo of classifying prison ers, especially young offenders, then putting them under parole. Many penologists are wary about crediting any one part uf their prison set-up with an increase in successful parole cases. They speak about .>63 their entire program an tne causal agent in higher or lower rates of recidivism. In several interviews with the administrative neads at London Prison rarm the writer ..as informed that it was the entire pro gram, not recreation alone, vhich helped to set the stage for rehabilitation success. At least one author holds that recidivism may be caused, in part, by habits set uo long ago in the inmates life. It is stated that most boys and girls in Ohio wao enter juvenile courts are 16 and 17 years olu. About one-third of them have been tnere before. Twelve percent of Ohio Penitentiary inmates nad been previously sentenced to Joys In dustrial school at Lancaster, ho figures were given for London Prison Farm inmates. It was tiioap;ht that tne percentage at ..ansfleld would be higher, 103 CHART XXIV A Chart bhowing the Number of Parolees from London Prison Farm During a 14 Lonth Period. 1952 lb53 Jan,——— '— BO ----- 90 Feb.------66 -----66 karch----- 21 ----- 74 April—-——-120 May— —— — 90 ----- 91 June------72 ----- 74 July------68 ----- 67 August----50 ----- 53 oept,----- 13 ----- 62 Oct.------127 ----— 79 Nov,------72 -----19 Dec.—————— 78 ----- 97 Total 857 Total 841 Norman Cornish, "Ohio's Nightmare: Juvenile Delinquency," Aiotive, iSarch, 1955, p. 29. zcu In 1952 the total number of parolees was 857 of whom 155 were reparoled, ^.en could oe reparoled in two ways. One could oreak parole and be returneo to prison. A aln, it would he possible to be returned to prison because of unotner crime euid be paroleo at a later date. Thus 18 percent were returned to society the second time. For 1953 the total number of parolees was 841 of whom l8o were reparoled. Thiis results in a repai'vjle rate of 2s.1 percent. Dr. Porterfield, Director o f ..ental liygiene and Correction has stated publicly tnat resocialization of itimates is onrianced by special education programs, psychiatric, psychological and spiritual services and constructive parole guidance. V.e note that Dr. Porterfield is emphasizing several aspects of the entire prograun. It is difficult to prove that recreation alone iias improved parole success. In personal letters written to the writer, each nationally known penologist was strongly in favor of a well-organized and administered recreation program for prisons, A ctSitral thought seems to be that specific recreational skills, if well tau.^nt will help the released inmate to make better use of leisure time. The best eviaence is tne success ttie inmate has in successfully earning his way back into society after release from prison. London's cur rent rate of parole violations is not high out because recreation cannot make exclusive claLns for this record the rating for tnis item is 2,75, 6. A majority of p'rison inmates regularly take part in some phase of the recreation program. Most of the inmates in this prison nave opportunity to take part 265- in some p^tase of the recreation pro, ram. ken who are in the hospital ward, wiio ar& under restrictive di scipllne or whose work comes at a time w-.ich prevents participation are the exception to this statement. The superintendent, the deputy warden and the recreation director have told the writer that about 20 percent uf the inmates in this prison don't care to take adv.jjta. e of any pro^’ram in the institution, oince all men must work, these men are content to sta^' in their dormitories after working hours. If we include spectators the various special events will attract three-fourths of the inmates. It is debatable whether half of the raun regularly take active part in recreation if we exclude the si ecial progra-ns which are ne Id three or four times yearly and the all-star basketball and softball games. These are mostly spectator events. Tnis criterion is rated at 3* 7, The institutional budget maxes some allowance for recreation. Many pri son administrators are on the spot when it coi.ies time for them to make known any considerable sum of money to be spent for recrea tion, The people at large do not like tne inea of providing prisoners with too many niceties of life and this includes recreation programs, otate finance examiners have the opfxsrtunity for a field day when tney run across prison recreation expenditures, especially if they happen to belong to the opposition party. It's a tender spot and the prison lie ids are likely to boast about the