Chapter 4:
Navy Corrections Program
1.
Correctional Philosophy
a. The philosophy of naval corrections is based on
recognition of the fact that, whether it be confinement or in
some other form, punishment alone is seldom corrective.
Confinement is punishment because it denies members their
liberty and separates them from their families, friends, and
most normal activities. It means loss of status and disapproval
of the individual offender by the military society. Confinement
sharply limits the prisoners' privileges, freedom of action, and
opportunities for personal satisfaction. More significantly, it
also lowers their self-respect.
b. Confinement facilities provide a climate conducive to
positive change, with programs tailored to the needs of
prisoners and the service, and a system which recognizes and
rewards acceptable behavior while disciplining unacceptable
behavior. Confinement facility program recognizes the critical
role of the staff members as role models of successful behavior.
c. Where facilities permit, newly admitted prisoners shall
be housed separately from the general population until
indoctrination in prisoner regulations and other administrative
details of reception are completed. During this period of
orientation, prisoners shall be objectively evaluated and a
custody classification assigned prior to transfer to the general
population.
d. Correction Specialist. Performs specialized correctional
duties including the responsibility for security, control,
supervision, support, health and care of prisoners.
Knowledgeable on correctional programs and administration.
e. Members are sentenced to confinement as punishment; they
are not confined for punishment by any member of the staff of a
confinement facility except as provided for by law and
regulation. Hazing, harassment, unauthorized exercises,
unnecessary restrictions or deprivations, and demeaning
treatment serve no useful purpose and are prohibited. The
friction they cause creates tension between staff and prisoners
and leads to acts of aggression, retaliation, and serious
individual or mass disturbances. Prisoners forced to comply
with unreasonable, unnecessary, and unmilitary routines lose
respect for the authority which imposes them.
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