The people's voice. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1939-1969, 1941-10-29

~IdcJuflng ana repair SnOp
and a furniture manufacturing
plant with sufficient produc-
tive capacity to supply the
other state institutions with
their needs along this line.
This suggested program would, the
report stated result in major econ
omies to the state" and by providing
training to the inmates in trades.
would have tendency to work to-
ward their rehabilitation The firm
recommended that the policy and adj
ministration of the penitentiary be di-
rected toward rehabilitation of first
offenders rather than toward punish
ment The report stated that the
Montana statutes relating to the pris-
on ARE based largely ON the theory
that the purpose of the pathological
system is to mete out retribution" and
where as the actual operations are
somewhat less harsh i. custody and
punishment are given far greater en-
phasis than rehabilitation"
Participation by the convicts them
selves through representative body
elected by them, under supervision of
the warden, in such matters as dis
cipline, rules, hours Of work, meals,
recreation and similar features, was
recommended. The report stated that
"a body elected by the inmates would
I.o .oIr Pal -.
discipline and in improving morale,
and if properly controlled and han
died, there should be no danger that
such a body would in any way usurp
the power of the warden or lend it.
self to subversive purposes" Inmate
organizations of that character are au-
thorized and functioning in various
state and federal prisons the report
declared.
Among others, the following specific
recommendations were made and are
now being studied by the reorganiza-
ton committee:
l. That cities and counties send
fingerprints of persons accused of fell
onies to the prison as required by
law.
2. That, for improved plant mainte-
nance, the position of chief engineer
be reclassified as mechanical engineer
and professionally trained engineer
be employed to direct operation and
'epair.
3. That a position of dietitian be
created, both as an economy measure
and as a means of improving meals.
4. That, to secure technical super
'ision the staff of the license plate
'hop be made responsible to the me
'hanical engineer and not to the dep
lty registrar of motor vehicles.
5. That overtime payments TO guards
% discontinued as being without legal
oasis and possibly contrary to law.
6. That a course of training for
guards and other employees be instf-
uted, including theoretical training
md practical demonstrations and reg
liar firearms practice.
7. That, after various industries
rave been built up the present large
cale industrial and profit-making ac-
ivities Of the prisoners as individuals
'e curtailed or prohibited, and that
he privilege of making deposits in
md disbursements from personal ac-
counts kept by the prison be limited.
8. That a room be set aside where
inmates may meet regularly with a
'riest or minister for private CONVEX
ations
8. That recreational activities not
'equiring additional funds be insti-
uted, including organized athletics
nd dramatics and that provision be
made for recreation for women in
mates.
10. That approximately 100 patients
eported psychotic be examined and
he insane ones transferred to the
tate hospital.
II. That the "antiquated" operating
DOM be used only for emergency and
minor work and that major surgical
Continued on Page Four)