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I.

Thesis Statement

Structure and culture are significant contributors to a correctional facilitys environment, thus, would either influence inmates in a positive or negative way, and affect their rehabilitation. II. Introduction

The management of jails/ prisons, as well as the kind of structure and culture it has affects not only its members but also society itself through crime rates and public safety. The organization of a certain group either improves or worsens its members. A correctional facility should rehabilitate inmates and not make them even more dangerous. If all penitentiaries in the country are properly managed, then in turn, crime rates will improve. This research studies a provincial jail to observe the effectiveness of reformation in the nations correctional facilities. If it is not effective, then how can this be improved? Structuration theory states that social institutions are organized around its members interactional processes and practices. It points out that a member can be organized by looking at the structure that he is involved in. Furthermore, Organizational Culture theory states that the essence of organizational life is found in its culture which is the way of living in an organization. Both of these communication theories basically claim that the members of a group are the foundation themselves. With this, in order to understand them individually, it is a reliable idea to observe the kind of environment a person is in, its structure, as well as its structuration. We decided to visit Rizal Provincial Jail, located in Taytay, Rizal. We also interviewed people who have been to Teresa District Jail for the comparison of their structures and culture.

III.

Rizal Provincial Jail The Rizal Provincial Jail or RPJ is located at Brgy. Dolores, Taytay Rizal. It can house a maximum of 500 detainees, both male and female. It has not yet reached that number. RPJ is said to be the cleanest, most humane and friendliest provincial jail in the country and its members strive to maintain this leverage. The ratio of officer and detainee is 1 is to 5. Mission: To institute reformation and rehabilitation of detainees through education, sports and livelihood program, clean and green projects, religious and other worthwhile activities that make their idle time productive and lessen the burden of detention. Vision: Rizal Provincial Jail is a place of detention that is humane, hygienic exercises standard procedure and properly administered institution for detainees. Activities The detainees of RPJ are engaged in different daily activities for their livelihood, as well as recreational purposes. They are provided with a karaoke machine, basketball court, table tennis and a billiards table for those who enjoy playing sports and singing. Also, they are given the chance to earn income for themselves, as well as their families outside the detention center. Those who are interested are taught to make and repair handicrafts and furniture, hair cutting, pedicure and manicure, crochet, gardening and massaging. Weekly, doctors and dentists visit the facility to check up on the health of detainees. There are also religious activities which include bible study, holy mass and counseling. Song, dance and sports competitions among provincial jails are also held occasionally.

Maintaining Discipline and Order The environment that the Rizal provincial jail has is generally peaceful. So far, there have not yet been reports of jailbreaks and riots. Detainees are treated with respect and as humans. The cells are not overcrowded and nobody is maltreated by authorities. Despite the kind and humane treatment that the detainees are receiving, there still are restrictions and corresponding punishments when rules are broken. An inmate who violates a rule is punished by lessening his privileges (ex. no visitors for a week, no recreational activities, etc.). Violators are not locked up and isolated unlike those depicted in movies. Such act (which is known as bartolina) is actually against the law and is non-existent. Those who are consistently wellbehaved are rewarded the privilege to be a trustee. With the simplicity of this method, the authorities of RPJ are able to maintain the discipline and order of the facility. Troubles among and regarding the inmates are rare, thus, an existence of overall a very peaceful environment that is cohesive for learning and reformation. IV. Experience

