The Prison Journal recent issues

When Actions and Attitude Count Most: Assessing Perceived Level of Responsibility and Support for Inmate Treatment and Rehabilitation Programs Among Correctional Employees

Antonio, M. E., Young, J. L., Wingeard, L. M. — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:06:37 PST

In July 2006, the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections began delivering a 2-hour training session titled "Reinforcing Positive Behavior" (RPB). Findings from an attitude survey showed that the training was effective for changing staff attitudes and awareness about inmate treatment and rehabilitative programs. Specific findings revealed that correctional officers, when compared with treatment staff, were less concerned about showing inmates respect and also minimized the impact of their own actions on inmate behavior and rehabilitation efforts. Policy implications and recommendations for improving the RPB training and for furthering data collection efforts during basic orientation and inside the state institutions will be discussed.

Projecting Felony Intakes to the Justice System

Martinez, P. E. — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:06:37 PST

Prison populations in this country continue to increase even during a period of decline in the crime rate. There is a need for a model that simulates how offenders are admitted, how they move in and out of the system, and how capable it is of answering "what if " type of questions. For example, what impact would it have on the prison system population if there was a policy that would result in an increase in the parole revocation rate for administrative violations? This article presents a methodology to forecast correctional admissions. Projected admissions are derived by separately projecting felony probation placements, direct court prison commitments, and felony probation and parole revocation to prison.

A Profile of Paroling Authorities in America: The Strange Bedfellows of Politics and Professionalism

Paparozzi, M. A., Caplan, J. M. — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:06:38 PST

The use of discretionary decision making in parole has been the subject of much criticism over the past three decades. Whether it is either discretionary decision making per se or the context within which such decisions are made that is problematic is unknown. This article captures a profile of how paroling authorities are organized, how their members are appointed, and the work experience, training, and credential requirements that underpin the appointment process. The importance of the relationship between professionalism and discretionary decision making is discussed. Recommendations are made for future studies addressing the relationship between professional qualifications of paroling authority members and parole outcomes.

Intermediate Sanctions in Probation Officers' Sentencing Recommendations: Consistency, Net Widening, and Net Repairing

Homant, R. J., DeMercurio, M. A. — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:06:38 PST

To explore the role of intermediate sanctions in probation officers’ sentencing recommendations, 30 actual felony cases were selected. These cases were then randomly assigned to 10 probation officers who were experienced in writing pre-sentence investigations. Each officer reviewed a total of 9 cases; this gave a total of 90 ratings, with each case rated by three probation officers. Each officer expressed his or her preference for either a standard prison term, regular probation, or one of three intermediate sanctions: boot camp, intensive probation, and a split sentence (60 days jail followed by probation). Data showed that probation officers were in substantial agreement in their recommendations for a given case, but there were consistent differences among the probation officers, with some showing a consistent tendency toward leniency and others toward severity. The intermediate sanctions were used consistently, in that they were seen as less severe than a prison term and more severe than standard probation. In 61 of the 90 ratings, an intermediate sanction was the first choice of the rater. In 44 of these cases, the next choice was standard probation, suggesting that the intermediate sanction served a net widening (or net repairing) function; in 17 cases the next choice was prison, suggesting that the intermediate sanction served to divert from (standard) incarceration.

Officer Perceptions of Risk of Contracting HIV/AIDS in Prison: A Two-State Comparison

Alarid, L. F., Marquart, J. W. — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:06:38 PST

A theme of the late modernity perspective as applied to prisons is maximizing safety and minimizing risk in the face of an uncertain work environment. Correctional officers in two states were surveyed about how their knowledge of HIV relates to their perceptions of risk. Officers who knew less about HIV, had less formal education, feared contact with prisoners known to be HIV positive, and who viewed prisoner tattooing, intravenous drug use, and sex as common at the unit in which they worked were more likely to perceive a higher risk of contracting HIV on the job.

Problems at Work: Exploring the Correlates of Role Stress Among Correctional Staff

Lambert, E. G., Hogan, N. L., Tucker, K. A. — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:06:38 PST

There is a large body of literature that strongly suggests that role stress is harmful to correctional staff. Past research has found that role stress is linked to lower job satisfaction, lower organizational commitment, greater job stress, and intention to quit. The bulk of the literature has looked at the consequences of role stress; this study examined the potential antecedents of role stress for correctional staff. While controlling for the shared effects of the personal characteristics of gender, age, position, tenure, educational level, race, and supervisory status, this study examined whether different aspects of the work environment (i.e., input into decision making, supervision, formalization, integration, job performance, and instrumental communication) were linked to role stress using survey data of correctional staff at a Midwestern prison. Ordinary least squares multiple regression analysis indicated that the personal characteristics of position and tenure had statistically significant associations with role stress. Specifically, noncustody staff and staff with higher tenure reported greater role stress than custody staff and staff with less tenure. With regard to the work environment variables, input into decision making, supervision, formalization, integration, and instrumental communication all had a significant negative relationship with role stress, whereas job performance feedback did not.

