Corrections: An Introduction

For introductory courses in corrections.

An insider’s guide to corrections today
Corrections: An Introduction is a realistic practical account of modern corrections that draws on the author’s three decades of service in the system. While he addresses history and theory in each chapter, Seiter focuses mainly on the actual operations of prisons, community corrections, and jails, as well as contemporary challenges for correctional staff and administrators. Case studies, career information, and real examples expose students to the realities of working in corrections. The 6th edition has been updated with the most recent data on correctional populations and costs, as well as new research and findings affecting correctional policy.

Corrections: An Introduction, 6th Edition, is also available via Revel^(TM), an interactive learning environment that enables students to read, practice, and study in one continuous experience.

Richard P. Seiter is a career correctional professional, having worked in prisons and for correctional agencies for over 30 years. After receiving his PhD in public administration from the Ohio State University (OSU), he was a research associate and assistant director of the Crime and Delinquency Center at OSU.

In 1976, Seiter began a career with the BOP and worked in two federal prisons: the Federal Correctional Institution in Dublin, California, and the US Penitentiary in Leavenworth, Kansas. He was director of the BOP Staff Training Center in Denver, Colorado, and became the first chief of the NIC National Academy of Corrections in Boulder, Colorado. Seiter also served as warden of two federal prisons: the Federal Prison Camp in Allenwood, Pennsylvania, and the Federal Correctional Institution in Greenville, Illinois. In addition, Seiter served as both Assistant Director for Industries, Education, and Training and Chief Operating Officer of Federal Prison Industries, with sales of over ＄400 million per year of prison-made products.

Seiter was director of the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction for almost six years. In this position, he was responsible for all Ohio prisons, the parole board and parole supervision, and many community correctional programs. He managed an annual budget of ＄400 million and a staff of 8,000, and he oversaw the construction of more than 10,000 prison beds at a cost of ＄500 million.

For five years after retiring from the BOP, Seiter was a faculty member at Saint Louis University (SLU). He received tenure and promotion to full professor, as well as serving as Director of Criminal Justice. During this time, he wrote two textbooks, published several articles, and expanded the program and course offerings at SLU.

From 2005 until 2011, Seiter was Executive Vice President of Corrections Corporation of America (now CoreCivic), the largest private prison company in the US. In this position, he oversaw the operation of the sixth largest prison system in the country, with 63 prisons, 17,000 staff members, and 75,000 inmates.