CJ 130 Introduction to Corrections Seminar 6

Welcome to Unit 6: Institutional Security and violence

SEMINAR OVERVIEW Welcome Causes of Prison Violence 1. Before the Riot 2. During the Riot 3. After the Riot Reducing Prison Violence Correctional Programs and Services Attica: Problems and Solutions

Information Quiz Questions

More than--------------of all inmates are being held in large, maximum-security prisons. One-fourth One-third Half Three-fourths

The----------------------inmates are the ones who report that they have more difficulty with correctional officers. Younger Older Male Female

The------------------------predominant emotion that male inmates must confront in the early part of their prison term is: Depression Loneliness Hate Boredom

The change from the “old inmate” culture to the “new inmate” culture seems to have been precipitated by the-------------------in the 1960s and 1970s. Get tough policy Flower power movement Move to the hands-on doctrine Black Power movement

Most inmates with AIDS are in the------------------population. General inmate Administrative segregation Inmate hospital Special AIDS

Approximately how many inmates escape from prison each year? 500 1,200 4,500 7,000

Despite good intentions, rehabilitative treatment within prison walls is extremely difficult to achieve. True or False

Rape as a means of expressing dominance, power, and anger is now an accepted prison norm. True or False

Emotional harassment, physical assaults, rapes, stabbings, and homicides are part of prison life. What security level facilities usually have these kinds of problems?

What causes prison violence?

Causes of Prison Violence Violent Characteristics of Inmates Social Factors Structural Factors Institutional Factors

Violent Characteristics of Inmates Youth Lower class attitudes Fear of humiliation History of violent behavior

Social Factors of Prison Violence Racial Unrest Presence of Gangs Drug Use

Racial Unrest Magnified racial tension Racially motivated gang activities Common bond—races tend to join together

Gangs Almost all states have prison gangs Gang rivalries are carried over from the streets Spread of gang activity with transferred prisoners Economic Victimization Can dominate prison and create ongoing problems

Drug Use Link between drugs and violent behavior in general society carries over into prison Easy access to drugs Problem sometimes ignored or staff can even be involved.

Institutional and Structural Factors Overcrowding Prison staff/prisoner ratio Dirty conditions Lack of privacy Lack of jobs Tension Indefensible space

There are six different scenarios that could lead to an inmate assault on staff: Officer’s command: Assault followed explicit command to inmate. Protest: Assault occurred because victim considers himself victimized by unjust or inconsistent treatment by a staff member. Search: Assault occurred during search of an inmate’s body or cell. Inmates’ fight: Assault resulted from officer intervening in fight between inmates. Movement: Assault took place during the movement of inmates from one part of the prison to another. Contraband: Assault followed a staff member suspecting an inmate of possessing

Reducing Prison Violence How can we reduce prison violence?

Is some violence inherent to these facilities or can putting certain policies in place stop the violence?

Attica: Problems and Solutions How could the tragedy surrounding the events at Attica have been prevented? How have prison policies changed since Attica?

Do you think prisons should strive to hire guards of various backgrounds who speak a variety of languages?

The abnormal social environment and institutional and structural imperfections combine to produce violent surroundings within the contemporary prison. Overcrowding, the drug appetites of prisoners, and racial and gang skirmishes seem to be the most important factors that create an incendiary situation. If inmates can be tough enough, they will turn themselves into the worst kind of predators, forcing themselves on the weak and enjoying the spoils of their predation.

WRAP UP Any Questions/Concerns? Next Seminar Topic: Juvenile vs. Adult Prisons and Male vs. Female Prisoners