Survey of Jail Visitors About Visitation Policies

Sturges, J. E., Al-Khattar, A. M. — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:06:38 PST

Little has been written about policies affecting the public who visit jails. As the number of jail inmates increases, many offenders’ families are affected. For the majority, their first contact with the criminal justice system might be by visiting an inmate in jail. This study measured the levels of visitors’ understanding and satisfaction with visitation policies at two county jails in a northeastern state. A total of 281 visitors from two county jails completed the surveys. Data from this study revealed that—to meet the needs of the visitors—attention should be given to methods of visiting, jail staff training, dissemination of visitation policies, and conditions of inmate incarceration. By addressing these issues, problems that visitors encounter while visiting inmates may be lessened, and their concerns about inmates may be decreased. These changes may lead to more amenable interactions between visitors and jail staff during visitation.

But Some of Them Don't Come Back (to Prison!): Resource Deprivation and Thinking Errors as Determinants of Parole Success and Failure

Bucklen, K. B., Zajac, G. — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 13:08:30 PDT

This article reports on a study of the causes and correlates of parole success and failure in Pennsylvania. Surveys, interviews, and focus groups were conducted with parole violators and parole successes. Data were collected on employment, housing, social relations, supervision, and parolees’ responses to parole challenges. The primary correlates of parole failure were found to be antisocial attitudes, poor problem-solving and coping skills, and unrealistic expectations about life after release from prison. Contrary to expectations, this study found little evidence that job acquisition or housing were significant parole challenges. The greatest problem for parolees was managing themselves in a prosocial manner while facing demands from their environment.

The Impact of Juvenile Inmates' Perceptions and Facility Characteristics on Victimization in Juvenile Correctional Facilities

Kupchik, A., Snyder, R. B. — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 13:08:30 PDT

In this study, the authors analyze data on juvenile correctional facilities from the Performance-based Standards for Youth Correction and Detention Facilities project to predict victimization and fear among individual juvenile inmates. The authors estimate multilevel models using both facility and individual level factors. Their results depart from prior research efforts, which have focused primarily on either an importation or a deprivation model for explaining facility misconduct. In contrast, the authors find evidence of a third model that merges individual- and facility-level variables to consider individual youth’s perceptions of facility rules and practices. They find that the best predictors of victimization are youths’ understanding of facility rules as well as their perceptions of school quality and staff helpfulness.

Looking Back 10 Years After the Arbour Inquiry: Ideology, Policy, Practice, and the Federal Female Prisoner

Dell, C. A., Fillmore, C. J., Kilty, J. M. — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 13:08:30 PDT

The decade of the 1990s can be marked as one of major dissension, conflict, and change within federal corrections for women in Canada. In this article, the authors reflect back on this period of time by examining the correctional ideologies, policies, and practices that were operating in the Canadian federal prison for women. Finding these policies and practices to be inherently gendered and punitive in nature, it is argued that punishment was at the time and continues to be the cornerstone of the regulation of women prisoners, and that it takes a specific, gendered form that relies on the deployment of traditional patriarchal conceptions of femininity. Drawing on interviews with correctional personnel and analyses of correctional policies and the Arbour Inquiry transcripts, this article reconstructs Correctional Service of Canada’s (CSC) responses to incarcerated women’s "unfeminine" behavior, specifically women’s self-harming behavior and their violence against others, as overly disciplinary. It is proposed that CSC’s ideological foundation, as well as the practices and policies that were operating both at the time of and following the incident at the Kingston Prison for Women that resulted in the Arbour Inquiry, remain deeply entrenched in an oppressive hierarchical structure of gender inequality. This structure fails to question how traditional conceptions of femininity shape policies and practices. It has also aided in the construction of a new genre of "misbehaved" women in corrections, which in turn has been used to justify the harsh regulatory treatment of federally sentenced women. Without challenging its traditional gender ideologies, CSC is unable to offer any alternatives to its punitive practices, which continue to operate.

