Controlling Tuberculosis in Community Corrections

This Research in Action presents an overview of tuberculosis as a criminal justice and public health issue and discusses the particular problem of TB in community corrections. It reports on six examples of TB control efforts in community corrections and summarizes some of the problems and benefits that can be expected. Special attention is given to inmates released on parole, but the policies and strategies discussed can be tailored to other community corrections settings. Challenges to establishing effective interagency cooperation include differences in perceptions of roles and responsibilities between justice and public health agencies. However, where effective TB control programs already exist in community corrections agencies, health departments have been key players; they have provided training and other educational materials, screening and treatment services.