Views From the Inside: Insights About Restrictive Housing From Prison System Officials, Officers, and Staff

2021 ◽  
Vol 101 (6) ◽  
pp. 631-651
Author(s):  
Daniel P. Mears ◽  
George B. Pesta ◽  
Vivian Aranda-Hughes
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Prison System ◽  
Prison Systems ◽  
Research And Policy

Restrictive housing substantially limits inmate movement and privileges. Proponents argue it creates safer prison systems, while opponents claim it does not and harms inmates. However, few studies have systematically examined restrictive housing through the perspective of those who work in prison systems or scrutinized the diverse dimensions relevant to its appraisal. This study addresses this gap by drawing on qualitative data to examine how such individuals view the housing, its operational challenges, effectiveness, possible improvements, and potential alternatives. We present findings along each of these dimensions and then discuss their implications for research and policy.

Managing Prisons Through Extended Solitary Confinement: A Necessary Approach or a Signal of Prison System Failure?

2021 ◽  
pp. 0306624X2110589
Author(s):  
Daniel P. Mears ◽  
Vivian Aranda-Hughes ◽  
George B. Pesta
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Prison System ◽  
Solitary Confinement ◽  
Management Tool ◽  
System Failure ◽  
Unique Form ◽  
Study Research ◽  
Theoretical Perspectives ◽  
Research And Policy

In contemporary American corrections, extended solitary confinement (ESM) as a management tool has emerged as a strategy for avowedly controlling the most violent individuals and, in so doing, creating a safer prison system. We theorize that the emergence of this unique form of housing may also be viewed as a signal of prison system failure. To advance this argument, we identify how different theoretical perspectives can be used to anticipate the effects of ESM on prison system violence and order and then investigate the plausibility of this account by grounding it in analysis of qualitative data from a study of one state’s prison system. The analysis suggests theoretical and empirical warrant for both views of ESM—as an effective tool and as a symptom of system failure. Implications of the study research and policy are discussed.

scholarly journals Transformation of the Image Status of the Penal System in the Context of the Cyclical Political Genesis of Russia

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 595-604
Author(s):  
Roman A. Romashov ◽  
Vladislav Yu. Panchenko ◽  
Ilyas A. Ermolaev ◽  
Larisa A. Petruchak
Keyword(s):  
State Government ◽  
Prison Population ◽  
Social Institutions ◽  
Prison System ◽  
The State ◽  
Penal System ◽  
Russian State ◽  
Public Consciousness ◽  
Prison Systems ◽  
The One

Introduction: being a structural and functional element of the state mechanism (a kind of “state within the state”), the prison system is transforming along with it. Accordingly, the image status of the prison itself and representatives of “prison authorities” and “prison population” is also changing. We bring to the fore the problem of understanding the term “system” in the context of the image status of the social system in general and the penal system in particular. We highlight the formation of semantic images and image statuses on the example of three social institutions (school, army, prison), which are similar in terms of parametric characteristics and functioning and qualitatively different in image status. The article comprehensively examines the bipolar image of the penal system: on the one hand, prison is inextricably linked with human misfortune, an evil that cannot be treated positively; on the other hand, as an instrument of state law enforcement policy, the prison guarantees the inevitability of punishment for a crime, ensuring the execution of punishment, protecting law-abiding citizens, which is a good thing for society and the state. Research materials and methods: the features of formation and functioning of the image status of the Russian penal (“prison”) system are considered in the context of the concept of cyclic political genesis. In accordance with this concept, in relation to the history of the unified Russian state, three cycles should be distinguished (imperial, Soviet, post-Soviet). Within the framework of each, Russia was represented by qualitatively different forms of state government, economic order, social structure, etc. At the same time, in such “different” Russian states, there were different models of prison systems, the formation and functioning of which, as well as the transformation of the image status, was carried out under the influence of state prison policy and under the influence of public consciousness (national mentality). Results: the current state of the Russian penal system can be described as transitional. Along with the legacy of the “Soviet past”, we observe serious changes proceeding from democratization and humanization of the political and legal system of the Russian Federation. Transformation of the image of the penal system is aimed at increasing the level of openness and forming a positive opinion about the functioning of the penitentiary system (the Concept for development until 2030). It is important that in the public consciousness the image of the penal system as a predominantly punitive prison system gradually be replaced by the idea of it as a penitentiary system, which is concerned primarily with “revival of the essence of humanity” in a person through awareness and repentance. As for the image status of employees of the penal system, the state can optimize it first of all by equalizing their official status with that of military personnel and special services employees, who, like representatives of the prison system, serve the Russian state, but are in a privileged position in relation to them. Increasing the prestige of the service in the penal system in the eyes of actual or potential employees implies the rejection of such differentiation.