prisoners providing the money for recreation out of the commissary profits. This makes for good public reaction .and everyone i s haj-py — except those who are trying to provide a decart progran., recre at ionwise, for the prison ers. ^66 Some funds must be provided ho/rever, 'uid the usual nractice ie to shift the money from some other part of the budget. The business manager of London Prison Farm provided the writer with interesting information about the prison budget. The yearly budget for this in- stitutiotj in 1954 was 0l,3V'’,'ùOP, in round numbers. The f jur rrain divisions of the budget were labelled: 1. maintenance 3. wages 2, supplies U, utilities The only expenditures recorded in his becks as recreation totaled $600. The only money spent for recreation officially and so labelled came to ,04 percent of the total. This illustration helps to illus trate the point mentioned previously; no critical budget examiner or tax payer will find much to criticize here, A further exajuination of recorded expenditures for this institu tion shows that ôTOüO was spent for the new fence which will enclose the expanded recreation field, London Prison Fane has another fund which is called the Addition and Betterment Fund, On a biannual basis this fund at the time of this writing amounted to 6295,OiX) , Anotiier fund is listed on the f Lnancial books of the instit ution and it's called the Inmate and entertainment Fund, The chief clerk esti mated that last year's "I ana L" entries totaled $6000 , ’.'.hen the writer ask to see the current month record wtiich was December, 1954, the amount received b^/ this fund fro a the commissary sales was $840 . December is a month noted for heavy inmate buying. Yet, it was concluded that if this uas used as a basis for estimating the total amount earned in the year 1955, the sum would approach $8000 267 ■ to 59000 for the Inmate and lintertainment Fund. This is an important entry for the recreation director because it is the main source for recreation funds. On the basis of evidence found during several visits to this Institution the writer judges this criterion to be worth 1.75 . B. The emotional stability of the total inmate body is aided by ano through recreation. ',Vhen the writer ask the deputy warden at London Prison Farm about the reasons for keeping recreation in the progr.-jim he was told that in mates were thus given a chance to relieve the monotony of the daily routine. Mr. Hiller and Mr. Eckle have stated that inmates who take part in the recreation program return to their dormitories more re freshed and relaxed. The taking of large numbers of inmates to the recreation field disturbs many security guards. They envision a mass rush for the nearest wall and all sorts of deals or contacts, Mr. Ragen, arden of Joliet, at the end of his letter to this writer said that every inmate at Joliet is permitted t" go to the yard at least, one hour a day and all afternoon on Saturday and bunday. He is planning not only to continue but enlarge his recreation program because of the feeling that it is worthwhile and necessary. The writer has been told by guards and Inmates that most pris oners want recreation because it offers them a chance to get out into the open air and sunshine during the open months of the year. The great majority of inmates are not so ignorant that they realize rec- 268 reation could be taken away from them if prisoners misuse it, 'Unis puts a premium on self control and reasonable actions while on the recreation field. The ability to control their own actions during periods of rela tive freedom is the very thing most prisoners are in need of. The fact that the inmates at London Prison Farm did not choose to follow two or three hot heads into rioting in the dining room in November, 1952 is an example of self control. The prisoners had the opportunity and the ring leaders tried to start trouble but it never came off in this prison. Perhaps some of the lessons learned in the recreation pro gram carried over to this explosive situation. One cynical guard told the writer the only reason the men did not riot was that they had no place to go if they did blow up. This dining room can easily be sealed off at cither end and the inmates would all be contained in this very large dining hall where Uie feed is brought in by conveyers from the kitchens beneath. Not only would the prisoners have had no place to go, but they would have had practically no food to sustain them for nny length of time. It all depends on ones point of view whether recreation is credited for help ing inmates attain a degree of self control. The '-uallty of leader ship, planning and facilities are paramount if the best outcomes are to follow. Chart XVII on page 201 shows that the men who are on the recreation crew have an unusually good behavior and work record, A final bit of evidence may be found in the feeling among the adminis trators that evening recreation for all inmates has helped improve 269 all-over prison morale to an appreciable extent. 