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Date: April 29, 2024 Mon

Time: 9:15 pm

Results for prisoner misconduct

27 results found

Author: Sturgis, Paul W.

Title: Faith Behind Bars: The Social Ecology of Religion and Deviance in the Penitentiary

Summary: The relationship between religiosity and institutional misconduct among prison inmates is examined using survey data collected from a large sample of state and federal prison inmates in the United States. It was determined that religiosity was not significantly related to institutional misconduct on the individual level. In addition, aggregate level religiosity did not influence the individual level relationship between religiosity and misconduct. The theoretical implications of this line of research are also discussed.

Details: Columbia, MO: University of Missouri-Columbia, 2008. 84p.

Source: Internet Resource: Dissertation: Accessed December 7, 2010 at: https://mospace.umsystem.edu/xmlui/bitstream/handle/10355/5526/research.pdf?sequence=3

Year: 2008

Country: United States

URL: https://mospace.umsystem.edu/xmlui/bitstream/handle/10355/5526/research.pdf?sequence=3

Shelf Number: 120405

Keywords:
Inmates
Prisoner Misconduct
Religion

Author: Fleck, Angela Marie

Title: Is Institutional Sexual Misconduct Predictive of Sexual Recidivism Amongst Male Sex Offenders?

Summary: There has been a large body of research conducted on establishing a valid set of predictors of sexual offender recidivism in the past 20 years. However, despite findings that indicate that prior history of sexual offenses serves as a primary predictor of sexual offense recidivism, there has been little focus on the impact of institutional sexual misconduct on sexual offense recidivism rates. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between institutional sexual behavior and sexual offense recidivism rates amongst a sample of male offenders who received a sexual misconduct report while incarcerated and/or was convicted of a sexual offense. Additionally, this study explored whether instances of institutional sexual misconduct added to the variance accounted for by actuarial measures commonly used in Sexually Violent Predator Civil Commitment evaluation procedures. Results revealed that there is little association between sexual offense recidivism rates and receipt of institutional sexual conduct reports unless an offender is issued multiple sexual conduct reports during the same period of incarceration. Additionally, the actuarial measures used in the study were not found to be predictive of sexual offense recidivism. Implications for conducting Sexually Violent Predator Civil Commitment evaluations, identifying institutional sexual offender treatment needs, and identifying community supervision practices are discussed, and future research directions are proposed.

Details: Milwaukee, WI: Marquette University, 2011. 123p.

Source: Internet Resource: Dissertation: Accessed April 3, 2012 at: http://epublications.marquette.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1128&context=dissertations_mu

Year: 2011

Country: United States

URL: http://epublications.marquette.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1128&context=dissertations_mu

Shelf Number: 124806

Keywords:
Prediction
Prisoner Misconduct
Recidivism
Sex Offenders

Author: Ternes, Marguerite

Title: An Examination of the Effectiveness of the National Substance Abuse Program Moderate Intensity (NSAP-M) on Institutional Adjustment and Post-Release Outcomes

Summary: What it means The findings suggest that the National Substance Abuse Program - Moderate Intensity (NSAP-M) reduced the risks associated with substance use and criminality. The offenders with partial exposure to the program showed the poorest outcomes with respect to return to custody. The results also demonstrate the value of participating in community maintenance even with limited exposure to NSAP-M. Unfortunately, only a small percentage of offenders participated in community aftercare. What we found The occurrence of institutional misconduct was not significantly reduced by NSAP-M participation. Offenders who fully completed NSAP-M were as likely to engage in serious institutional misconduct as offenders who failed to complete all sessions of the program or offenders who had been assigned to NSAP-M but who had not enrolled in the program. Offenders who completed NSAP-M were less likely to be readmitted to prison during the 24-month follow-up period. In fact, offenders who partially completed were 25% more likely to return to prison compared to those who completed NSAP-M. The Not Enrolled group did not differ from program completers in likelihood of returning to custody. At the end of the 2 year follow-up period, 52% of both the Complete and Not Enrolled groups remained in the community, compared to 39% of the Incomplete group. When participation in the National Maintenance Substance Abuse Program delivered in the community and release type were considered, the association between NSAP-M and return to custody was no longer significant, suggesting that release type and community aftercare may be key variables in the pathway between program exposure and returning to custody. Overall, offenders who did not participate in community aftercare were 41% more likely to return to custody than those who had some exposure to the program; offenders who were released on a non-discretionary basis were 53% more likely to return to custody. Why we did this study Ensuring the safety and security of staff and offenders within the institution environment and the safe reintegration offenders into the community are key priorities of Correctional Service Canada (CSC). Correctional interventions can help address offender behavior associated with criminal activity. Given that 80% of the federal offender population has a substance use problem, it is imperative that effective substance abuse interventions are available to these offenders. The current study examined the effectiveness of NSAP-M in addressing the needs of federally incarcerated male offenders who have an identified substance abuse problem. What we did The study examined the effect of NSAP-M on institutional misconduct and return to custody. The study sample consisted of 8,121 male offenders who had accessed NSAP-M between June 2004 and December 2009.

Details: Ottawa: Correctional Service of Canada, 2014. 63p.

Source: Internet Resource: Research Report R-291: Accessed September 12, 2014 at: http://www.csc-scc.gc.ca/research/005008-0291-eng.shtml

Year: 2014

Country: Canada

URL: http://www.csc-scc.gc.ca/research/005008-0291-eng.shtml

Shelf Number: 133297

Keywords:
Correctional Programs
Drug Abuse and Addiction
Drug Offenders
Inmates
Prisoner Aftercare
Prisoner Misconduct
Substance Abuse Treatment (Canada)
Treatment Programs

Author: Johnson, Sara

Title: Assessing the Impact of Enhanced Drug Interdiction Activities at Kingston Penitentiary: A Pilot Study

Summary: Beginning in January 2009, Kingston Penitentiary introduced substantial changes to its drug interdiction activities under a three-phased Drug Interdiction and Contraband Eradication (DICE) initiative. Some of these changes included the introduction of random drug interdiction "blitz" days, changes to the protocol for community gatherings at the institution, enhanced enforcement of urinalysis policy/procedures and educating visitors and inmates about the effects of drugs in a prison setting. The aim of the DICE was to maintain a safe environment for both staff and inmates through the coordination of activities to stop the introduction of drugs into the prison. The purpose of the current report was to examine the operational impact of the DICE activities with respect to alcohol, drug and security-related measures, as well as visiting practices. In order to achieve this, pre- to post- DICE comparisons were conducted on a variety of variables including contraband/unauthorized items seized, drug dog search results, urinalysis results, institutional incidents and attendance at visits and community gatherings. In addition, where possible, the same indicators were examined over a similar timeframe at another maximum security institution in the Ontario region (Millhaven Institution) that was not subjected to enhanced interdiction activities. While a slight decrease in the rate of positive results for random urinalysis testing was observed at Kingston Penitentiary pre- to post-DICE, a large decline in the refusal rate was noted (24% to 11%). This decrease followed a strict enforcement of the CSC policy that positive test results and refusals to provide urine samples are subject to equal disciplinary consequences, modifications to correctional plans, employment opportunities, and visits. In addition, a shift in the type of drugs for which offenders tested positive was observed pre- to post-DICE, with fewer inmates testing positive for THC and cocaine metabolites and more testing positive for Opiates A and Methadone metabolites1. Increases in the number of alcohol/drug-related incidents also occurred after the implementation of DICE. Regarding contraband items, an increase in seizures for all types of alcohol/drugs and alcohol/drug-related paraphernalia was observed following the augmented searching that occurred through the DICE initiative. The exceptions were brew/alcohol and cannabis, which remained stable. The results also suggested that there were broader operational impacts of the increased searching. For example, there was an increase in the number of weapons seized pre- to post-DICE3. The combined effect of all of the elements of the DICE initiative may be reflected in other results. For example, the number of institutional incidents related to disciplinary problems showed a large decline, from a monthly average of 37.4 to 16.64. In addition, the number of institutional incidents and disciplinary charges involving fights and assaults5 increased from a monthly average of 6.2 pre-DICE to 8.3 in the post-DICE period. During the same timeframe, no changes in the number of requests for protective custody were observed. The results for visiting practices pre- to post-DICE were mixed. When accounting for visits that were cancelled, there was only a marginal decrease (3.4%) in the number of visits that occurred following the implementation of DICE in comparison to the pre-DICE period. However when examining the number of inmates and visitors attending community gatherings, these numbers declined by 41% for inmates and by 51% for visitors pre- to post-DICE. Furthermore, the percent of visits that were denied increased three-fold and the percent of special visits (i.e., noncontact visits or designated seating visits) increased five-fold. The percent of visits that were suspended did not change pre- to post-DICE implementation. Taken together, these results suggest some positive impacts of the DICE initiative in relation to drug trafficking and drug use, as well as additional positive operational impacts such as an increase in the seizures of weapons and a decrease in institutional incidents related to disciplinary problems. However, possible negative post-DICE consequences include an increase in fights and assaults and an increase in positive urinalysis results for Opiates A and Methadone. It should be noted that many of these results also occurred at the comparison site, Millhaven Institution, but often to a lesser degree. Therefore the findings at Kingston Penitentiary may not have been a result of the impact of the DICE initiative alone. The findings of this study should be interpreted with caution due to methodological shortcomings (i.e., lack of a controlled research design, inconsistent recording of information, and small number of observations for some variables). As a result of these limitations, it is suggested that the next step for research in this area would be to conduct a study implementing increased drug interdiction activities in a more controlled and monitored manner at multiple sites, with measurement occurring prior to, during, and following implementation.

