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An Assessment of Supermax Prisons Using an Evaluation Research Framework

Florida State University, Tallahassee, dmears{at}fsu.edu

In recent years, states have invested heavily in supermaximum (supermax) security prisons, yet critical questions about them remain unaddressed. In this article, the author examines these prisons through an evaluation research framework, focusing on five questions: (a) Are supermaxes needed? (b) Do they rest on sound theory? (c) Are they typically implemented as intended? (d) Do they achieve their intended goals (i.e., impacts)? (e) Are they cost-efficient? This article argues that investigation of each question reveals substantial research gaps that raise significant questions about whether supermaxes are warranted, effective, or efficient. It then discusses a range of research and policy implications.

Key Words: supermax • prison evaluation • impacts • effectiveness

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