'ITiis criterion Is rated at U»25 . 9. Increased instruction in first aid, game strategy and techniques for more Inmates has resulted throu^ the recreation program. The recreation prorram at London rrison Far.’-i Is planned to pro vide some Instruction, Some Is on a formal basis such as found in the usual school physical education class. Tiie recreation director provides game Instruction In softball and basketball mostly on an Incidental basis. First aid Instruction Is offered as part of the academic courses. Safety for the players Is one of the central reasons for prison In struction in sports, 3uch gymnasium activities as weightlifting, tumbling ana trampollnlng demand spotters and instruction if the best results are* to be had. Most of the safety and first aid Instruction are new features here. In this prison nearly all inmates follow an activity on a free choice basis. The director of recreation has a strong personal feeling that recreation in prisons should emphasize many activities which will be useful in later years, Tlie writer em phasized this point in many talks given to pre-release groups. Prop er use of leisure time can be a very useful goal for those who are In school, college or prison. It Involves learning what, when and how to do acceptable recreational skills within the range of the novice or the skilled. Poor judgment might easily lead the released Inmate back to the very recreational environment which helped cause trouble In the first place. 270 Any instruction b the recreation department which would help give the inmate new insight into proper use of contructive recref.tional activi ties appears to be one prerequisite for any workable rehabilitation plan. Previous to the present plan very little Instruction of any kind was offered, Reference to the general and specific list of objectives on page 185 of this study indicates that the recreation director at London Prison Farm is aiming at worthwhile outcomes. It would be better if larger numbers of inmates could be given instruction in specific recreational skills, Ihe same problem exists in mnay high schools and colleges. Because of the increased attention to the instructional phase of recreation this criterion is rated at 3*75 , 10, Recreation participation has resulted in increased harmony among institution personnel. In personal interviews at varit-us times over a period of fifteen months with the superintendent, deputy warden, assistant deputy warden and recreation director, one point often discussed was the attitude of prison personnel toward recreation. All agreed that, compared to Ohio Penitentiary, more security guards and civilian supervisors were favor able to tiie program. One fact/^r which helps to support this viewpoint is that all men have to work at the Prison Farm. Recreation, vocation al work and academic courses are engaged ir; on "the prisoner’s time" after working hours. this removes one cause of objection by prison in dustrial supervisors — that recreation hurts tl;eir production schedules, L:r, Killer, thiC deputy warden has emphasized several timec that when security or civilian personnel are used to a given work load and a pro- 271' gram such as recreation is expanded, the threat of additional work is never popular especially with the Ider employees. The writer can testify that he has had the same reaction ir. trying to improve rec reation and physical education programs in several commun'ties during the course of twenty-five years. It seems that a fair appraisal of the general attitude toward recreation at London prison r'arm results in the following; 1, Fifty percent of the prison staff is favorably inclined to ward recreation and supoort it. 2, Thirty percent are negative in their reaction but tolerate it. 3, 'fwenty percent are definitely opposée and more or less hostile toward recreation. These figures were based on estimates made to the writer by the deputy warden, the assistant deputy warden and the recreation director. Adequate finances vdiich would permit hiring of trained personnel, and increased facilities would remove much of the ill feeling which re sults when untrained personnel are ask to take on responsibilities which represent a heavier work load. Dr. Porterfield said re-socialization of the prison inmates — by special prcjgrams, psychiatric, psychological and spiritual services and constructive parole guidance — is necessary and justifies its costs in benefit to society. — Dr. Porterfield’s department has rec ommended expansion both of facilities and personnel, including parole officers, for its correctional program, 1^4 104 Ur. John D. Porterfield, Associated Press kelease, Columbus, Ohio, March 26, 1955. 