Spatial features of a penitentiary unit in the context of stress experienced by Prison Service staff

Prison as the place of work of the Prison Service staff is a specific workplace due to both the nature of the prison community as well as the infrastructural and architectural solutions deployed to protect prison officers. Considering the spatial features of a penitentiary unit and their role in the due performance of Prison Service tasks, it seems quite relevant to seek an answer to the question: How does the physical space of a prison contribute to the stress experienced by prison officers? The issue in question is rooted in M. Mendel’s concept of pedagogy of place, symbolic interactionism and S. Hobfoll’s conservation of resources theory. Inquiry into a research problem of this kind seems reasonable taking into account the infrastructural and spatial aspects of the surroundings that can be potential stress drivers. In April 2021, a group of 58 prison officers were surveyed based on the Stress Perception Questionnaire and the author’s questionnaire. Relationships between the variables have been established through the use of correlation, significant difference test and variance analysis. The results revealed that the essential spatial characteristics of a penitentiary unit associated with the perception of stress by Prison Service staff are those features that relate to the penitentiary unit’s functional aspects covering the specific technical and protective safeguards. These results formed a premise for designating higher-risk staff groups, with regard to which preventive programmes aimed at counteracting the negative effects of stress experience should be considered

An HIV Narrative of Female Inmates With a Lifetime History of Mental Illness in Durban, South Africa

Introduction: South Africa (SA) has one of the highest prevalence rates of Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV) globally, with women carrying a larger burden of the disease. Furthermore, female inmates have higher rates of HIV compared to their male counterparts, with an over-representation of mental illnesses among female inmates as well. Additionally, mental illnesses are highly prevalent in people living with HIV, with HIV and mental illness sharing a complex bidirectional relationship. This study, which forms part of a larger two-phased, mixed-methods study, describes the experiences of contracting and living with/being affected by HIV, among female inmates with a lifetime history of mental illness, in a South African setting.Method: This study was conducted at a correctional centre in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, SA. Fourteen adult (18 years and older) female inmates, were purposively selected to participate in individual, in-depth semi-structured interviews. Participants had a lifetime history of mental illness, trauma and were either living with HIV, or affected by HIV. Women from diverse cultural backgrounds, who were fluent in English, were selected. This manuscript focuses on the description of the HIV component of the qualitative interviews only. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data.Results: Themes related to contracting HIV included intimate partner betrayal, gender differences regarding sexual behaviour, fear associated with HIV and the importance of pre- and post-test HIV counselling. Themes related to living with/being affected by HIV included the challenges women experienced in their home community, which contrasted with their experience of living with HIV in the prison community, and the importance of accepting an HIV positive life.Conclusion: HIV is prevalent in the female inmate population at this correctional centre in SA. This study emphasises that whilst incarcerated, attempts should be made to educate, train, support and manage HIV in this population, thereby helping to curb the epidemic. Further research should aim at exploring such strategies. The study also underscores the importance of the continued need for HIV education in order to eradicate associated stigma and discrimination which are still prevalent in SA.

Does the good lives model work? A systematic review of the recidivism evidence

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the efficacy of good lives model (GLM) interventions on the recidivism outcomes of convicted offenders. Design/methodology/approach The review adhered to preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis and Cochrane guidelines. Digital databases were searched and articles reporting outcomes of the GLM amongst convicted offenders and outcomes including recidivism data and pre-post measures of dynamic risk were included in a narrative synthesis. Findings Of 1,791 articles screened, only six studies met the criteria for review. Key findings were: in half the reviewed studies, GLM did not increase recidivism risk; in half the reviewed studies, only when the correct treatment dosage was applied that some evidence of risk reduction was found; there was limited support for GLM increasing or sustaining motivation for resistance from reoffending. Research for the review was limited and support for the GLM in reducing recidivism rates was not established. Practical implications In this 2021 review, the authors examined the efficacy of the GLM in reducing recidivism. This addresses a gap in the literature. The authors found that there is insufficient evidence to suggest that the GLM can reduce recidivism. This has implications for practitioners who wish to deliver evidence-based practices in prison/community settings. There is currently not enough peer-reviewed evidence to unequivocally confirm the efficacy of the GLM. The authors recommended additional quality programme outcome research be carried out. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to assess quantitative and qualitative studies on the efficacy of the GLM and provides foundations for future research.

Comorbidity within Axis-II Disorders: The Unending Issues

Personality Disorders have since the 19th century been known and established as psychiatric diagnosis, yet till date, issues of definition still remain unresolved. With a prevalence of 10-15% of the general population, and it’s associated extreme disruption in the lives of the patients and the communities, it is still not a principle focus of treatment. It’s assessment and diagnosis have been restricted to clinical settings and drug treatment and rehabilitation centres. A study in a Nigerian prison community has revealed a comorbidity prevalence rate of 70% with substance use disorder, a 25% comorbidity prevalence within the personality disorders and a strong association between personality disorders and criminality.

Musical communities in the society of captives: Exploring the impact of music making on the social world of prison

This article examines the ways in which music making can inspire and facilitate social change amongst the “society of captives.” It explores the social dynamics of prison music projects, and then looks at the ways in which music making can begin to transform the wider social world of prison. It reports a qualitative investigation of two such projects delivered by the Irene Taylor Trust (ITT) in a medium-security, adult male prison in England. Methods comprised participant observations of the projects over a period of 14 months, and semi-structured interviews with prisoner participants, facilitators, and members of prison staff. Much research shows that taking part in prison music projects can help participants develop social skills and thus contribute to their rehabilitation and desistance from crime. The present study revealed that the ITT projects were not merely the setting for learning individual social skills; the participants also felt themselves to be joining or forming a community that was distinct from the wider prison community. The impact of their musical activities on their lives in prison was as important to them as its potential contribution to their lives following release. The findings are discussed with reference to the work of DeNora, suggesting that music projects can provide the setting for removal communities, with norms distinct from and better than those of typical social life in prison, and can transform or refurnish the wider prison environment, as participants continue their music making on the landings and in their cells.

ФИЛОЗОФИЈА У ЗАТВОРСКИМ ЗАЈЕДНИЦАМА

Changes in penal policy which is a part of the neoliberal paradigm have political significance and social consequences within and outside prison communities. The prison population is growing despite the fall and stagnation of the crime rate in developed countries which creates a paradox mirrored in the politics of the neoliberal regulation. It is connected to the “new penology” which unlike the “old” penology sees the prison community as a statistical collective which entails a particular risk for the realization of the set governing goals. Since there is a shift from “hard” to “soft” power within prison communities, this paper discusses the disciplinary effects of this process. It showcases the effects of various projects which have introduced philosophy into prison environments as a way to encourage individual identity growth and inspire the return of practices of rehabilitation as a psychological, moral and social recovery of an individual.

Norfolk’s “Model Prison Community”: Howard Belding Gill and the Social Process of Prison Reform

This article explores the social process of criminal justice reform, from Howard Belding Gill’s 1927 appointment as the first superintendent of the Norfolk Prison Colony to his dramatic State House hearing and dismissal in 1934. In order to understand the social and spatial design of Norfolk’s “model prison community,” this article reviews Gills’ tenure as superintendent through administrative documents, newspaper reports, and his writings on criminal justice reform. Particular attention is given to the relationship between correctional administration and public consciousness. Concluding insights are offered on the possible lessons from Norfolk Prison Colony for contemporary reform efforts.