Larry J. Siegel Joe Morris Northwestern State University Cherly Gary North Central Texas College Lisa Ann Zilney Montclair State Chapter 12 Prison Life: Living In and Leaving Prison

Learning Objectives Discuss the problems of the adult correctional system. Know what is meant by the term of “total institution.” Differentiate between a no-frills and a rehabilitation philosophy. Chart the prisonization process and the development of the inmate social code. Compare the lives and cultures of male and female inmates. Be familiar with the different forms of correctional treatment. Discuss the world of correctional officers. Understand the cause of prison violence Know what is meant by prisoners’ rights, and discuss some key privileges that have been granted to inmates. Be knowledgeable about the parole process and the problems of prisoner reentry.

Men Imprisoned Total institutions Personal losses include deprivation of liberty, goods and services, heterosexual relationships, autonomy, and security Loneliness and dangers of prison life

Sexual Coercion Highest rates in barracks style housing/large populations/lax security Young males raped & kept as sex slaves by older inmates Prison Rape Reduction Act of 2003 Research on rape not consistent in findings

Adjusting to Prison Attitude and behavior changes Medical problems Segregation The inmate social code Prisonization

The New Inmate Culture Precipitated by black power movement in the 1960’s and 70’s Racial polarity and tension Groups formed as a result of: Religious or political affiliations Combat discrimination Previous street gang membership

Women Imprisoned Before 1960 fewer women in prison Four institutions built between 1930 and women’s prisons built during 1980s

Female Institutions Size Minimum security Lack of health, treatment, and educational facilities Limited vocational training

Female Inmates Primarily young, unmarried, poorly educated, minority group members Broken homes Physical and sexual abuse violence Psychological/substance abuse Sexual exploitation/abuse by staff

Adapting to the Female Institution Behavior less violent than male inmates Anti-authority inmate social code of male institutions does not exist May engage in self-destructive behavior Make-believe families

Treatment programs Behavior Modifica- tion Aversive Therapy Milieu Therapy Reality Therapy Cognitive Skills Formal Education Anger Manage- ment Faith- based

Guarding the Institution Guards traditionally viewed as ruthless Now viewed as public servants Display a number of roles Order maintained in prisons

Female Correctional Officers Discipline has not suffered because of the inclusion of women Sexual assaults rare Beneficial effect on self-image of inmates

Types of Prison Violence Inmate vs. InmateInmate vs. StaffStaff vs. InmateNon sexual assault

Causes of Individual Violence History of Violence Age Psychological Factors Prison Conditions Lack of dispute mechanisms Basic Survival

Causes of Collective Violence Inmate Balance TheoryAdministrative Control TheoryOvercrowding

Suicide & Homicide Rate in Prisons, Year 50 Suicides per 100,000 inmates Year 50 Homicides per 100,000 inmates Jails Prisons Suicide rate,

Prisoners’ Rights Before the early 1960s, on conviction all rights were forfeited and inmates were considered civilly dead Hands-off doctrine Access to courts, legal services, and materials Freedom of the press and of expression Freedom of religion Medical rights Cruel and unusual punishment Racial segregation Overall prison conditions

Parole Decision to parole is determined by statutory requirement Functions of the parole board Select and place prisoners on parole Aid, supervise, and provide control of parolees in the community Determine when parole has been completed and the parolee may be discharged Whether parole should be revoked if violations occur

The Parolee in the Community Must adhere to conditions of release Privilege and not a right Failure to comply with conditions results in return to prison

Effectiveness of Parole More than half return to prison, many for technical violations Re-arrests are most common in the 6 months after release Cost of recidivism is acute – high number of new criminal offenses

Percentages of Released Prisoners Rearrested within Three Years by Offense, 1983 and All Violent Property Drug Percent of released prisoners rearrested Drug Offense

Why Do People Fail on Parole? Nature of prison experience Rarely address psychological and economic problems that lead to recidivism Little preparation for reintegration No development of skills essential to cope Disruption of home life while incarcerated and lack of support systems Strong association between prior and future offending

Problems of Reentry Unprepared for life in conventional society Growth in number of mandatory re-entries Not assigned to supervision on release Leave prison without any “resources” Not employed in regular job market Physical and mental health problems Employers reluctant to hire ex-convicts Loss of rights