272 Many guards and administrative officers are interested enough to give their own time in helping with recreational events of special nature. Others make use of the gymnasium facilities for their own enjoyment* For ejcamirle, all administrative officers, and at least a dozen security guards came out tc- help witi: the Christmas play pre sented in Liecember, 1954 at London Prison Farm, To the extent that recreation programs have drawn the institutional personnel together in cooperative efforts we might assume that a contribution has been made to better harmony, therefore, this criterion is ranked at 2.25 . 11, Prison security has been improved through the recreation program. Increasing numbers of penologists believe that prison recreation programs need not undermine prison security. ihe ,unerican Prison Association takes a definite stand in favor of recreation programs. Federal Prisons make use of recreation and nearly all state institu tions, The top administrative officers stated directly tc> the writer that they believed the well organized and properly supervised recrea tion program was a help rather than a hinderance to prison security, '.Then evening recreation for all dormitories was introduced at London, there was a great improvement in prisoner morale according to the ad ministrative staff and recreation director, ihere was much interest shown in the scores of the dormitory teajiis and much t;ik about the entire new set-up, security guards are generally suspicious about the ability the ability of white-collared staff workers to .maintain discipline or handle any number of prisoners in the usual manner. The fact that the recreation director at London worked at least two 273 years as a recreation guard in Onio Penitentiary under the same men who are nis superiors in his present position is a very strong factor in the maintenarice of confidence regarding security matters. The writer has observed tiie present director of recreation at work many times in W t h institutions and he was always in charge of the situa tion, If we again note t ne fact that more t.nan 80 percent of all prisoners want recreation we jnight fairly conclude that this desire represents a strong controlling force toward good behavior, ,\e should note tnat, up to th.e time of the present writing, t nere aas been no riot at Lon.don Prison Farm although a handfull of trouble makers had the stage all set for one soon after the Ohio Fententiary outbreak. This criterion is rated at 3»7% 12. The number of active participants in recreation steadily increased over the past five years, kecreation at London Prison Farm had followed the traditional prison pattern until 1953. It was largely a spectator program. Less than 150 men took active part under tiie old varsity plan. An interest ed security guard had been in charge of the program which consisted mostly' of varsity softball and basketball teams, movies on weekends and special programs during the main holidays. The charge made by Dr, Benjamin Frank that too many prison recreation programs have come into existence merely to fill a void in tne daily and weekly routine seems to havi fit this situation very well, Borne important changes have taken place during the last five years, 1, A trained physical education and recreation man was placed in 274 charge of the program in 1953* 2. Evening recreation has been started which enables all dormi tories to have access to the outside program every weeh-day night during the open seasons and on scnedule during the cold months* 3. The administration is made up of men who have riad close and active contcLct with recreation as part of their work in other penal Jobs. 4. At least two of the three top men conceive in recreation some thing more than a device to merely" control men and fill a void in time. The basis for this statement is repeated contacts with these men in a professional way by the writer and several personal visits in their new position over a period of two or more years, 5. The program is being enlarged, facilities improved and a new philosophy is gradually making itself manifest. Into this spot superintendent nckle placed George killer ,,, who had also come up through the ranks of Ohio's penal system. The commissary pro gram soon came in for an overhauling, an officer training program came into being, and inmate job selection and counseling were given a new and crit ical look. *.. teachers were recruited for part- time work and the school system under the direct ion of William Beer ... took shape. ... education and recreation nave relationship. The development of the formal education program found similar growth in supervised recreation. ... the gym is opened nightly. 