Details: Ottawa: Correctional Service of Canada, 2010. 70p.

Source: Internet Resource: Research Report No. R-232: Accessed September 27, 2014 at: http://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/lbrr/archives/cn21418-eng.pdf

Year: 2010

Country: Canada

URL: http://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/lbrr/archives/cn21418-eng.pdf

Shelf Number: 133427

Keywords:
Drug Detection
Drug Interdiction
Prison Contraband (Canada)
Prisoner Misconduct
Urinalysis

Author: Paquin-Marseille, Lysiane

Title: Review of the Prison Crowding and Double-Bunking Literature

Summary: A number of Canadian criminal justice organizations, including Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) have linked prison crowding and double-bunking with safety concerns for other offenders, correctional staff, and the public. This report reviews the literature on the association between crowding and offender outcomes, with a focus on institutional misconduct. By understanding if issues, such as institutional misconduct, can possibly develop from an increase in the offender population, CSC can implement effective strategies to reduce the effects on offenders and staff. Institutional crowding can be viewed from two common perspectives. An institutional-level measure of crowding, or population density, is the most common perspective taken. Alternatively, an individual-level perspective can be taken which views crowding as a perceived constraint by the individual. These varying perspectives, in addition to a range of methodologies used, have led to conflicting results on the relationship between crowding and institutional misconduct. Several meta-analyses have been conducted to provide a summary of the results, and they generally conclude there is a small effect of crowding on institutional misconduct. Nonetheless, there may be impacts in other areas such as offenders' levels of stress; therefore, strategies should be developed and implemented to effectively deal with the changing offender population and the potential for increased crowding that may occur. CSC has several accommodation strategies in place to deal with the increases in the offender population, many of which are also practised by other countries experiencing increasing offender populations. One short-term strategy used by all the countries included in the review is double-bunking (i.e., assigning two offenders to an accommodation space originally intended for one). Currently, the limited research that exists indicates that double-bunking may be associated with negative outcomes such as higher illness complaints, higher perceived crowding of the environment, and higher rates of non-aggressive infractions. However, research also demonstrates that double-bunking can be implemented without an increase in risk to offenders or staff, if implemented properly. Policies such as maintaining the current level of services offered and matching offenders prior to double-bunking is one method to ensure risk stays at a minimum. This can involve the use of an assessment tool that helps to structure the correctional staff's evaluation, and ensures all the relevant factors are considered when deciding which offenders would be best paired together. In light of the current evidence, it is important that CSC continue to consider and plan to address the potential effects of crowding and double-bunking when developing strategies to handle potential increases in the offender population. Furthermore, prospective research should be done to evaluate the effectiveness of the strategies CSC develops and to help guide future policy.

Details: Ottawa: Correctional Service of Canada, 2012. 50p.

Source: Internet Resource: Research Report No. R-266: Accessed September 27, 2014 at: http://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/lbrr/archives/cn21510-eng.pdf

Year: 2012

Country: Canada

URL: http://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/lbrr/archives/cn21510-eng.pdf

Shelf Number: 133428

Keywords:
Double-Bunking
Prison Crowding
Prison Overcrowding (Canada)
Prisoner Misconduct

Author: Dastouri, Serenna

Title: Drug Detection Strategies: International Practices within Correctional Settings

Summary: The current report was completed in response to the recommendations of both a focus group study on drug interdiction in Correctional Service Canada (CSC) institutions (Johnson and Allen, 2006) and the Independent Review Panel on federal corrections (2007) to examine and report on effective drug detection methods used in other correctional jurisdictions and provides insight into the efficacy of these methods. The intention is to assist in determining which interdiction technologies currently in use should be maintained and whether tools utilized in other jurisdictions could be considered for future use. The report begins with an overall description of the most widely-used drug detection techniques and practices in selected jurisdictions, including their current use in CSC, and reports on their strengths and limitations. The second section of the report examines studies that have evaluated the effect that these practices have had on the drug situation in institutions in the jurisdictions examined. The four main interdiction strategies reviewed are the use of canine detecting units, trace detection technology, bulk detection technology, and mandatory drug testing. All four strategies are currently employed by CSC. The canine units, bulk technology, and mandatory drug testing are all also used in the UK, US and Australia. Internationally, the use of trace detection technology was documented only in the United States, with the exception of one Australian institution. Although numerous major correctional jurisdictions use detector dogs (e.g., US, UK, Australia, Canada), there is no conclusive research evidence to demonstrate that canine detecting units have a significant impact on reducing the availability of drugs in correctional facilities. Trace detection technology has the capacity to identify many of the drugs of concern but research has demonstrated that trace detection is more sensitive to certain drugs (e.g., cocaine) than others (e.g., marijuana or drugs in pill form) and can generate high "false positive" rates. Research suggests that trace detection may reduce the availability of drugs in prison. Urine is the biological specimen most commonly used to test for drug metabolites in a correctional setting. Overall, results on the effectiveness of urinalysis as a deterrent are mixed. Issues of concern include the ease of altering urine specimens and the variability in metabolite half-lives of different substances which makes drugs with a longer half-life (e.g., marijuana) easier to detect in urine than those that metabolize quickly (e.g., cocaine or opiates) and the potential that this may result in drug-using inmates switching to more serious drugs with a shorter half-life in an effort to avoid detection. However, unequivocal evidence to support this contention is not currently available. Overall, it is clear that all of the drug detection tools examined are capable of detecting drugs. However, each method comes with certain benefits and drawbacks, sometimes in a complementary fashion. What remains unclear is which tool or combination of tools yield the most accurate (low false positive and false negative), cost-effective results. Therefore, the ability to detect drugs and the impact of the use of these tools on inmate drug use, drug seizures, and drug smuggling (by inmates, staff and visitors) is currently unknown. Many of the evaluations examined were not easily comparable due to the inconsistent collection and presentation of data. Furthermore, the difficulty of acquiring accurate baseline data renders it difficult to determine the overall effect of any single interdiction method on the amount of illicit drugs entering the facilities.

Details: Ottawa: Correctional Service of Canada, 2012. 60p.

Source: Internet Resource: Research Report No. R-258: Accessed September 27, 2014 at: http://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/lbrr/archives/cn21488-eng.pdf

Year: 2012

Country: International

URL: http://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/lbrr/archives/cn21488-eng.pdf

Shelf Number: 133457

Keywords:
Canine Units
Drug Detection
Drug Interdiction
Drug Testing
Prison Contraband (International)
Prisoner Misconduct
Urinalysis

Author: Doherty, Sherri

Title: An Examination of the Effectiveness of the National Substance Abuse Program Moderate Intensity (NSAP-M) on Institutional Adjustment and Post-Release Outcomes

Summary: What it means The findings suggest that the National Substance Abuse Program - Moderate Intensity (NSAP-M) reduced the risks associated with substance use and criminality. The offenders with partial exposure to the program showed the poorest outcomes with respect to return to custody. The results also demonstrate the value of participating in community maintenance even with limited exposure to NSAP-M. Unfortunately, only a small percentage of offenders participated in community aftercare. What we found The occurrence of institutional misconduct was not significantly reduced by NSAP-M participation. Offenders who fully completed NSAP-M were as likely to engage in serious institutional misconduct as offenders who failed to complete all sessions of the program or offenders who had been assigned to NSAP-M but who had not enrolled in the program. Offenders who completed NSAP-M were less likely to be readmitted to prison during the 24-month follow-up period. In fact, offenders who partially completed were 25% more likely to return to prison compared to those who completed NSAP-M. The Not Enrolled group did not differ from program completers in likelihood of returning to custody. At the end of the 2 year follow-up period, 52% of both the Complete and Not Enrolled groups remained in the community, compared to 39% of the Incomplete group. When participation in the National Maintenance Substance Abuse Program delivered in the community and release type were considered, the association between NSAP-M and return to custody was no longer significant, suggesting that release type and community aftercare may be key variables in the pathway between program exposure and returning to custody. Overall, offenders who did not participate in community aftercare were 41% more likely to return to custody than those who had some exposure to the program; offenders who were released on a non-discretionary basis were 53% more likely to return to custody. Why we did this study Ensuring the safety and security of staff and offenders within the institution environment and the safe reintegration offenders into the community are key priorities of Correctional Service Canada (CSC). Correctional interventions can help address offender behavior associated with criminal activity. Given that 80% of the federal offender population has a substance use problem, it is imperative that effective substance abuse interventions are available to these offenders. The current study examined the effectiveness of NSAP-M in addressing the needs of federally incarcerated male offenders who have an identified substance abuse problem. What we did The study examined the effect of NSAP-M on institutional misconduct and return to custody. The study sample consisted of 8,121 male offenders who had accessed NSAP-M between June 2004 and December 2009.