The New Solitary Confinement? A Conceptual Framework for Guiding and Assessing Research and Policy on “Restrictive Housing”

2019 ◽  
Vol 46 (10) ◽  
pp. 1427-1444 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel P. Mears ◽  
Vivian Hughes ◽  
George B. Pesta ◽  
William D. Bales ◽  
Jennifer M. Brown ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Solitary Confinement ◽  
Policy Debates ◽  
Considerable Debate ◽  
Prison Systems ◽  
Research And Policy

As part of the rise of “get tough” punishment in recent decades, prison systems increasingly have relied on solitary confinement and what many contemporary accounts have termed “restrictive housing.” The latter includes an emphasis on some form of isolation and restrictions on privileges. Use of solitary-like confinement has engendered considerable debate because of differing views about whether it is moral or effective and whether it harms inmates. Despite this debate and the ubiquity of solitary-like confinement, there is much that remains unknown about its uses or effects. A central reason stems from inconsistent operationalizations of such housing in research and policy. This situation creates problems in generalizing the results of studies to diverse settings and populations. The goals of this article are to highlight these points and to advance scholarship and policy debates by presenting a conceptual framework for guiding and assessing research on restrictive housing.

Same Difference: The “Dilemma of Difference” and the Incarceration of Transgender Prisoners

2016 ◽  
Vol 41 (03) ◽  
pp. 616-642 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer Sumner ◽  
Lori Sexton
Keyword(s):  
Focus Groups ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Institutional Structure ◽  
Prison System ◽  
High Stakes ◽  
Institutional Goals

This article examines the “dilemma of difference” transgender prisoners pose and face within a sex-segregated prison system organized around the pursuit of safety and security. Our analysis uses data from a study of the culture and experiences of transgender prisoners in four men's prisons. Using qualitative data from interviews with transgender prisoners, focus groups with prisoners, and focus groups with staff, our findings reveal a common contention that transgender prisoners are (according to staff) and should be (according to prisoners) treated like everyone else, despite their unique situations. This further demonstrates the stakes that this dilemma carries for the prison regime and transgender prisoners' roles in challenging it without engaging in overt resistance—which carries high stakes for them. Accordingly, we elucidate how the rigidity of an institutional structure built on inherent contradictions can have the potential to complicate the achievement of institutional goals.

Policies on Consensual Sexual Activity in State Prisons

2020 ◽  
pp. 088740342092409
Author(s):  
Sarah Gross ◽  
Ben Stickle
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Behavior ◽  
Sexual Activity ◽  
Sexual Behaviors ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Sexual Activities ◽  
State Prisons ◽  
Prison Systems ◽  
Research And Policy

During times of imprisonment, inmates have limited opportunities to relieve sexual urges. Nearly all sexual behaviors (e.g., coerced, consensual, masturbation) are restricted or outright banned in most prison systems. The restriction on sexual behavior is implemented, in part, to maintain control and limit possible violence. However, the policies set forth by prisons restricting sexual behavior do not remove sexual urges and, by some estimates, between 2% and 60% of inmates engage in consensual sexual activities during incarceration. This study explores 51 Department of Correction (DOC) policies on sexual behavior in prisons and examines how DOCs define and punish consensual sexual activity. Findings indicate that most DOCs have policies, which do not differentiate between consensual and nonconsensual behaviors and allow for the punishment of consensual and nonconsensual sexual activity with the same penalties. These findings are evaluated considering current research, and policy implications are discussed.