105 When the new recreation field is completed about three and a half more acres of playing area will be available to the men. At tne present time 80 percent of the inmates make use of some phase of the recreation program in a given week. Touch football is to be added to ^^^"London Moves Ahead," Motive, Larch, 1955, pp. 5-13» 215 the intramural program during the fall of 1955. This indicates an expanding program in which more men will have a chance to partici pate. Another factor which permits more inmates to take part in summer recreation is that most all academic and vocational classes are shut down during the not months. Thus, the inmate need not clioose between attending such classes in the evenings or going to the recreation field. These factors indie te that this item can be fairly rated at 4. 13* More favorable publicity about prison affairs has resulted from the recreation program. kost prisoners are forgotten men and have ceased to exist as far as the average citizen is concerned. Any part of the penal program which will attract favorable attention to the institution might be worthwnile emphasizing. Recreation has the possibility of render ing a unique service in this respect, A counterpart may be found among those colleges who utilize athletics to attract wioespread attention from the public. It should be evident that such eiiç)hasis can be overdone with prison programs as it often is outside. Yet, interest in athletic programs, special programs and exhibits seem to be an excellent way to get people to realize better what goes on behind prison walls. Inmates at London Prison Farm in the past year have haa art work ex hibited in Columbus where hundreds of people viewed their endeavors. The varsity basketball team played about 40 basketball /'araes which were reported in local newspapers. The annual Christmas program was 276' viewed by 250 special /quests. Interpenal games were played in soft ball with Onio Penitentiary and Lebanon honor Farm. These were reported in state newspapers, buch publications perioaically carry stories about the entire recreation program. It appears that recrea tion is one of ttfci oest mediums for maintaining in/riate interest. The writer nas obtained manj' prison puolications and without exception much space is provided for athletic news, quotations have been given in this study from Agricola, the Lcxidon Prison Farm publication and Motive, the official organ of the Department of :..ental Hygiene and Corrections ami others. The new athletic field will provide seats for some 200 outside spectators. The idea is that for athletic events interest will be nigh enough to attract outside citizens to watch the games. As an advertising medium prison recreation seems to ne in a very important spot. t.any phases of the program will attract attention from out siders. Because of these possibilities this factor is rated at 1.5* The following chart resulted from the scaring of the it eras used to measure outcomes of the recreation program. CHART XXV A Profile Chart ohowing the Criteria Evaluations in Judging Outcomes of the Prison Recreation Program in London Prison Farm. 1 .«reduced tensions 3. 2 _ discipline aided 3 —«court charges reduced . 3. f k «wholesome competition ______3 7 ' 5 * 5 — parole aided . St.75^ ^ t Z Z ^ ^ 277 6 participation broadened 3. 7 f T f sound budget 8 _ emotional stability ... — 9 __instruction increased------J.TS' 10 ' - Z.ZS increased harmony 11 _ security aided 3, 12 __participation increased______4 13 __ more publicity______4 . S 1 2 3 4 5 Poor Below Average Above Kaxlmum Average Average The following paragraph snows the conversion of the totals for the five factors covered in this study. The totals are converted through the proportion shown. Gonvertion of the totals through a proportion. The maximum rating for any factor in each of tne 5 profile charts is 5; above average is rated 4; average 3; below average 2 ana 0-1 is used to designate poor or very poor. The fivt profile cnarts represent an attempt to evaluate philosophy behind tne recreation program, per sonnel, activities, facilities and outcomes. It is assumed that each of the factors is equally valuable, Tne method of conversai,>n has been explained in Part II of this study. The individual factors included under the philosophy evaluation were rated as follows; 4.75, 3, ^.5, 4, 4, 4.