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Members of the classification committee examined the case folders of the inmates who would appear before
them. This morning, 10 newly admitted prisoners were to be classified to housing and vocational programs. Each
folder contained basic information about the inmate's education, prior employment, offense, sentence, and counselor's
evaluation.
During the small talk before the first inmate arrived, Ralph MacKinnon, the chief of the classification unit,
warned the other members that the computer-programming class was filled and the waiting list was long. However,
there was great need for workers to make mattresses for state institutions.
"But Ralph, some of the guys trying to learn computer programming just can't hack it," said counselor Michael
Harris. "I've got a man coming before us who was a math major in college and has already had some computer
experience. He would greatly benefit from the extra training."
"That's fine, Mike, but we can't let someone jump ahead, especially when the mattress factory needs workers. I
promised Jim Fox we would get him some help."
"But shouldn't we put people into programs that would help them when they get out," responded Mike.
1. If you were on the classification committee what would you do?
2. If you were the deputy warden and you did not agree with the decision that was made, what would you do? Explain
and justify your decision.
3. Keep in mind that as a correctional administrator, you must take into consideration, the overall morale of the staff,
budget constraints, the educational, vocational, and rehabilitation needs of the inmates, etc.