Details: Ottawa: Correctional Service of Canada, 2014. 59p.

Source: Internet Resource: Research Report No. R-290: Accessed October 9, 2014 at: http://www.csc-scc.gc.ca/research/005008-0291-eng.shtml

Year: 2014

Country: Canada

URL: http://www.csc-scc.gc.ca/research/005008-0291-eng.shtml

Shelf Number: 133639

Keywords:
Correctional Programs
Drug Abuse and Addiction (Canada)
Drug Abuse and Crime
Drug Abuse Treatment (Canada)
Drug Offenders
Prisoner Aftercare
Prisoner Misconduct
Prisoner Reentry
Prisons
Recidivism
Rehabilitation

Author: Commission on Sex in Prison (U.K.)

Title: Coercive sex in prison

Summary: - There has been minimal research on sexual abuse in prison and the nature and extent of the problem is not known - Sexual violence in prison is hidden and under- reported - Research by Banbury (2004) found that 1 per cent of prisoners had been raped and 5.3 per cent were victims of coerced sex - Annual data from the Bureau of Justice Statistics show that 2 per cent of prisoners in the US had been the victim of a non-consensual sex act and 4 per cent had been sexually victimised - HMIP data show that 1 per cent of prisoners reported being sexually abused in prison. Extrapolating from prison population and reception figures, this means that between 850 to 1650 prisoners could be victims of sexual assault while inside - Ministry of Justice data show that the number of recorded sexual assaults in prison rose in 2013 and is now at the highest recorded level since 2005 - Gay and transgender prisoners are at higher risk of sexual assault than heterosexual prisoners - Good staff prisoner relationships are fundamental in preventing sexual abuse. Staff shortages and overcrowding can undermine professional relationships and put prisoners at risk - Investigations into sexual assaults can be slow and the police are not routinely notified about allegations of abuse - Prisons are closed institutions. It is complacent to assume that sexual exploitation and abuse by staff never happens in prison.

Details: London: Commission on Sex in Prison, 2014. 8p.

Source: Internet Resource: Briefing paper 3: Accessed May 21, 2015 at: http://www.commissiononsexinprison.org/fileadmin/howard_league/user/pdf/Publications/Coercive_sex_in_prison_web.pdf

Year: 2014

Country: United Kingdom

URL: http://www.commissiononsexinprison.org/fileadmin/howard_league/user/pdf/Publications/Coercive_sex_in_prison_web.pdf

Shelf Number: 135738

Keywords:
Prison Rape
Prison Violence
Prisoner Misconduct
Sexual Assault

Author: Rubenfeld, Sara

Title: Assessment of the Women's Violence Prevention Program

Summary: Acknowledging a need for programming that would target the needs of repeatedly violent women offenders, the CSC developed WVPP. The goal of WVPP was to help women develop lifestyles that would be incompatible with violence and would therefore reduce their risk to re-offend violently. The current study is an assessment of the pilot phase of the WVPP. Results show that the Women's Violence Prevention Program (WVPP) was successfully implemented and that participants benefited in a number of areas. However, institutional adjustment did not appear to improve after program participation. Release outcomes were also examined; however, low-base rates of reoffending and limited follow-up precluded our ability to draw conclusive findings regarding the impact of WVPP on release outcomes at this time. In fiscal year 2010-2011, the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) began implementing a new continuum of correctional programming for women. Given this new direction in program offerings, WVPP is no longer offered to women as it has been replaced by the High Intensity streams of the Women Offender Correctional Program (WOCP) and Aboriginal Women Offender Correctional Program (AWOCP). However, many of the skills, program material, and framework in the High Intensity Program are based upon and are similar to the WVPP; therefore, results continue to be relevant. Despite the similarities, the High Intensity Program is lengthier and of greater intensity, which may be better suited to the needs of violent women offenders than the WVPP. What we found Results of the pre- and post-program assessment battery and participant feedback reflected positively on the program. These results revealed significant differences in women's scores before and after completing WVPP. Specifically, upon completing the program, there was a decrease in women's expression of anger, hostility, and aggression; an increase in problem-solving and decision-making ability; and a decrease in criminal values and attitudes. Participants' feedback reflected positively on aspects relating to the program content, delivery, and program facilitators. Less favourable results emerged concerning women's involvement in minor and major institutional misconduct before and after programming. There were increases seen in the rate of minor institutional misconducts from six months before the program to six months after completing the program. The less favourable results in this area may be attributed to issues of offenders' responsivity (i.e. motivation) or program intensity (violent behavior may be best targeted through high intensity programs). Similarly, the program did not appear to impact release outcomes, although this could be attributable to the length of follow-up and low overall rates of reoffending rather than program efficacy.

Details: Ottawa: Correctional Service of Canada, 2014. 47p.

Source: Internet Resource: Research Report No. R-330: Accessed August 10, 2015 at: http://www.csc-scc.gc.ca/005/008/092/005008-0330-eng.pdf

Year: 2014

Country: Canada

URL: http://www.csc-scc.gc.ca/005/008/092/005008-0330-eng.pdf

Shelf Number: 136380

Keywords:
Correctional Programs
Female Inmates
Female Offenders
Female Prisoners
Prisoner Misconduct
Violence Prevention
Violent Offenders

Author: Association of State Correctional Administrators

Title: Assessment of Use of Force Policy and Practices within the Florida Department of Corrections

Summary: The Florida Department of Corrections today highlighted the completion of a full report by the Association of State Correctional Administrators (ASCA) on the results of their independent audit of the Department's use of force policies and procedures. ASCA reported that at all levels of the agency, it is readily apparent that a thorough review of the use of force policy is welcomed and there exists impressive commitment to improve the policy and practice of using force legally and appropriately. Secretary Julie Jones said, "I would like to thank the Association of State Correctional Administrators for completing this audit on behalf of the Florida Department of Corrections. The information provided in this review reflects the Department's ongoing efforts to increase accountability and safety within our institutions and our goal of becoming a national leader in correctional policy. I look forward to implementing the recommendations provided in this review and further improving and strengthening the operations of this department." The audit took place at Columbia, Dade, Martin, Santa Rosa, Suwannee and Union Correctional Institutions. This use of force audit was requested by DOC in 2014 and is separate from the audit ordered by the Governor in Executive Order 15-134 in July. Auditors selected each facility based on criteria such as the number and nature of use of force incidents, inmate population size, geographical location and predominant custody level. During the review, a team of auditors focused on the following five key areas: use of force policy, facility use of force procedures, facility culture, staffing and security operations.

Details: Tallahassee: Florida Department of Corrections, 2015. 83p.

Source: Internet Resource: Accessed September 24, 2015 at: http://www.dc.state.fl.us/secretary/press/2015/ASCA%20Use%20of%20Force%20Audit%20(2015).pdf

Year: 2015

Country: United States

URL: http://www.dc.state.fl.us/secretary/press/2015/ASCA%20Use%20of%20Force%20Audit%20(2015).pdf

Shelf Number: 136862

Keywords:
Correctional Administration
Corrections Officers
Inmate Discipline
Prison Administration
Prison Guards
Prisoner Misconduct

Author: U.S. Department of Justice. Office of the Inspector General. Evaluation and Inspections Division

Title: Management of the Special Programs Unit at the Federal Bureau of Prisons Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York

Summary: The Department of Justice (DOJ) Office of the Inspector General (OIG) announced today the release of a report examining the management of the Special Programs Unit (SPU) at the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York (MDC Brooklyn). The DOJ OIG's review sought to determine whether MDC Brooklyn's management controls, policies, and practices could have contributed to alleged disruptions to safety and security in 2011 and 2012 by inmate Ronell Wilson, who was convicted of capital murder and who had a months-long sexual relationship with a correctional officer that resulted in the birth of their child. Our review identified concerns related to BOP's placement of Wilson in the SPU, which primarily houses vulnerable inmates with mental health issues, without implementing safeguards or providing guidance to correctional staff on how to manage him. We also identified areas where MDC Brooklyn's ability to communicate information across shifts and housing units should be improved, although we did not find that these deficiencies directly led to Wilson's alleged disruptions.

Details: Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Justice, 2015. 36p.