^5, 3, 4.75, 3, 3 and 4.u5. These add up to a total of 40,5. 40.5:55:: x: 20 55x = die X = 810/55 X = 14.7 The factors included in the recreation staff profile were judged 273- as follows: 5, 4.5, 3.5, 3.75, 3.75, 3.5, 4, 2, 4.5, 4 which total 38,50. Through use of the conversion proportion the following total results: 3d.50; 50::x: 20 50x - 770 = 770/50 ^ = 15.4 The individual itejiis making up the program evaluation were rated: 4, 3, 3, 4.^5, 3.5, 3.75, 3, 3.5, 4.5, 3.25, 4, 3, ^.75, 4.5, 3.5, 4.25. These items total 55.75. The following conversion results: 55.75:80::x: 20 80x - 1115 X * 1115/80 X = 13.93 The facilities evaluation has tne following factors: 4, 4, 3.5, 2, 3.75, 3.^5, 4, Z.5, 1.5, ;.5, 3.5, 4.25, 4.5, 4.75, 4.75, 4.25, 4.5, 3.25, 2.5, 3.75 which total 72. 72: 100:: x: 20 lOOx - 1440 X - lV+O/100 X = 14.40 The recreational outcomes profile chart is made up of criteria rated in the following manner: 3, 1.25, 3.5, 3.75, 2.75, 3, 1.75, 4.25, 3.75, 2.25, 3.75, 4, 4.5. The total of these items is ul.30. Following our method of conversaion it is found that: 41.30:65:: x: 20 65x = 826 X — 826/ 65 X = 12,7 The evaluation at London Prison Farm covered five phases: pnil- osoph}', personnel, progra;n, facilities and outcomes. The conversions resulted in the following figures: 279 1. Philosophy------14.7 2 . utaff------15.4 3. Program------13.93 4. Facilities------14.40 5. Outcomes------— 12.7 Total 71.13 Nummary of the Findings Involved in Part IV The first tning wtdch might be noted here is that the evaluation of the philosophy behind the recreation program at London is rated nearly the same as that at Onio Penitentiary', This is pure coinci dence since the individual factors making up the London total vary when compared with Ohio Penitentiary. Yet, if we consider the fact that the men comprising the administration at London Prison Farm were part of tne staff at the Columbus institution for many years it be comes more apparent how this rating occurred. The men in charge of this institution have permitted the recrea tion program to expand so that more time is available to those inmates who wish to avail themselves of the activities. At the same time the inmate is forced to choose between going to the evening recreation program, to vocational classes or to academic classes. This leads us to suspect tnat the recreation plan is thouglit of not so much as an •venue for eaucating men as it is a place for letting off excess energy* The idea prevails here that all inmates shall work auring the day. The main reason is to produce food and materials for the state. 28C' Ally other part of the overall program is more or less relegated to aecona place. This is, in lart, M.couraged by Onio Penal Regulations which allows pay to inmates working on ass* i.biy iineo or in tne farm fields but which forbids paying men to go to school. Uf course, the average ;erson outside prison walls sees more use fulness in the work plan than in tne educational plan since he believes it is savin' him tax .iioney. Tne educational classes at London Prison farm do not operate during the sunnier months so tnat there is no competition for the mt n’s evening time for tiiree months of the year, it is doubtful wnether many of the personnel are sold on the idea tnat much rehabilitation is affected tnrough recreation. This state ment is based on experience gained while working with the superin tendent, deputy warden, assistant deputy warden and the recreation director will le all were employed at Ohio Penitentiary. It is also based on follow up visits to London Prison rarm over a period of twelve months, Tne administrative staff at this institution nas come up tnrough the ranks. The education and recreation director served as recrea tion guard for two or more years at Onio penitentiary. The climate in which recreation functions is more favoraole at London that at the Columbus prison. This is due, in part, to the fact that confinement is not as restricted at London all of the inmates being quartered in dormitories. The security staff nas the work companies during the daylight hours, Lducation, vocational classes and recreation are assigned, in tna main, to evening hours, Exceptions occur when