Common Sense and Correctional Science

Abstract

Common sense can no longer be permitted to stand alone as the only guideline for correctional administration. Historically useful as an effective force in prison reform, common sense must now be joined with correctional science if advances are to be made, at acceptable cost, in public protection and in restoration of the offender to the community. While only one-third of 1 per cent of current correctional budgeting is allocated to research, three-fourths of the state correctional agencies responding to a nation-wide survey indicate interest in initiating or expanding self-study. An emerging model for correctional science is out lined, and the need for scientific management is discussed along with suggestions for accelerating growth in this area.