Source: Internet Resource: Accessed September 25, 2015 at: https://oig.justice.gov/reports/2015/e1508.pdf

Year: 2015

Country: United States

URL: https://oig.justice.gov/reports/2015/e1508.pdf

Shelf Number: 136880

Keywords:
Prison Administration
Prison Management
Prisoner Misconduct
Prisoners

Author: Beck, Allen J.

Title: Use of Restrictive Housing in U.S. Prisons and Jails, 2011-12

Summary: Presents data on the use of restrictive housing in U.S. prisons and jails, based on inmate self-reports of time spent in disciplinary or administrative segregation or solitary confinement. The report provides the percentage of prison and jail inmates who were currently held in restrictive housing, those who had spent any time in restrictive housing in the last 12 months or since coming to the facility if shorter, and the total time spent in restrictive housing. It provides prevalence rates for inmates by selected demographic characteristics, criminal justice status and history, current and past mental health status, and indicators of misconduct while in the facility. It also describes the relationship between the use of restrictive housing and facility-level characteristics, including measures of facility disorder and facility composition. Data are from the National Inmate Survey (NIS), 2011-12, conducted in 233 state and federal prisons and 358 local jails, with a sample of 91,177 inmates nationwide. Highlights: Younger inmates, inmates without a high school diploma, and lesbian, gay, and bisexual inmates were more likely to have spent time in restrictive housing than older inmates, inmates with a high school diploma or more, and heterosexual inmates. Inmates held for a violent offense other than a sex offense and inmates with extensive arrest histories or prior incarcerations were more likely to have spent time in restrictive housing than inmates held for other offenses and inmates with no prior arrests or incarcerations. Use of restrictive housing was linked to inmate mental health problems: 29% of prison inmates and 22% of jail inmates with current symptoms of serious psychological distress had spent time in restrictive housing in the past 12 months. More than three-quarters of inmates in prisons and jails who had been written up for assaulting other inmates or facility staff had spent time in restrictive housing in the past 12 months. Among inmates who had spent 30 or more days in restrictive housing in the last 12 months or since coming to the facility, 54% of those in prison and 68% of those in jail had been in a fight or had been written up for assaulting other inmates or staff.

Details: Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Statistics, 2015. 24p.

Source: Internet Resource: Accessed October 27, 2015 at: http://www.bjs.gov/content/pub/pdf/urhuspj1112.pdf

Year: 2015

Country: United States

URL: http://www.bjs.gov/content/pub/pdf/urhuspj1112.pdf

Shelf Number: 137148

Keywords:
Administrative Segregation
Inmates
Jails
Prisoner Misconduct
Restrictive Housing
Solitary Confinement

Author: Hollist, Dusten R.

Title: Medicine Wheel and Anger Management Treatment in Montana Women's Prison: An Analysis of the Impact of Treatment on Inmate Misconduct and Recidivism

Summary: The purpose of this research is to examine the effectiveness of two therapeutic treatment programs currently available at the Montana Women's Prison (MWP): Medicine Wheel (MW), a Native American based chemical dependency program, and Anger Management (AM) treatment. Program effectiveness is measured using the rate of inmate misconduct while in MWP and the three-year recidivism rate of released inmates. The study was designed to allow for the comparison of misconduct rates before and after treatment and the comparison of after-treatment misconduct rates of those completing treatment and those not completing treatment. The study design also allows for the comparison of the recidivism rates of those who did or did not complete treatment. Major findings: Medicine Wheel (MW) - The vast majority of inmates (94.1%) had a prior arrest. More than half (66.7%) had served time in jail or prison as a result of a prior arrest. - Among those completing MW treatment, the percentage of inmates with conduct violations decreased after treatment. - Inmates who completed MW treatment had lower rates of recidivism than those in the comparable non-treatment group. - Native American inmates seem to benefit more from MW treatment. - Among those in the MW sample, younger inmates are more likely to return to prison. Anger Management (AM) - All of the 20 inmates had a prior arrest. Most (70.0%) had served time in jail as a result of a prior arrest - The rate of misconduct for inmates who completed AM treatment is significantly lower after treatment. - Of those inmates completing AM treatment, about three times as many showed a reduction in their misconduct rate rather than an increase after treatment. - Inmates who complete AM treatment have lower after-treatment rates of misconduct compared to inmates who do not receive treatment. - Inmates who completed AM treatment had lower rates of recidivism than those in the comparable non-treatment group.

Details: Missoula, University of Montana-Missoula, 2004. 39p.

Source: Internet Resource: Accessed November 6, 2015 at: https://cor.mt.gov/Portals/104/Resources/Reports/MWP_AITPIMR.pdf

Year: 2004

Country: United States

URL: https://cor.mt.gov/Portals/104/Resources/Reports/MWP_AITPIMR.pdf

Shelf Number: 137206

Keywords:
Anger Management
Behavior Modification
Female Inmates
Female Prisoners
Prisoner Misconduct
Treatment Programs

Author: Shalev, Sharon

Title: Deep Custody: Segregation Units and Close Supervision Centres in England and Wales

Summary: Segregation units and close supervision centres (CSCs) are complex places, where some of the prison's most challenging individuals are confined alongside some of its most vulnerable people, within a small, enclosed space. These units may house a combination of people with multiple and complex needs, including some who are at risk of self harm, some who pose a risk to others, and some who are both a risk and at risk, and people with literacy problems, particular mental health needs or physical illness. Under the Prison Rules, prisoners can be removed from the main prison population and housed in a segregation unit or a close supervision centre (CSC) for a variety of reasons, with periods of confinement in them ranging from a single evening in a segregation unit while facing a charge of breaking a prison rule, to years of indefinite confinement in a close supervision centre. In this sense, segregation units and close supervision centres function as a 'continuum of exclusion'. - In January, 2015 the total segregation capacity in England and Wales was 1586 cells. Close supervision centres had a capacity of 54. - In the first three months of 2014, almost 10% of the prison population spent at least one night in segregation. The CSC population averaged 50 people. - Of those segregated, 71% spent less than 14 days in segregation, 20% spent between 14 and 42 days, and 9% were segregated for longer than 84 days. The average stay in CSCs was 40 months. - The majority (95%) of those segregated were adult males. Their average age was 29. This study set out to: examine how segregation units and CSCs are used; describe the skills and views of staff who work there; and to explore prisoners' perceptions of fair processes and their treatment. We also wanted to profile good practice. The study, supported by the Barrow Cadbury Trust, was carried out by Dr Sharon Shalev of the Centre for Criminology at the University of Oxford and Dr Kimmett Edgar of the Prison Reform Trust. Its findings are based on a survey, distributed to all prisons in January 2014, and on visits to 15 prisons, including 14 segregation units and four close supervision centres. On the visits, we interviewed 25 managers, 49 officers and 67 prisoners (50 in segregation units and 17 in CSCs).

Details: London: Prison Reform Trust, 2015. 170p.

Source: Internet Resource: accessed January 13, 2016 at: http://www.prisonreformtrust.org.uk/Portals/0/Documents/deep_custody_111215.pdf

Year: 2015

Country: United Kingdom

URL: http://www.prisonreformtrust.org.uk/Portals/0/Documents/deep_custody_111215.pdf

Shelf Number: 137563

Keywords:
Inmate Discipline
Prisoner Misconduct
Prisoners
Segregation Units
Solitary Confinement

Author: U.S. Department of Justice

Title: Report and Recommendations Concerning the Use of Restrictive Housing: Final Report