inclement weather zei ■ prevent outside work. Then work companies may report to the gymnasium, More of the security staiff are favorably inclined toward recreation iri this institution. One possible reason is that recre tion is allowed mainly after working hr,urs and this more nearly fits the average guards. ,tdded responsibilities mean added work wiiici. le .ds to ^7'owi.ng opposition tc the program which is responsible. Obviously, a good part of such staff reaction can be overcome by having sufficient per sonnel to handle the broadening prison prograjus. The staff training program which alms at the orientation and ed ucation of new staff members includes lectures and visitations where the recreation program and layout is explained, oince all directors of prison services are included in this indoctrination program, the incoming security officers are enabled tc get a more rational view of the entire prison programi. ihis has the advantage of -tiaking it mc>re possible for new staff members to come tc work with a me,re open .iiind. Prejudices should be reduced. The personnel rating sheet which was reproduced in this part of the study is another factor wiiich shculd make for better rapport between administration me securitv staff. Thit supervisor's rerxjrt arpears in Illustration VII, page 20o of this study. The recreation director has other duties and reported to the writer that he was able to spend only about 1/3 of his time with rec reation, He has indicated the need for civilian personnel to help with some of his responsibilities, r'our public school teachers aid him now with academic and vocational training classes. Fhey are on a 232- part time basis, A dozen inmates help with the recr#a+lon program. Progress has been made In securing added numbers and quality of pro fessionally trained teachers in uondon irisen Farm, The program at London irison Farm is being slowly broadened mo that more men may take part in an increased number of recreational ac tivities, In line with the philosophy of the program director, it la a free choice set-up witi, no required attendance. In an environ/nent wtiich by its very nature demands close confinement, these penologist., believe more is gained by not pressuring men into recreation. One great improve.ment in the program came with tiie advent of evening recreation at the athletic field for all inmates, ovenlng rec reation has been in effect for two years, up to the time of this writ.- ing, bo-called varsity athletics receives muct. of the tine and atten tion of the recreation staff. Thirty-five to UO basketball gamor and 40 to 50 softball games are nlayed witn outside teams or other penal institutions, Plans are being .ntaoe to foster dormitory football ter^.-s w 'ito on all-star team tc be selected from tnia larger group, bornitory teams play on scheduleo days and this might be said to represent the intra mural phase of the program, i’here are round robin playoffs at the end of eacl; season. The following events a.re available et the recreation field: weight lifting, volleyball, horseshoes, chess, checkers and hillbilly music. There are plains tc increase the outdoor program whjen the new ath letic field is finished sometime in I9i5 or the following year, ihe 283 new program will Uien include: lawn tennis, croquet, badointon, basket ball, shuffleboard, track ,md fcctball. special events art; heie on Kourth of July, Labor uay anc ^hristmas with the recre .tLon ce; nrt;:,er.t having little to cc v/itli the Christmas ; arty. Inmates ar> allowed t>o take time off fro.,; work to watch major s’-orto event:, sucf. as worse series baseball, i'ne recreation departioenr is in charpe of selection and biokinr of wee.-:ly movies for ai i inmates. facilities for recreation continue to expand, A 3' acre athletic field is in construction as this study is written, ihe gymnasitir. is feet long by od feet wide. iiouip.-.ient is available for basketball, volleyball, badminton, table tennis, chess or checkers, trfuiij-ioline, line handball, wrestling or tumbling, weight lifting, horizontal lad der, speed bag and chinning bar, Jhis sec nd floor, well lighted gymnasium contains showers, Urst. air. room, storage facilities, toilets and an office for the recreation director. It is e'uioped better than average for a prison recreation program. Outcomes resulting in whole or part from recreation programs in I'risons in other parts of tne country may be found in the various letters to the writer, ihey are freouentl\ yucted in this study. in numerous interviews with the staff at London rrison rarm the writer has found no great deviation fro.: those outcomes mentioned by most penologists, oy referring to notes taken during the course of six or more visits to London Frison Farm, tru; writer has noted those things staff members said resulted from their recreation progrwi, Mr, iickle, tiie superintendent at London Prison Farm told the writer til at because of recreation, men return to the dormitories refreshed. 