The Rizal Provincial jail is an authentic example of a structured facility and it has the essential factors that make it as such. After getting a permit from the governor of Rizal, we immediately headed to the jail to conduct the study. Having the information regarding the facilitys excellence amongst all other jails, we still expected the place to be chaotic and unhygienic. With the way TV shows, books and other forms of media depict the kind of environment correctional facilities have, it was inevitable to expect for the worse. However, when escorted inside, we were shocked that we were already in the part where the detainees are being held. The inmates were lingering among the visitors and it was not obvious at all. Perhaps this is because of the serenity the place surprisingly exudes. It was very clean and the detainees in their cells were not cramped. The ones outside their cells were either playing sports, doing handicrafts or singing their hearts out in the karaoke machine. These are some of our noted experiences in the course of our visit: Connecting with a Detainee It was vital for us to be able to acquire knowledge about the structure of the facility from the perspective of the detainees so we arranged an interview with some of them. Our first interviewee was a trustee and also the leader of one of the barangays. He was charged of selling illegal drugs imported from another country and is currently awaiting trial. He has already served seven years in this facility. He was proclaimed a leader because the guards of the facility have learned to trust him and he has also gained their respect at the course of his stay thus, the treatment given to him was different and lighter. He was determined to change his life for the better. He has his own goal of a new beginning and maybe, by following the protocols of this correctional facility, his perception of what was right or wrong may improve and his future judgments may not be as clouded. During our second interview with another detainee, we felt uncomfortable when we learned that the interviewee committed the crime of rape and was on trial. At the beginning of our interview, we became hesitant in asking the detainee some questions but as the interview went on, the connection between us improved as we continued to communicate. We were able to adjust more on how to effectively convey our questions. We based our behaviour on past experiences and were able to create a new way on how to communicate with such people. We went outside of our comfort zone, altered our discomfort, and interviewed the detainee normally. This was a fresh act for our part as we established a new type of communication towards the inmate. In the end, we found the inmate a well-mannered person and not what we expected him to be.

Both detainees experienced incarceration in Teresa district jail before being transferred to Rizal provincial jail (One stayed there for 2 days, the other, 2 years). They pointed to us a particular jail cell which houses a maximum of 8 prisoners and then told us that in Teresa, there are about 50 inmates in that small area. They take turns in sleeping and standing up and are given an insufficient amount of food. They also shared that in RPJ, during health emergencies, the detainee in need is immediately rushed to the hospital even with the absence of a court order. In other facilities, authorities do not consider the value of the lives of the inmates. The sick and diseased are just left to die in their cells. They consider themselves lucky to be detained in RPJ. They may be incarcerated but at least they are not treated like animals. (Both detainees decided not to give their names for privacy.) Barangays of Freedom The jail cells inside were called barangays. We learned from the warden that this type of system helps the detainees stay in touch with the systems that exist outside their holdings. It is sad to hear that some detainees have already forgotten how it feels like to be free and roaming, that they have lost memory of the types of structures that abide outdoors. Some detainees are even reported to have purposely brought themselves back to rehabilitation because they couldnt cope outside. The environment has become alien to them. The purpose of the barangays was to stipulate a form of society or organization inside the bars of the Rizal jail. It was meant to create a sense of cultural organization among the detainees where each individual in each cell, was a member, a citizen of the entire group of inmates. A new sense of culture has thus been created inside the walls of Rizal jail and it has led the inmates to start new lives. Each and every one is treated like family and therefore, treated each other not as friends but of their own kin. By having this kind of arrangement, the detainees are able to find a sense of freedom inside their confinements and at the same time, preserving an image of the outside society within them. The institutions dream of a vice free detention center may just be around the corner. The Power of Guards and Guns The warden is the personnel left in charge of the entire facility. The warden is also a security officer but emits more influential decisions inside the jail and has a firmer grasp in the value of leadership within the structure. A meeting is always held to discuss certain issues regarding improvements or disagreements inside the place but any final decision is always left to the judgment of the warden. Like every other Rehabilitation facility or Prison, the guards are always the persons with authority over the detainees/prisoners. They have the power to command detainees and to do what is necessary to maintain peace and order. They are responsible for making rules and enforcing them to avoid any problems. During the time of our visit however, an idea overwhelmed us. Guns were not allowed to be carried inside the cells. The guards are being cautious for if a detainee gained possession of one, violence may occur and people might get hurt. It occurred to us that the gun showed a greater aura of power than the guards themselves. The gun symbolized power, and anyone who wielded it gained control. VI. Analysis Organizations and Structures have a symbiotic relationship with each other. Formed organizations are responsible in the production of structures which is vital in its operations, while structures in its nature, helps in the reproduction and improvement of the organizations. In a nutshell, the Rizal Provincial Jail in our research serves as the main organization affecting every aspect in our study. The manner of living and behavior of the detainees and guardians, created by this institution, is the unique culture which exists within the organization. Furthermore, the structures of the organization solidify the purpose of this facility and justify the