Who cares? Managing obligation and responsibility across the changing landscapes of informal dementia care

2012 ◽  
Vol 33 (5) ◽  
pp. 888-907 ◽  
Author(s):  
VALERIE EGDELL
Keyword(s):  
Nursing Homes ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Dementia Care ◽  
Health Geography ◽  
Care Giving ◽  
Cultural Expectations ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
Informal Carers ◽  
Socially Situated ◽  
Research And Policy

ABSTRACTThis paper explores the different ways in which informal carers for people with dementia negotiate their care-giving role across the changing organisational and spatial landscape of care. In-depth qualitative data are used to argue that the decisions of carers are socially situated and the result of negotiations involving individuals, families and wider cultural expectations. These decisions affect where care occurs. In addressing these issues this paper draws attention to the lack of choice some carers may have in taking on the care-giving role; how and why carers draw upon support; and the different expectations of the care-giver's capabilities across the different sites of care, specifically at home and in nursing homes. It concludes that research and policy attention should focus on how the expectations about the role and abilities of carers are affected by where, and how, care is delivered. In doing so this paper contributes to the emerging health geography literature on care-giving as well as developing the spatial perspective in the established gerontological literature.

Can school policing be trauma-informed? Lessons from Seattle

2016 ◽  
Vol 39 (3) ◽  
pp. 551-565 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charlotte Gill ◽  
Denise Gottfredson ◽  
Kirsten Hutzell
Keyword(s):  
Process Evaluation ◽  
Policy Development ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
At Risk Students ◽  
Trust Building ◽  
Rigorous Evaluation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Trauma Informed ◽  
Research And Policy

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to describe Seattle’s School Emphasis Officer (SEO) program, a distinctive approach to school policing that aims to connect at-risk students with services and has potential to incorporate a trauma-informed approach. Design/methodology/approach Using qualitative data collected from a process evaluation of SEO, including interviews, observations, and analysis of activity logs and program documentation, the authors explore elements of the program that could be adapted for the development of a trauma-informed policing (TIP) model and highlight some potential pitfalls. Findings SEO activities align well with trauma-informed principles of safety, promoting collaboration, and impulse management and are delivered in a context of trust-building, transparency, and responsivity. However, the program is poorly defined and has limited reach, has not been rigorously evaluated, and faces serious threats to sustainability. Research limitations/implications This study does not assess the effectiveness or appropriateness of TIP. A rigorous evaluation is needed to improve upon and test the model to ensure that increased contact between police and youth is effective and does not contribute to the school-to-prison pipeline. Originality/value To the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first to describe a potential framework for TIP and lay out an agenda for further research and policy development around this idea.

scholarly journals Assessing the Risk of Cascading COVID-19 Outbreaks from Prison-to-Prison Transfers

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Todd L Parsons ◽  
Lee Worden
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Prison System ◽  
Critical Threshold ◽  
Additional Risk ◽  
Safe Level ◽  
Health Measure ◽  
Threshold Rate ◽  
Prison Systems ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Number Of Individuals

COVID-19 transmission has been widespread across the California prison system, and at least two of these outbreaks were caused by transfer of infected individuals between prisons. Risks of individual prison outbreaks due to introduction of the virus and of widespread transmission within prisons due to poor conditions have been documented. We examine the additional risk potentially posed by transfer between prisons that can lead to large-scale spread of outbreaks across the prison system if the rate of transfer is sufficiently high. We estimated the threshold number of individuals transferred per prison per month to generate supercritical transmission between prisons, a condition that could lead to large-scale spread across the prison system. We obtained numerical estimates from a range of representative quantitative assumptions, and derived the percentage of transfers that must be performed with effective quarantine measures to prevent supercritical transmission given known rates of transfers occurring between California prisons. Our mean estimate of the critical threshold rate of transfers was 14.59 individuals transferred per prison per month in the absence of quarantine measures. Available data documents transfers occurring at a rate of 60 transfers per prison per month. At that rate, estimates of the threshold rate of adherence to quarantine precautions had mean 75.68%. While the impact of vaccination and possible decarceration measures is unclear, we include estimates of the above quantities given reductions in the probability and extent of outbreaks. We conclude that the risk of supercritical transmission between California prisons has been substantial, requiring quarantine protocols to be followed rigorously to manage this risk. The rate of outbreaks occurring in California prisons suggests that supercritical transmission may have occurred. We stress that the thresholds we estimate here do not define a safe level of transfers, even if supercritical transmission between prisons is avoided, since even low rates of transfer can cause very large outbreaks. We note that risks may persist after vaccination, due for example to variant strains, and in prison systems where widespread vaccination has not occurred. Decarceration remains urgently needed as a public health measure.

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