284 calmed dovm to wrtiat they wish to do more yuietly, to reao, listen to radio or sleep, Vr, liiller, the deputy warden has said th P. rec-’e ti .ri is important as a morale builder in this prison, that it is an organ ized means of getting the inmates out of the doniitories ano that rec reation provides a chance for the men t< actively move about, thus providing a means for release of energy. Neither nan would say tha* recreation In itself was responsible for reducing tiie number of court cases or severity of court charges. Varsity boxing was discontinued because of tiie rieniatic for spécial food and transfers for more train ing time, hi til in the past two years a trained director has been put In charge of recreation. Mr, Beer has a strong belief that recreation and educa tion go hand-in-hand in any rehabilitation that is acco, ipli sheti in London fdrison Farm, Lone of these men beli'^ve th-it security need su'd'er because of a broad recreation propr.am. The recreation pro, ram Is fi nanced frjm commissary sales and from transfers fr m other funds, example is the cyclone, ciiairi link fence which is ready to be erected around the n^w recre.it ion field. The chief clerk rejxjrted to the writer only CnX' dollars on insLi- tutlori.il reco rds for recreational funds as a c.ire ct p.s rt of the budget. This probably derives from the fact th.at the average citizen wouldn't like to have that kinu of expenditure polnte The writer received the impression that recreation is functioning 285 in a fairly favorable clinuite in this institution, but a considerable part of this ste;ns fron the fact that rmost recreation participation comes after assigned working hours. Tiiis idea is patterned after the Federal Prison practice, several times the v.riter was tolo that any prograin wîiich means addeti work for t,h." security staff will run into opposition especially from the older officers. Tills prison offers n>. exception to c’li : rule altliongii the number who don't see eye-to-eye with the recreation ; rogram is estimated t . be riot more tliun 20 per cent of the entire staff. In the distant future lies the ' ossihii‘t / for a prison swimming pool, .itii tiie present piiilosophy prevailing at London Prison Farm it is very debatable wiietnor there will be provision made in the near future to include recreation classes during the day with more intense instruction ilmed to e puii inmates witii a larger number of usable rec reation skills. In tlie me^mwiJ le the in..aa tes in this prison will be forced to iiLake a cnoice between recreation, acanemic classes and vo cational classes for nine months of the year, at least, .'eek-ends will continue to feature movies nr a softb .11 gune. Hiree or four holidays per year the emphasis will be on special pro grains of soc.e kind. This is a suiauary of tlie recreation picture ut London iris n Farm as it appears t/-> the virltcr as a result of evidence obtained through this .study. 286 IVJÎT V ïVAÜlwIKCl TH:i FIM>^NG3 AKD iü:X:CWH:iiD..TlLKo General Background to Evaluation of the Study. The material wrtiich the writer has presented in this study was col le c te d and written rurinp a span of time covering more th.'in two y ea rs. One thing wtiich became apparent as tnis writing progresse was tnat events were continually chfinrinn in the prisons cc-vereo in t!; Is aisser- tation. The most recent examtilc might be f.and in the announce r.ent by toe (1 e «artiiont of c, rrect : on: th' t. ile hea^i Ih.e re^-n-atl i t : ' claii and vocational, education cepart'n :.t fcr i hir ; eiuil institutions had resigned his position on .o ril I, l^tt tc enter a I'U.^iness venture. At the time of this ".vrl*. Irif n., statencn.t hao been made regarding a ne.v recreation director for these institutions, 1 eriiatis these c it les will ne as si gned t - another office in the corrections eoart.,::.ent. If th is ha opens it iniriit be in t erpretcu as eviueri-e ten • ;.ng t show that recreation has not yet w m full acceptance by high level a.uth riti- r j r tiic Corrections berart.nent of Ohio. Another ex^tmple o f constu.ntl ' changl nu c n I'.iont li f -i.::id In t.ne recent announcement that a s s o c ia te wardens wer^ i cing a; ;^d!itu a t