orderly culture which prevails within. The formed culture inside RPJ is very different from ours. First of all, activities inside are limited unlike outside where everything is accessible. Communication is also restricted as there are no cell phones allowed inside and the detainees only form of communication with their loved ones are through visits. Lastly, detainees are required to remain in a controlled, secured ground and are prohibited to go outside the facility. In Structuration Theory, a structure is produced when the following factors exist, rules, resources and a system to follow. All these factors are present when studying the RPJ. Rules were implemented in the facility which served as the building blocks of the institution which also prevents any anarchy from happening within its walls. Resources are always available and procedures around the facility have been running smoothly. Systems have also worked fairly well for the detainees and no report of any unlawful acts has ever occurred. Based on our interview with Senior Superintendent Ernesto B. Mechilina, there are certain rules in the facility that must be followed to maintain harmony. As mentioned earlier, the ratio of guards to detainees must be one is to five respectively. Detainees are not allowed to go beyond the visitors lounge unless he/she is a trustee. This helps in preventing them from going out of the area. On the other hand, detainees cells are not locked and are left open. This is to make them feel that they werent prisoners, just kept inside the facility for the time being. No metals were also allowed inside the jails to avoid any breakouts and violence. Each jail must only contain a maximum number of people to avoid any diseases from occurring and to prevent poor sanitation. Resources or funding is also sufficient for the rehabilitation center. The warden stated no shortage in any important supply. There is sufficient supply of electricity, food and water for the facility, funding for maintenance, and enough personnel to keep the institution going. The system inside the facility has proven to be effective in its preservation of peace. The detainees were all engaged to follow certain behaviors which promoted order in the facility, allowing it to run properly. VII. Conclusion Being informed of the situation of inmates in other correctional facilities such as Teresa district jail, the conditions in Rizal provincial jail as compared to this are definitely better. Similar institutions follow the same memorandum and being allocated the same budget; the only difference is how well the authorities manage the place and how it influences the detainees personalities and relationships with each other Instead of making the detainees lives a living hell, they are treated with kindness. Avoiding violence and unjust administration allows them to realize that they are not monsters, but human beings who make mistakes just like everyone else. They are taught that there still is room for improvement. If they cooperate and help themselves, they can still recover from what has happened and start anew. This state of mind helps maintain the order and discipline in RPJ. If all correctional facilities in the Philippines are as well-organized as the Rizal provincial jail, then rehabilitation among inmates will improve. Respect will bring forth respect; non-violence, non-violence. The management of authorities, activities of inmates and their relationships with each other work hand in hand in the success of a correctional facility as an organization. In effect, there will be an assurance of improvement after sentence, hence, the betterment of values of ex-detainees/ convicts. This shall further lessen crime rates, the possibility of ex-

inmates going back to their old ways and fortification of public safety. Glossary of Terms 1) Penitentiary/ Correctional facility - a place in which people are physically confined and, usually, deprived of a range of personal freedoms 2) Prison where people convicted of crime are incarcerated 3) Jail place for people awaiting trial 4) Culture - a way of living in an organization that involve morale, attitudes and levels of productivity 5) Structure -rules and resources members use to create and sustain a system as well as to guide their behaviors 6) Structuration production, reproduction and transformation of social environments through rules and resources in relationships 7) Detainee a person confined in jail and awaiting trial 8) Trustee - Detainees that are trusted and given special tasks by the guards that can be accomplished around the compound and outside the area of the cells.

Resources

Fieldwork in Rizal Penitentiary

West, R., & Turner, L. (2009).Introducing communication: analysis and application . (4 ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.

Littlejohn, S., & Foss, K. (2004).Theories of human communication. (8 ed., pp. 236-239). Wadsworth Publishing.

Littlejohn, S., & Foss, K. (2004).Theories of human communication. (8 ed., pp. 268-271). Wadsworth Publishing.

Prison. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prison Jail vs prison. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.diffen.com/difference/Jail_vs_Prison

The official site of rizal provincial jail. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.rizalprovince.gov.ph/ prov-jail.htm

JAILBREAK
An in-depth study of a correctional facility structure and culture

Ma. Nica Francesca R. Mandilag Juan Roberto B. Ramos COMMUNICATIONS 11 SECTION C Mr. Jaime Flores

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