Shock Incarceration Program
The South Carolina Department of Corrections is charged by law with the responsibility for establishing a program for young offenders that is an alternative to traditional incarceration and that successfully diverts them from prison and further criminal activity. Corrections has developed a 90-day Shock Incarceration Program where participants are involved in an intensive curriculum of discipline, work, strenuous physical activities, education and other programs. Shock Incarceration is designed to instill the offender with self-discipline, a positive attitude, good values and behavior.PLACEMENT
In order for a male or female offender to be placed in the Shock Incarceration Program, the sentencing judge must “Court Order” a 15-day evaluation to determine medical, emotional and psychological suitability.
ELIGIBILITY
Offenders ordered to participate must:
- Be 17 to 29 years of age upon admission to the South Carolina Department of Corrections
- Be eligible for parole in two years or less (Eight year maximum incarcerative or suspended sentence)
- Not be convicted of a violent offense or a “no parole offense”
- Be serving a first time commitment in a state correctional facility – (no prior commitments over 90 days)
- Be physically and mentally suitable
MISSION
Discipline, positive attitudes, values and behavior are the goals established for Shock Incarceration. In this 90-day program, Shock participants are involved in an intensive program of discipline, work, strenuous physical activities and programs.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
Daily physical training includes early morning calisthenics, which are routinely charted to measure accomplishment, and military drill to develop teamwork and cooperation.
WORK
Seven hours each weekday are devoted to meaningful work both on and off the South Carolina Department of Corrections property. Labor crews provide maintenance of community parks, buildings and grounds, storm clean up and renovation work to local and state governments.
EDUCATION
Education is of major importance to any program dealing with young offenders. In Shock Incarceration, education is mandatory. Three hours of each day are devoted to structured classroom activities with additional time allotted for supervised study. Non-high school graduates are aided in preparation for the High School Equivalency Certificate testing, and graduates are involved in remedial work in weak areas.
PROGRAMS
Programs provided for males and females address common issues such as:
- self-esteem
- anger management
- substance abuse
- parenting
- AIDS
- AA groups
- leisure skills and more
Pre-release groups deal with life-skills topics such as:
- money management
- job-seeking/keeping skills
- communication skills
DISCIPLINE
Every aspect of daily activities is controlled through discipline. Living areas are cleaned daily and personal hygiene is stringently enforced. Work assignments, classes, even meals are structured to instill personal restraint, cooperation and respect for others. In doing so, self-esteem is raised and the ability to work closely and rely on others is reinforced.
VISITS AND TELEPHONE CALLS
Visits are held at the end of each month, which is based on behavior and performance. Telephone calls are given at the end of the first month and on weekends thereafter.
RELEASE
Upon completion of the mandatory 90 days, inmates are automatically paroled and supervised in the community for the remainder of their sentences. In all cases, even with Youthful Offenders with indeterminate sentences, this program will save time in a traditional incarcerative setting. Supervision is provided by parole agents from the Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services.
GRADUATION
Scheduled graduations allow for family, friends, and staff to visit the Drill and Ceremony performed by the inmates. Awards and recognition of accomplishments are also presented at this time.
All of these efforts are supported by professionals in the field, volunteers and the South Carolina Department of Corrections Staff.
Graduates often echo the thoughts expressed in this letter:
"I think Shock Incarceration is a great alternative to prison... The more you put into something good, the more you get out of that good thing. So what if they make you do pushups and other exercises? That's not to hurt you, it's to help you build yourself physically. So what if they make you go to school, which to me is one of the finer points of being at Shock. That builds you mentally... Shock teaches and gives you respect, discipline, determination, motivation, and a lot more. And, oh, the staff here cares, 'cause if they didn't, I would've been gone a long time ago."
FOR INFORMATION
If you wish additional information concerning this program, please write:
Kathy B. Thompson, Director
Division of Young Offender Services
Shock Incarceration Branch
S.C. Department of Corrections
Post Office Box 21787
Columbia, SC 29221-1787
(803) 896-1856 or 896-1772