LUTHER'S BELIEFS ABOUT INMATE TREATMENT
Warden Dennis Luther has shaped a set of beliefs about treating prison inmates. The list, widely circulated at McKean, helps guide staff attitudes and behavior.
Some selected points:
* You must believe in man's capacity to change his behavior.
* Never, never lie to an inmate.
* Inmates will cooperate with staff to a much greater degree if motivated by respect rather than fear.
* It is important for staff to model the kind of behavior they expect to see duplicated by inmates.
* Normalize the environment to the extent possible by providing programs, amenities, and services. The denial of such must be related to maintaining order and security rather than punishment.
* Punish behavior that threatens order and security - swiftly and harshly.
* Do nothing or say nothing to an inmate that you would not want to have videotaped for the warden's review!