Summary: In a July 14, 2015, speech at the NAACP National Convention, President Barack Obama announced that he had asked Attorney General Loretta Lynch to conduct a review of "the overuse of solitary confinement across American prisons." The President directed that the purpose of the review be not simply to understand how, when, and why correctional facilities isolate certain prisoners from the general inmate population, but also to develop strategies for reducing the use of this practice throughout our nation's criminal justice system. Over the past several months, a team of senior officials at the U.S. Department of Justice met regularly to study the issue of solitary confinement-or "restrictive housing," to use the more general corrections term-and formulate policy solutions. This Report is the culmination of the Department's review. The Justice Department embraced this opportunity to think deeply about the use of restrictive housing in America. The issue strikes at some of the most challenging questions facing correctional officials and criminologists: How should prisons and other correctional facilities manage their most violent and disruptive inmates? How can they best protect their most vulnerable and victimized ones? And what is the safest and most humane way to do so? These questions are of particular importance to the Justice Department. Not only does the Department oversee the Federal Bureau of Prisons, the nation's largest prison system, but it also provides funding and technical assistance to other correctional systems, through the National Institute of Corrections (NIC) and the Office of Justice Programs (OJP), and enforces the constitutional and statutory rights of state and local inmates through the Department's Civil Rights Division. After extensive study, we have concluded that there are occasions when correctional officials have no choice but to segregate inmates from the general population, typically when it is the only way to ensure the safety of inmates, staff, and the public. But as a matter of policy, we believe strongly this practice should be used rarely, applied fairly, and subjected to reasonable constraints. This Report includes a series of "Guiding Principles" that we believe should guide plans for limiting the use of restrictive housing across the American criminal justice system, as well as specific policy changes that the Federal Bureau of Prisons (the Bureau) and other Department components could undertake to implement these principles. The stakes are high. Life in restrictive housing has been well-documented by inmates, advocates, and correctional officials. In some systems, the conditions can be severe; the social isolation, extreme. At its worst, and when applied without regard to basic standards of decency, restrictive housing can cause serious, long-lasting harm. It is the responsibility of all governments to ensure that this practice is used only as necessary-and never as a default solution. But just as we must consider the impact on inmates, so too must we consider the impact on correctional staff. These public servants work hard, often for long hours and under difficult conditions, and we must protect them from unreasonable danger. For years, the Bureau has been asked to do more and more, putting strain on its officers and other staff. Correctional officers need effective tools to manage the most challenging inmates and protect the most vulnerable. We do not believe that the humane treatment of inmates and the safety of correctional staff are mutually exclusive; indeed, neither is possible without the other. In recent years, numerous correctional systems have succeeded in safely lowering the number of inmates in restrictive housing, including the Federal Bureau of Prisons, which has reduced its total restrictive housing population by nearly 25% since January 2012. Under the leadership of its outgoing Director, Charles E. Samuels, Jr., the Bureau has also developed a range of progressive alternatives to restrictive housing-and has done so while supporting and enhancing staff safety. This Report includes a number of proposals that would help continue the downward trends in the Bureau's restrictive housing population, while also ensuring that those placed in segregation receive the support and rehabilitative services they need.

Details: Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Justice, 2016. 128p.

Source: Internet Resource: Accessed January 27, 2016 at: http://www.justice.gov/dag/file/815551/download

Year: 2016

Country: United States

URL: http://www.justice.gov/dag/file/815551/download

Shelf Number: 137665

Keywords:
Administrative Segregation
Inmates
Isolation
Jails
Prisoner Misconduct
Restrictive Housing
Solitary Confinement

Author: Walshe, Kieran

Title: Independent Investigation into the Metropolitan Remand Centre Riot: Final Report

Summary: On 30 June 2015, approximately 400 prisoners at the MRC launched the largest prison riot in Victoria's history. Armed with makeshift weapons, prisoners threw rocks at staff, rammed internal gates with vehicles, damaged accommodation units and security cameras, broke down cell doors and lit numerous fires. All in all, it took 15 hours to restore order and secure all prisoners. ESTABLISHING THE INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION - On 2 July 2015, the Hon Wade Noonan MP, Minister for Corrections and Minister for Police, appointed former Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner, Kieran Walshe, to undertake an independent investigation ('the Investigation') into the MRC riot and submit a report to the Minister by 4 December 2015. The Investigation's Terms of Reference (Appendix A) are as follows: - to consider the events of 30 June and 1 July 2015 - to review the state's response to, and preparedness for, the incident and the management of the emergency, giving specific consideration to joint agency operations - to identify any learnings from the incident and make recommendations for future improvements. THE SMOKING BAN IN VICTORIAN PRISONS In 2014, the former government passed legislation making it an offence to smoke in Victorian prisons from 1 July 2015. With over 80% of prisoners being smokers, the ban was the most significant change in recent Victorian prison history. Recognising its significance, Corrections Victoria (CV) developed the 'Smoke Free Prisons Project Plan' and the MRC 'Site Implementation Plan', which provided opportunities to participate in QUIT programs, access Quitline and make use of nicotine replacement therapies. FACTORS THAT CONTRIBUTED TO THE RIOT While the smoking ban was definitely the catalyst, there were several other contributing factors that fermented discontent and tension within the prison population. Firstly, the MRC is predominantly a maximum-security facility for remand prisoners. As many remand prisoners had only been there for a short period of time, they had less time to prepare for the smoking ban, meaning they felt its impact more intensely and immediately. Overcrowding was another contributing factor. The MRC was built in 2006 to house 613 prisoners but the opening count on 30 June 2015 was 918. To accommodate this surge, double bunks were installed and additional units constructed, which resulted in a reduction of recreational yard space. The increase of prisoners over time placed a greater strain on facilities, e.g. recreation facilities, together with difficulties in scheduling prisoner visits and access to programs. As a consequence, there was increased anxiety and frustration within the prison population. Significantly, the prisoners' ability to breach internal fences and the Central Movement Control (CMC) gates gave them unfettered access to many parts of the prison and facilitated an escalation in riotous activity. This was a significant contributing factor to the riot. The Investigation recommends that immediate action be taken to strengthen internal fences and gates.

Details: Victoria, AUS: The Author, 2015. 52p.

Source: Internet Resource: Accessed March 12, 2016 at: http://assets.justice.vic.gov.au/corrections/resources/198d00c1-c2ad-4089-98c6-bffc074880c3/mrc_riot_final_report.pdf

Year: 2015

Country: Australia

URL: http://assets.justice.vic.gov.au/corrections/resources/198d00c1-c2ad-4089-98c6-bffc074880c3/mrc_riot_final_report.pdf

Shelf Number: 138208

Keywords:
Prison Overcrowding
Prison Riots
Prison Security
Prisoner Misconduct

Author: Sanhueza, Guillermo E.

Title: Exploring Correlates of Prison Violence in Chilean Prisons: Examining nationwide, administrative data

Summary: In modern times, imprisonment has been established as punishment and not for punishment, which means that the only right that is suspended has to do with freedom of movement. Nevertheless, serving a sentence in Chilean prisons has become a form of continuous punishment that extends far beyond the mere deprivation of liberty. Indeed, Chilean prisons have been criticized for their levels of overcrowding, lack of access to rehabilitative programs, and for their levels of mistreatment towards inmates. In addition, violence has become a common, daily reality in many facilities throughout the country. Its occurrence is problematic not only because it threats security and order inside prisons, but also because it undermines any attempt to successfully develop rehabilitative initiatives inside prison walls. Despite that prison violence has been studied in developed nations, much remains unanswered for developing countries. Thus, this dissertation will try to fill part of this gap by analyzing the correlates of violent events in Chilean prisons as well as by examining which theory of prison violence (among deprivation, administrative-control and importation) seemed to better explain the study's results. In order to do that, this study employed a combination of both administrative data from the Chilean Bureau of Prisons (Gendarmeria de Chile) and some results of the First National Survey on Inmates' Perception of Quality of Life, conducted in 2013 (Sanhueza, in press). Anchored in the literature review and on empirical findings on prison violence, this study included six representative indicators coming for the three theories tested, while controlling for total inmate population size. Then, descriptive analyses and a series of multivariate, negative binomial regression models were run. Main results indicated that the two importation variables (average inmates' age and the proportion of inmates highly-engaged in criminal activities) and the control variable remained significant in the full model. Finally, this study highlights some of their possibilities and limitations, as well as suggests some further research questions and policy implications.

Details: Ann Arbor: University of Michigan, 2014. 123p.

Source: Internet Resource: Dissertation: Accessed March 28, 2016 at: https://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/handle/2027.42/110463/gesanhue_1.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y

Year: 2014

Country: Chile

URL: https://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/handle/2027.42/110463/gesanhue_1.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y

Shelf Number: 138448

Keywords:
Correctional Administration
Prison Administration
Prison Riots
Prison Violence
Prisoner Misconduct
Prisons

Author: Baird, Janette

Title: Victim Impact: Listen and Learn. An Evaluation of the Effects of the Victim Impact: Listen and Learn Program on Prisoner Recidivism and Prisoner Behavior

Summary: This is a report of the evaluation study conducted to examine the effects of the Victim Impact: Listen and Learn program on the behaviors of the prisoners who attended this program. The focus of the data we collected and reported on was on the participants' behaviors after attending the program but while still in prison, and upon release from prison. Main findings 1. From the available data on 333 prisoners who had attended the Victim Impact: Listen and Learn program prior to their release back into the community, 118 or 35% re-offended and were re-committed back into prison within the state of Delaware within a three-year period following release. Comparable data provided by a 2013 DELJIS report on prisoner recidivism reported that within three-years of release 67% of prisoners re-offended and were re-committed back into Delaware prisons. 2. Prisoners who attended the program and remained in prisons after attending the program showed a reduction by a third in the frequency of disciplinary charges for the period of imprisonment after attending the program.

Details: Providence, RI: Alpert School of Medicine at Brown University, 2015. 27p.

