Corrections_Today_May_June_2020_Vol.82_No.3

Public Correctional Policy on Religious and Faith Practice Introduction: Correctional systems provide opportunities for religious faith and practice by offenders. These op- portunities, however, must not override the choice by some offenders of nonparticipation in such practices. Protection of religious beliefs and of their exercise is recognized in various governmen- tal and human rights documents. Policy Statement: Recognizing the existence of differing religious faiths, correctional systems must be guided by principles not only of voluntary participation, but of equity of opportunity for the practice of reli- gions represented within the offender population. Limited only by reasons of safety, security and order, institutions should: A. Provide for direction and supervision regarding religious issues and activities by professionally qualified and trained chaplaincy and/or religious staff, includ- ing the use of volunteers for the delivery of programs consistent with the identified religious needs of the population being served; B. Develop written policies and guidelines for decision-making and communication between chaplaincy staff and institutional administrators regarding religious faith and practice within the institution; C. Provide appropriate facilities and support services needed for individual and group religious activities; D. Allow the observance of periodic special or ritual activities requested by offend- ers and balanced against the necessity of maintaining safe and secure correctional facilities, accommodating religious differ- ences among offenders of different faiths,

within the corrections profession or as a matter of public opinion at large. A single position for or against capital punishment would not be a fair or candid representation of the range of strongly held and thoughtfully considered positions that exist within the profession. Policy Statement: Corrections professionals have a fundamental responsibility to support participation in the public dialogue concerning capital punishment, and to make available to the public and their policymak- ers the unique perspectives of persons working in the profession. Toward this end, correctional agen- cies should: A. Support conducting research on capital punishment, to inform the public debate with accurate information about all aspects of capital punishment; B. Support full public discussion of capital punishment, focusing on the morality, purposes and efficacy of this form of punishment; C. Accept and encourage a diversity of opinion within the field, ensuring that employment, promotion and retention are never affected by the expression of an opinion either in support of or in opposi- tion to capital punishment; D. Select staff who are involved with carry- ing out executions on a voluntary basis, and carefully screen them and train them in execution procedures. In addition, post- execution interventions must be available to staff who participate in or are affected by the execution process; and E. When executions are conducted, ensure that they are carried out with dignity and respect for all parties.

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