with directed, supervised functions designed to relieve prisoners of their anxieties and aid in
successful correctional treatment.
3. The purpose of the recreational and welfare program, therefore, is to occupy the prisoner's
limited amount of leisure time with constructive activities that allow the prisoner time to relax
and pursue individual interests. As a result of these activities, most prisoners adjust to
confinement quickly, increasing the possibility of a successful correctional treatment program.
Prisoners should be encouraged to develop further off-duty interests that will occupy their leisure
time with constructive activities and better prepare them for return to military duty or civilian
life.
4. A comprehensive recreational and welfare program should be established to provide, guide,
and direct leisure activities for all prisoners. The program should include provisions for
participation in educational programs and physical recreational facilities. It should provide
magazines, books, radios, televisions, and hobby shops. Other facilities and equipment should
be added as they become available. In cases in which mentally deficient prisoners (low IQ) are
involved, the mental hygiene service should be consulted for appropriate recreational activities
for these prisoners. The participation of prisoners in recreational activities is not limited except
that prisoners in disciplinary segregation may not participate. They are, however, permitted to
benefit from welfare programs. Those prisoners in administrative segregation, even though in
close confinement, should not be limited in their participation in all activities of the program.
5. Recreational activities should be available to prisoners on a regular basis. The organized
participation of prisoners in recreational activities improves the effectiveness of the correctional
treatment program by helping reduce prisoner tensions developed under the stress of
confinement.
6. Organized competitive athletics such as volleyball, softball, touch football, and similar sports
that call for team effort should be made available. These activities aid in the bodily development
and physical well-being of prisoners. They also aid in the development of acceptable social
attitudes and adjustment to the military way of life. Those sports involving teams must also be
supervised to prevent clashes among prisoners due to loss of temper. The following agencies are
sources of equipment for use in athletic programs:
a. Special services may provide athletic equipment and material.
b. The post engineer provides recreational facilities and installs athletic equipment.
7. Skills and interests may be developed through hobbies such as work with leather, plastic,
metal, and wood. These are wholesome tension-reducing activities and are limited only by the
availability of facilities, resources, and imagination of the confinement facility staff. As with all
tools and materials, those used for hobbies must be strictly controlled when not in use. Hobby
material may be obtained through the installation special services activity.
8. Dayroom facilities should be made available to all prisoners, with the exception of those in
disciplinary segregation. It should be tastefully furnished and decorated to present a relaxed and
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