Source: Internet Resource: Accessed March 30, 2016 at: https://www.victimsvoicesheard.org/images/pdf/delaware-evaluation-report-2015.pdf

Year: 2015

Country: United States

URL: https://www.victimsvoicesheard.org/images/pdf/delaware-evaluation-report-2015.pdf

Shelf Number: 138480

Keywords:
Correctional Programs
Inmate Discipline
Prisoner Misconduct
Recidivism

Author: Great Britain. Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Prisons

Title: Changing patterns of substance misuse in adult prisons and service responses

Summary: Drug misuse is a serious threat to the security of the prison system, the health of individual prisoners and the safety of prisoners and staff. Its effects ripple outwards to harm prisoners' friends and families and the wider community of which they are a part. An increasing number of reports of the misuse of medication in prison and concerns that traditional supply reduction and treatment strategies were ineffective were the initial driver for this thematic inspection. However, the availability of new psychoactive substances (NPS), particularly synthetic cannabis known as 'Spice' or 'Mamba', became highly prevalent during the preparation for this report. NPS have created significant additional harm and are now the most serious threat to the safety and security of the prison system that our inspections identify. This thematic inspection examined the changing extent and patterns of drug misuse in adult prisons and assessed the effectiveness of the response to it. The inspection's remit did not include tobacco and alcohol use by prisoners, which are important issues in their own right and raise significant operational and policy challenges. Of course, there are wider questions to be asked about the legal status of drugs in the community and the historical inconsistency of legal responses to various harmful substances. This report does not address those issues. There is no prospect of any relaxation of the rules governing the substances that are permitted in prisons and so there is an urgent requirement to address the harm that substance misuse causes in prisons in that realistic context. The report draws on the evidence of 61 adult prison inspections published between April 2014 and August 2015, the 10,702 survey responses from individual prisoners that were collected as part of those inspections, and detailed field work that was conducted in eight prisons between June and November 2014. We spoke to prisoners, prison staff and managers, drugs and health workers, and other experts. We reviewed a wide range of research undertaken by other bodies. We also considered some earlier inspection findings, where relevant. The inspection was carried out by the inspectorate's research team and specialist health and drugs inspectors. Changing patterns of drug use in the community provide a useful context for understanding drug misuse in prisons. It is impossible to know for certain the extent and type of drug misuse in the community or in prisons. Nevertheless, there is a wealth of evidence to suggest that patterns of drug use are changing in the community, with drug use appearing to be reducing. The 2014-15 Crime Survey for England and Wales found that 8-9% of adults reported illicit drug use over the previous year, down from 12% in 2003-04. Cannabis remains the most widely used drug and there has been a well-evidenced decline in illicit opiate use. The reported use of prescribed medication and NPS in the community is at a relatively low level. Patterns of dug misuse vary with age, gender, geography and lifestyle. There are important differences between drug misuse in prisons and the community. A declining number of prisoners needing treatment for opiate misuse reflects trends in the community, although many of those requiring opiate treatment in prison have complex dependence, social, physical and mental health issues. Prisoners are more likely to use depressants than stimulants to counter the boredom and stress of prison life. The use of synthetic cannabis and diverted medication reflects a response to comparative weaknesses in security measures. Often, the price of drugs is higher and the quality poorer in prison, reflecting greater difficulty of supply. The combination of community influences, prisoner demographics and individual prison contexts means that the patterns of drug use will differ from prison to prison. As this report was being prepared, there was an acceleration in the use and availability of NPS. It is important to understand, however, that success in combating current challenges in prisons, such as the availability of NPS or specific medications, will lead to an increased demand for other drugs, and to be prepared for this.

Details: London: HM Inspectorate of Prisons, 2015. 85p.

Source: Internet Resource: Accessed April 16, 2016 at: https://www.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/hmiprisons/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2015/12/Substance-misuse-web-2015.pdf

Year: 2015

Country: United Kingdom

URL: https://www.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/hmiprisons/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2015/12/Substance-misuse-web-2015.pdf

Shelf Number: 138694

Keywords:
Drug Abuse
Drug Offenders
Prison Contraband
Prisoner Misconduct
Prisoners
Prisons

Author: Hill, Leslie Brooke

Title: Becoming the Person Your Dog Thinks You Are: An Assessment of Florida Prison-Based Dog Training Programs on Prison Misconduct, Post-Release Employment and Recidivism

Summary: Dog Training Programs have recently become a popular rehabilitative program within correctional facilities. They are present in all 50 states as well as many other countries. However, the empirical literature on the effectiveness of these popular programs is sparse. Using a cohort of inmates released from Florida prisons between the years of 2004-2011 (n=181,547) this study examines the effectiveness of dog training programs on prison misconduct, post-release employment and recidivism. Findings indicate that participation in a dog training program can lead to reductions prison misconduct and reductions in the likelihood and timing of re-arrest. Among those who participated in dog training programs, longer duration, recency of participation, continuity of treatment and being in the program at release emerge as predictors of reductions in prison misconduct and re-arrest and increasing obtaining employment upon release. Due to promising findings, policy implications are discussed as well as potential avenues for future research.

Details: Tallahassee: Florida State University, 2016. 186p.

Source: Internet Resource: Dissertation: Accessed December 14, 2016 at: http://fsu.digital.flvc.org/islandora/object/fsu%3A360369

Year: 2016

Country: United States

URL: http://fsu.digital.flvc.org/islandora/object/fsu%3A360369

Shelf Number: 140442

Keywords:
Correctional Programs
Dog Training Programs
Ex-Offender Employment
Prison Programs
Prisoner Misconduct
Prisoner Reentry
Recidivism
Rehabilitation Programs

Author: Raphael, Steven

Title: The Effects of California's Enhanced Drug and Contraband Interdiction Program on Drug Abuse and Inmate Misconduct in California's Prisons

Summary: The California Legislature provided the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) $10.4 million over two years to implement a contraband interdiction effort. Beginning in fiscal year 2014-2015, CDCR implemented the Enhanced Drug and Contraband Interdiction Program (EDCIP) demonstration. The program involved interdiction efforts at 11 of California's prisons; eight receiving a moderate intervention and three receiving an intensive intervention. The EDCIP program was implemented in a manner that targeted institutions believed to have the most serious and pervasive contraband problems. The intervention introduced random monthly drug testing of roughly 10 percent of inmates at all institutions and enhanced use of K-9 detection teams and ion spectrometry scanning technology at intervention institutions. Detection screening technology, both for trace amounts of narcotics and in some instances full body scans, is applied in one form or another to inmates, visitors, staff, and mail and packages at intervention institutions, with the key differences between intensive and moderate intervention institutions residing in the volume of this scanning activity. In this report, we use administrative data provided to us by CDCR to evaluate the effects of the EDCIP intervention on drug use in California prisons and the level of recorded inmate misconduct. We employ a series of quasi-experimental research strategies to gauge how these outcomes change in institutions receiving the EDCIP intervention relative to institutions not receiving the intervention. Specifically, we identify non-intervention institutions that are most similar to the intensive and moderate intervention sites in terms of pre-intervention prevalence of drug abuse (documented by the proportion of random drug tests that are either refused or that result in a positive outcome) and compare the changes in the proportion of drug tests that result in a failure at intervention and non-intervention institutions. We also construct a panel data set that varies by month and institution for the time period spanning the introduction of the EDCIP program. We use these data to test for an effect of the intervention on the number of monthly lockdowns, total recorded rules violations per inmate, and the rules violations rates for specific types of misconduct.

Details: San Francisco: Public Policy Institute of California, 2017. 73p.

Source: Internet Resource: Accessed June 10, 2017 at: http://www.cdcr.ca.gov/Reports/docs/External-Reports/Effects-Drug-Contraband-Interdiction-Report_April-29-2017.pdf

Year: 2017

Country: United States

URL: http://www.cdcr.ca.gov/Reports/docs/External-Reports/Effects-Drug-Contraband-Interdiction-Report_April-29-2017.pdf

Shelf Number: 146023

Keywords:
Inmate Misconduct
Prison Contraband
Prisoner Misconduct

Author: Dean, Christopher

Title: Addressing Violent Extremism in Prisons and Probation: Principles for Effective Programs and Interventions

Summary: There is considerable international interest in programs that seek to rehabilitate and reintegrate violent extremist offenders (VEOs) and prevent prisoners from becoming radicalized. There are a number of reasons for this interest, including the high social and political impact of terrorism, ongoing concerns about prisons and prisoners being especially vulnerable to radicalization to violent extremism, accounts of VEOs who initially became interested in extremism while in prison, and the increasing numbers of incarcerated VEOs in certain states, many of whom will at some point be released into wider society. Identifying and designing so-called deradicalization or disengagement programs-or perhaps more appropriately risk reduction programs-that are proven to be impactful and understanding why remains a considerable challenge. So-called what-works principles underlying programs to prevent other forms of offending behavior have been established in the criminological and forensic psychological literature over recent decades. The key what-works principles are risk, need, and responsivity. In summary, programs should (1) target those who are deemed of higher risk of reoffending and of committing serious harm (risk principle), (2) target factors that directly contribute to offending (need principle), and (3) be delivered in a way and style that maximizes learning for individuals (responsivity principle). Programs that are in accord with all three principles have been found to be more effective than those that do not. This policy brief provides a unique practitioners' perspective on the application of so-called what-works principles, which underlie programs to prevent a variety of forms of offending behavior, to programs and interventions that aim to address violent extremism in prisons and probation. It presents a set of transparent working principles to improve the design and delivery of these programs that can hopefully be examined and tested over time to help refine our knowledge and understanding to prevent violent extremists from reoffending.