Racial and Ethnic Recidivism Risks: A Comparison of Postincarceration Rearrest, Reconviction, and Reincarceration Among White, Black, and Hispanic Releasees

McGovern, V., Demuth, S., Jacoby, J. E. — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 13:08:30 PDT

Despite a large and rapidly growing Hispanic population in the United States, few researchers have attempted to examine what happens to Hispanic offenders once they have been released from criminal justice control. The present study helps fill this gap by examining differences in the likelihood of recidivism between White, Black, and Hispanic prison releasees using three different recidivism measures: rearrest, reconviction, and reincarceration. The authors use Bureau of Justice Statistics data that track a cohort of offenders for 3 years after their release in 1994 from state and federal prisons. Overall, the study findings show that White releasees have the lowest levels of recidivism and Black releasees have the highest levels of recidivism, net of important legal factors associated with recidivism risk; Hispanic recidivism levels are between those of White and Black releasees. Any conclusions drawn about the relative recidivism risk of Hispanic releasees vis-à-vis Black and White releasees must, however, consider how recidivism is measured. The study finds that Hispanic rearrest and reconviction levels more closely mirror those of Whites, but Hispanic reincarceration levels are more similar to those of Blacks. The authors discuss these findings in light of a growing body of research suggesting that Hispanic defendants may face more punitive outcomes relative to similarly situated White (and even Black) defendants at various stages of the criminal case process because they are perceived as more blameworthy and a greater threat to public safety than other defendants.

Exercise and the Low-Security Inmate: Changes in Depression, Stress, and Anxiety

Buckaloo, B. J., Krug, K. S., Nelson, K. B. — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 13:08:30 PDT

Exercise has a history of alleviating depression, stress, and anxiety in various populations, but research into its effects on low-security prison inmates is limited. Inmates who were exercising or not exercising prior to the beginning of the study completed the Beck Depression Inventory II, Life Experiences Survey, and Daily Hassles Survey. Those who performed aerobic or anaerobic exercise scored significantly lower on the Beck Depression Inventory II and Life Experiences Survey than the inmates who did not exercise. Current charges were the only significant predictor of group membership. The authors conclude that the lower levels of depression, stress, and anxiety seen among the inmates suggest that exercise is a coping strategy to deal with incarceration.

Applying the Risk Principle to Sex Offenders: Can Treatment Make Some Sex Offenders Worse?

Lovins, B., Lowenkamp, C. T., Latessa, E. J. — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 13:08:30 PDT

The risk principle states that higher risk offenders should receive more intensive services, whereas lower risk offenders should receive less intensive services. However, the criminal justice system routinely ignores the risk principle for sex offenders and treats them all the same with little regard for level of risk. This article explores the effects of different levels of treatment intensity on 238 sexual offenders who are on parole. The findings suggest that the risk principle does, in fact, apply to sexual offenders.

Inmate Assaults on Prison Staff: A Multilevel Examination of an Overlooked Form of Prison Violence

Lahm, K. F. — Thu, 07 May 2009 11:04:38 PDT

Most of the extant literature on prison violence has explored inmate-on-inmate assaultive behaviors rather than inmate-on-staff assaults. In addition, the bulk of this past literature considered only one level of an analysis, the inmate or the prison, while ignoring the importance of prison context on inmate behavior. This study enhances past research by combining both inmate- and prison-level data into a multilevel model predicting the likelihood of inmate-on-staff assaults. Self-report data from more than 1,000 inmates and 30 prisons revealed that, at the inmate level, age and aggression were the most robust predictors of inmate-on-staff assaults. In terms of contextual effects, inmates housed in prisons with a greater proportion of non-White inmates and a larger staff-to-inmate ratio were more likely to assault prison staff members. Policy implications and suggestions for future research are discussed.

The First Dime: A Decade of Convict Criminology

Jones, R. S., Ross, J. I., Richards, S. C., Murphy, D. S. — Thu, 07 May 2009 11:04:38 PDT

This article discusses the historical origins of Convict Criminology (CC); intellectual legacy of CC; organization of the CC group; allies in the CC struggle; recent activities of the CC group; impact of CC on the study of jails, prisons, and community corrections; and the authors' future plans. Thus, the focus of this article is on taking stock of the development of CC and identifying the accomplishments to date.

Type, Source, and Patterns of Physical Victimization: A Comparison of Male and Female Inmates

Wolff, N., Shi, J. — Thu, 07 May 2009 11:04:38 PDT

Remarkably little is known about the type, source, and patterns of physical victimization inside prison and less is known about whether differences in victimization exist between male and female inmates. This article explores the type, source, and patterns of physical victimization as reported by approximately 7,000 male and 560 female inmates. Respondents completed survey questions about seven types of physical victimization and two perpetrator sources (inmate and staff). These data show similarities and differences in patterns of victimization between male and female inmates and provide a rich description of victimization inside prison and its relationship to feeling safe there.