Details: Washington, DC: Global Center on Cooperative Security, 2016. 12p.

Source: Internet Resource: Policy Brief, 2016: Accessed june 10, 2017 at: http://www.globalcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/16Sep_Dean_Addressing-Violent-Extremism-in-Prisons-and-Probation_FINAL.pdf

Year: 2016

Country: International

URL: http://www.globalcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/16Sep_Dean_Addressing-Violent-Extremism-in-Prisons-and-Probation_FINAL.pdf

Shelf Number: 146025

Keywords:
Counter-Radicalization
Prisoner Misconduct
Prisoners
Probationers
Radicalization
Violent Extremism

Author: U.S. National Institute of Justice

Title: Restricting Housing in the U.S.: Issues, Challenges, and Future Directions

Summary: Given the current environment, it is clear that the work being carried out by officials in law enforcement, courts, and corrections is changing rapidly. This makes our work at NIJ even more critical and vital to the criminal justice community. NIJ is proud to have supported the National Academies' report, The Growth of Incarceration in the United States: Exploring Causes and Consequences, which presents the blueprint for expanding an evidence base in areas such as the impact of incarceration on justice-involved individuals, on their children and families, and on how the incarceration experience shapes their way of life and re-entry process. Consistent with this line of inquiry, institutional corrections, and more specifically restrictive housing and other strategies that facilities use to manage and control incarcerated individuals, have become a national priority for President Obama, DOJ, and corrections administrators at the federal, state, and local levels. Restrictive housing, commonly known as solitary confinement or administrative segregation, is a common practice in corrections. A recent national estimate by the Bureau of Justice Statistics reveals that as many as one in five individuals has spent time in restrictive housing while in jail or prison. Despite its use throughout facilities nationwide, we lack the scientific evidence to convey how corrections administrators use this strategy and its impact on incarcerated individuals, staff, and the organizational climate. While there are claims that this correctional strategy increases the safety and well-being of staff and inmates, there is increasing concern about its potential over-use and its effects on incarcerated individuals, especially those with mental illness. To launch NIJ's dedicated strategic investment in this area, we held a two-day convening on October 22 and 23, 2015, composed of a diverse group of more than 80 experts from federal, state, and local corrections agencies, advocacy groups, academia, and research organizations. This group convened to discuss (1) what we know and don't know about the inmates who are put into this type of housing; (2) the relationship between institutional violence and restrictive housing; (3) issues related to the mental health of inmates, officer and inmate safety and wellness, civil rights, and safe alternatives to restrictive housing; and (4) the gaps in data collection efforts and the existing empirical literature. Throughout the two days, attendees discussed the research gaps in restrictive housing and debated the multiple policy and practice concerns that currently exist. NIJ greatly appreciates these experts' participation as they shared their individual perspectives and contributed to identifying how best to move forward in developing restrictive housing policies and practices that are grounded in science. Certainly, the most comprehensive understanding of restrictive housing can only come when we consider the various facets that characterize its use and impact and consider how these issues affect our theoretical and practical understanding of this correctional practice. With this goal in mind, this volume includes 10 chapters on restrictive housing, each with a distinct focus and written by leading experts from various disciplines including criminology, psychology, sociology, and law. The volume represents the most comprehensive review to date of emerging issues and concerns surrounding restrictive housing, including the roles that gangs, violence, and mental health play in the management of individuals in restrictive housing. Most importantly, readers of this volume will also find a strong focus on the conceptual and empirical challenges we face in addressing restrictive housing. One critical conceptual challenge that readers will notice throughout the volume is the way authors use different, sometimes contradictory, terms to define and discuss this practice. Some authors use terms such as administrative segregation and restrictive housing interchangeably, while other authors carefully differentiate such terms to highlight critical nuances regarding this practice. As a whole, these chapters offer an innovative perspective for guiding future research in this area and ensuring that our efforts have a strong scientific foundation. Individually, the chapters present an in-depth review of the important features that characterize restrictive housing.

Details: Washington, DC: NIJ, 2016. 420p.

Source: Internet Resource: Accessed June 24, 2017 at: https://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/250315.pdf

Year: 2016

Country: United States

URL: https://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/250315.pdf

Shelf Number: 146368

Keywords:
Administrative Segregation
Isolation
Prison Violence
Prisoner Misconduct
Restrictive Housing
Solitary Confinement

Author: Fitzharris, Andy

Title: Chief Inspector's Report into the "Circumstances surrounding organised prisoner (Fight Club) and access to cell phones and contraband at Mount Eden Corrections Facility (MECF)

Summary: Mount Eden Corrections Facility (MECF) is one of two prisons in New Zealand managed by private operators Serco New Zealand Ltd (Serco). Since August 2011, MECF has been the largest remand facility in the country, and is designed to hold up to 976 males of remand accused, remand convicted and sentenced status. On 15 July 2015 the Department of Corrections (Corrections) became aware that a series of video clips showing organised fighting between prisoners at MECF had been uploaded to the website YouTube. The videos (the YouTube Footage) provide irrefutable evidence of the existence of a 'fight club' operating at MECF. On 17 July 2015 TV3 News screened footage that had been uploaded to YouTube, showing a number of prisoners involved in organised fighting at MECF. Over the following days a number of prisoners, ex-prisoners and their families, came forth with accounts of organised fighting, prisoner on prisoner violence and inhumane treatment during their time at MECF. The videos uploaded to YouTube had been filmed on contraband cell phones, which raised concerns over prisoner access to cell phones and other contraband on to the site. An internal investigation is being completed by Serco, which holds the Prison Management Contract for MECF (the Contract). As at the date of this report (Report), Serco's internal report is yet to be provided to Corrections. By Terms of Reference dated 27 August 2015 (the Terms of Reference). I was instructed by the Chief Executive of Corrections (the Chief Executive) to conduct a full investigation (the Investigation) into: a) the possible existence of a 'fight club' at MECF; and b) access of prisoners to contraband, in particular cell phones, at MECF. The Terms of Reference superseded an earlier terms of reference dated 19 July 2015 (the Earlier Terms of Reference), which instructed me to pay particular attention to the three months prior to that date. Therefore, the Investigation has a particular focus on, but is not limited to, the three months to the date of the Earlier Terms of Reference. The Corrections Inspectorate (Inspectorate) operates under the Corrections Act 2004, the Corrections Regulations 2005, the mandate of the Chief Executive, and the policies established by the Department relating to the fair, safe, secure and humane treatment of prisoners and those detained within the corrections system. This Report contains Phase One of the Investigation required by the Terms of Reference. Phase Two will consist of a review of the adequacy of controls designed to address prisoner violence and access to cell phones operating in other New Zealand prisons, and an investigation into any reported incidents of prisoner on prisoner fighting recorded on cell phones in other New Zealand prisons.

Details: Wellington, NZ: Department of Corrections, 2016. 110p.

Source: Internet Resource: Accessed October 9, 2017 at: http://www.corrections.govt.nz/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/856650/Phase_One_MECF_Report_FINAL_REDACTED.pdf

Year: 2016

Country: New Zealand

URL: http://www.corrections.govt.nz/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/856650/Phase_One_MECF_Report_FINAL_REDACTED.pdf

Shelf Number: 147624

Keywords:
Prison Administration
Prison Contraband
Prison Violence
Prisoner Misconduct
Private Prisons

Author: Fitzharris, Andy

Title: Chief Inspector's Phase Two Report into: Circumstances surrounding organised prisoner on prisoner fighting (Fight Club) and access to cell phone contraband in New Zealand prisons other than Mount Eden Corrections Facility (MECF)

Summary: We analysed a total of 655 PPV incidents for the four month period 1 April 2015 to 31 July 2015 and there was no evidence that organised prisoner fighting was happening at any of the eight Corrections Services prisons we visited. There were four incidents involving prisoner sparring and conditioning reported by two prisons and these could be considered as a forerunner of organised prisoner fighting. On each occasion they were quickly identified and staff responded promptly to prevent them escalating. We recognise that there will always be elements of assaults and fighting by prisoners, and it's not always easy to prevent violent incidents from happening, even when staff are observing prisoners first hand. There were good levels of prisoner supervision apparent at each prison and recurring evidence from incident reports and interviews that staff responses are timely as soon as they became aware of situations that required their intervention. Active management of prisoners and prompt action taken by staff clearly presents as the most effective preventive control to mitigate risks of PPV situations developing into more serious incidents. There are a range of Violence Reduction Strategies in various stages of implementation across each prison. Most have been established since the 'fight club' events surfaced at MECF and present as good practice in terms of controls for PPV. We noted that prisoner access to physical training equipment has been restricted as a control at some prisons to limit options for conditioning. The extent of these restrictions needs to be balanced against reasonable access to exercise equipment for prisoner well-being. Prisoners are entitled to have access to exercise equipment however their fitness activities should be closely supervised to ensure conditioning and sparring is not happening. We were frustrated with the poor quality of incident reporting in IOMS relating to PPV and contraband cell phones. The incident reporting system is cumbersome and component categories require review to be made more user-friendly. In some cases, PPV incidents are being reported under the non-notifiable category of 'Fighting' rather than 'Assault, non-serious or Assault, no injury'. We could not confirm how widespread this practice was and suggest Corrections Services conduct a further review of incident reporting categories to determine and clarify business requirements. The capability for prison management to effectively implement gang management strategies may be compromised by inaccurate data in IOMS about individual prisoner gang membership/affiliations. This data needs to be cleaned up so that gang information on IOMS is current and reliable.

Details: Wellington, NZ: Department of Corrections, 2016. 39p.

Source: Internet Resource: Accessed November 20, 2017 at: http://www.corrections.govt.nz/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/856652/Phase_Two_Report_FINAL_REDACTED.pdf

Year: 2016

Country: New Zealand

URL: http://www.corrections.govt.nz/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/856652/Phase_Two_Report_FINAL_REDACTED.pdf

Shelf Number: 148278

Keywords:
Prison Administration
Prison Contraband
Prison Gangs
Prison Violence
Prisoner Misconduct
Private Prisons

Author: Nel, Sarah Lettie

Title: A critical analysis of gangsterism in South African correctional centres: the case of Barberton management area

Summary: Prison gangs are currently rife in South African correctional centres. Correctional officers and fellow offenders are frequently attacked by gang members, facilities are damaged and inmates are injured or killed in fights or during fires in correctional centres. Severe gang violence occurred at the Polls moor and Rustenburg correctional facilities at the end of 2016 and inexperienced correctional officers lacked the expertise to suppress the violence. This state of affairs necessitates further study into the management of prison gangs. Given the above background, this study aimed to examine how correctional facilities can suppress gang activity. The study provides an overview of the history of gangs in South Africa and shows how community gangs spread to prisons. This is followed by a meticulous documentation of the different elements of gang culture by means of observation in an effort to arm future correctional officers with knowledge regarding gangs. The findings of the observation revealed that gangs each have a unique way of greeting, using hand gestures, tattoos and verbal greetings. These communicative acts can be used as part of a strategy to prevent new offenders from becoming involved in gang activity. The observational research was confirmed by means of qualitative research. The experiences of gang members were examined by means of questionnaires to better understand the dynamic. The qualitative study was conducted at four correctional facilities, namely a maximum, medium A and medium B facility and a town youth facility. These different facilities ensured that all age groups were represented. Questionnaires were distributed to offenders who voluntarily consented to participating in the research. The literature study showed that South Africa has good legislature and policies in place, but that they have to be implemented more strictly and that the correctional officers have to be empowered by an increase in human resources and funding. In addition to capacity building, the strategic framework presented as part of the study suggests that supervision of gang members should be sharpened by for instance reconsidering the lay-out of correctional facilities. Gang members should be involved in rehabilitation programmes, which are frequently available, but not implemented. Correctional officers should be trained to manage gang members and legislation and policies should be revised frequently, as criminals tend to adjust their modus operandi continuously. The suggested framework can be of great value to the Department of Correctional Services, as managing gang activity in correctional centres can greatly change the efforts of the department to rehabilitate offenders.

Details: Pretoria: University of South Africa, 2017. 204p.

Source: Internet Resource: Dissertation: Accessed May 8, 2018 at: http://uir.unisa.ac.za/bitstream/handle/10500/23132/dissertation_nel_sl.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y

Year: 2017

Country: South Africa

URL: http://uir.unisa.ac.za/bitstream/handle/10500/23132/dissertation_nel_sl.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y

Shelf Number: 150098

Keywords:
Gangs
Prison Administration
Prison Gangs
Prison Violence
Prisoner Misconduct

Author: Cruz-Rivera, Luis Jose

Title: Preventing Contraband Cellular Phone Use in Prisons: A Technical Response to NTIA

Summary: Overview From correctional facilities within the United States (U.S) and throughout the world to homeland defense and scenarios taking place on battlefields, illicit cellular phone use and unauthorized mobile data systems access is impacting mission safety at many levels. As evidenced by recent congressional activities and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration's (NTIA) Notice of Inquiry (NOI) regarding technical solutions to detect and prevent illegal use of cellular phones in correctional facilities, this problem is a growing threat to the security of our nation and its citizens. Too often, solution are designed to control threats, such as the growing cellular contraband problem and other major safety concerns, focus on the technology component , and fails to consider the appropriate combination of skills, processes, and technologies to enable a comprehensive solution. In the case of contraband of cell phone use within correctional facilities, the solution lays in the architecture, addressing and combating the root cause of the problem. The effective use of technology can combine intelligence gathering with analysis to support the security mission. Effective operating scenario knowledge, decision-making capabilities, and goal attainment need to ultimately control and deny this contraband issue. Commercial off the shelf (COTS) standalone systems do not offer a complete and satisfactory solution to the contraband cell phone challenge detailed in the NTIA request. Consideration of unified operational requirements, concepts of operations and functional requirements must be applied to the selection of available systems or development of an effective system of systems appropriate to address the mission space. This facilitates the deployment of an intelligent architecture for centralized and regional environments alike with a comprehensive affordable solution. The commercial market space has recognized this disparity and as the NTIA NOI identifies several point solutions or technologies have been developed within the current regulatory environment to address the known cellular contraband issues. For the purposes of this paper these solutions fall into two general categories - active radio-frequency (RF) systems and passive RF systems. While there are hybrid scenarios (a solution using both active and passive RF), this document will focus only on the solutions that fall into the active RF category and the passive RF category; hybrid solutions are excluded from this analysis. Furthermore, this document intends to elucidate a comprehensive approach for managing the operational data needs of several layers of the U.S. Government and other key stakeholders affected by illicit use of cellular phones in prisons. This document will discuss the two solution types and provide details regarding several technology and deployment considerations to address the architecture of the solution. Figure 1 depicts the two mission areas in which all of the possible solutions fall - contraband-based solutions and intelligence-based solutions. The contraband-based solution addresses the short-term need for denial by jamming or detection and monitoring for manual control. The intelligence-based solution provides varying capabilities of C3I (Command, Control, Communications, and Intelligence) interface and allows stakeholder operations to address criminal or other activities of interest within stakeholder jurisdictions. This capability can bridge other additional security needs to the solution, thus enabling the correctional community to utilize data sharing with law enforcement and judicial stakeholders to maintain a holistic view of criminal network communications and contraband management activities within the target locations. The level of metadata attainable in these transactions provides a large data-mining capability, which can interface with other operating scenario data sources and provide a new appreciation for connection networks. Within the scope considered by NTIA, solutions to this problem will serve the following primary stakeholders: - Prisons and correctional institutions that want the technology to solve the problem - Commercial operators who have paid millions and in some cases billions of dollars for spectrum and equipment and do not want their coverage of valid users impacted - The general public who wants a solution to stop the criminal activities but without impact to their use of devices on the outside of the correctional institution location Other stakeholders include: - State and local law enforcement agencies requiring increased insight and awareness of activities linked with illicit communications - Department of Homeland Security (DHS) data fusion centers, Department of Justice (DOJ), National Institute of Justice (NIJ), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and other law enforcement (LE) entities - Government and industry associations responsible for overseeing the use of spectrum and wireless technology that want a solution that can operate within the boundaries of the law and regulations The opportunity to solve this problem using technology addresses a broad market segment, which also needs to coexist with other security efforts and data-sharing initiatives among the stakeholders. Strategic acquisition and integration work will be critical to deploying a given solution in order to avoid reengineering of design due to technology fluctuations, obsolescence, and total cost of ownership. If a rigorous solution development process is not followed, correctional institutions run the risk of committing and expending unnecessary resources and funds resulting to system implementation defects, technical capability gaps, and system suitability inadequacies within a constantly changing wireless environment.

Details: Fairfax, VA: ManTech International Corporation, 2010. 17p.

Source: Internet Resource: Accessed January 16, 2019 at: https://www.ntia.doc.gov/files/ntia/mantech_response_to_ntia_inquiry_v1.01.pdf

Year: 2010

Country: United States

URL: https://www.ntia.doc.gov/files/ntia/mantech_response_to_ntia_inquiry_v1.01.pdf

Shelf Number: 154226

Keywords:

Cell Phones
Contraband
Correctional Facilities
Illicit Cellular Phone Use
Mobile Data Systems Access
Prison Contraband
Prisoner Misconduct

Rutgers - School of Law, Newark

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