Validating the Level of Service Inventory--Revised and the Level of Service Inventory: Screening Version With a Sample of Probationers

Lowenkamp, C. T., Lovins, B., Latessa, E. J. — Thu, 07 May 2009 11:04:38 PDT

Level of risk is proving to be an important characteristic in effectively serving offender populations. A major limitation to the use of risk assessments is agency resources. There are several screening instruments available that could significantly decrease the amount of resources that are needed to assess for risk. This article assesses the effectiveness of the Level of Service Inventory: Screening Version on 483 probationers in a western state resulting in a 2% false-positive rate. Policy implications are explored and suggestions for future research offered.

Rethinking the Link Between Institutional Crowding and Inmate Misconduct

Steiner, B., Wooldredge, J. — Thu, 07 May 2009 11:04:38 PDT

Studies of prison crowding effects on inmate misconduct have produced anomalous findings, perhaps because of the cross-study differences in research methods. Different methods are important for several goals of scientific inquiry, but there are advantages to adopting similar approaches when studying a policy-relevant question. A cross-section of studies is reviewed toward the end of providing a strategy for more uniform research on the topic. Of primary interest are (a) operationalization of concepts; (b) underlying explanations for possible effects of crowding on misconduct; (c) the direct, indirect, and conditioning effects of crowding on misconduct; and (d) the bi-level nature of the crowding—misconduct relationship.

Special Issue Reflections: The History of Prisons and Punishment

DiMascio, W. — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 14:38:25 PST

Introduction: The Special Issue on the History of Prisons and Punishment

Fisher-Giorlando, M. — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 14:38:25 PST

Evolving Function: Early Use of Imprisonment as Punishment

Johnston, N. — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 14:38:25 PST

This article explores the usages of imprisonment, both de facto and de jure, from its earliest recorded use 3,000 years ago down to recent times. Early scattered use, unreflected in the statutes, was followed by houses of correction for minor offenders and later, displacing capital punishment, for major crimes. Serious reform in England and Pennsylvania and the subsequent battle between two systems developed in Pennsylvania and New York states and their ultimate demise are described. The origins of special prisons for women, youth, and other categories are traced, and early prison labor and schooling are described.

A Historical Review of Mother and Child Programs for Incarcerated Women

Craig, S. C. — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 14:38:25 PST

Programs for incarcerated mothers and their children have received little scholarly attention over the years. This article presents a historical review and discussion of programs for incarcerated mothers and their children in the United States. Recurring themes in the history of these programs include the pervasive effects of race and class, the state's attempt to regulate and control women's minds and bodies, and the persistent dilemmas posed by the presence of mothers in prison. The article begins with an examination of historical influences from England and continues with an overview of programs in the United States from the early 1800s to the present. A discussion and recommendations for further research are provided.

"Hell Exploded": Prisoner Music and Memoir and the Fall of Convict Leasing in Texas

Perkinson, R. — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 14:38:25 PST

This article examines the role of prisoner self-expression in destabilizing the harshest penal regime in American history, convict leasing, which developed more extensively in Texas than in any other state. In particular, it analyzes African American work songs and turn-of-the-century convict autobiographies written mainly by Whites. It argues that prisoner criticisms influenced free-world leasing opponents and that convict resentment thereafter complicated postleasing reform efforts. In the tradition of anti-institutional prison sociologists, the article suggests that reform-oriented prisons often have difficulty maintaining order because their newly expectant inmates desire release over rehabilitation.

The Rotten Barrel Spoils the Apples: How Situational Factors Contribute to Detention Officer Abuse Toward Inmates: A Review of The Lucifer Effect, by Philip Zimbardo

Lurigio, A. J. — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 14:38:25 PST

This article reviews The Lucifer Effect, a fascinating and incisive book by Phillip Zimbardo, a professor emeritus at Stanford University. The book is a multilayered and compelling treatise about the malleability of human nature and the utter rapidity with which it can change from civility to malevolence. Lying at the heart of the volume is a painstaking chronology of the Stanford Prison Experiment, a case study that illustrates the overriding "power of the situation" to transform "good citizens" into "evil doers." The book's most valuable contributions are the parallels Zimbardo draws between the experiment and the Abu Ghraib atrocities. This underscore the timelessness of the insights generated in his laboratory that went unheeded in Iraq because of systemic and situational forces that compelled young men and women of the military to engage in wanton acts of abuse and torture. The author extracts from The Lucifer Effect seven enduring lessons for America's prison administrators.

The Evolution of Community Corrections: The Enduring Influence of the Prison

Wodahl, E. J., Garland, B. — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 14:38:25 PST

Community corrections has grown into a salient component of the correctional system. This article traces the growth and development of community-based sanctions in the United States. The authors assert that the evolution of community corrections has largely been shaped by its enduring relationship with the prison. Thus, it is not possible to fully comprehend the evolution of community-based corrections without considering the influence of the institutions. As such, this article documents the development and durability of community corrections by focusing on their unique and dynamic relationship with the prison.