Journal of Criminal Justice 40(5)

Journal of Criminal Justice, September 2012: Volume 40, Issue 5

The prison experience: Introduction to the special issue
Daniel P. Mears

The place of punishment: Variation in the provision of inmate services staff across the punitive turn
Michelle S. Phelps

Median state staff-to-inmate ratio for inmate services declined between 1979 and 2005. Across years, the spread of inmate services staff ratios overlapped substantially. Median Northeast state's inmate services ratio in 2005 higher than South's in 1979. The U.S.'s punitive turn was more variegated and partial than is often assumed.

Race group differences in prison victimization experiences
John Wooldredge, Benjamin Steiner

Odds of assault are higher for white relative to African American inmates. Odds of theft are higher for white relative to African American inmates. Daily prison routines are more relevant for predicting victimization among whites. Inmate backgrounds relevant for predicting victimization for both race groups. Violent inmates most likely to be victimized by either crime, regardless of race.

Gender differences in the effects of prison on recidivism
Daniel P. Mears, Joshua C. Cochran, William D. Bales

A prison term is associated with an increased likelihood of recidivism. Prison appears to increase property and drug, and not violent or other, recidivism. This effect arises primarily in comparison to probation, not jail. The criminogenic effect of prison is similar for females and males. Prison is more likely to increase drug recidivism among males.

Reentry preparedness among soon-to-be-released inmates and the role of time served
Nancy Wolff, Jing Shi, Brooke E. Schumann

Study examined whether and how time incarcerated affects reentry readiness. Population-based survey completed by nearly 4000 male inmates. Results indicate reentry vulnerability increases with time served since age 18. Reentry readiness was no related to time served on the current conviction. Targeting cumulative time served is expected to yield better reentry outcomes.

Incarceration and inmates’ self perceptions about returning home
Christy A. Visher, Daniel J. O'Connell

The impact of determinate sentencing on prisoner misconduct
William D. Bales, Courtenay H. Miller

Florida's shift from indeterminate to determinate sentencing was completed in 1995. Indeterminate and determinate sentenced inmate rule infractions were analyzed. Determinate sentenced inmates were found more likely to commit rule infractions. An increase in violent, property, and disorderly rule infractions were found. A consequence of determinate sentencing policy is an increase in rule violations.

Prisoners’ perceptions of correctional officers’ behavior in English and Dutch prisons
Anja J.E. Dirkzwager, Candace Kruttschnitt

We examine how prisoners perceive correctional officers’ behavior in English and Dutch prisons. Substantial differences in staff-prisoner relations are observed in these countries. In England staff-prisoner relations are more detached and staff is unresponsive. In Dutch prisons staff is perceived as helpful and fair. Developments in penal policy are not necessarily mirrored in the practice of prisons.

Social relationships between prisoners in a maximum security prison: Violence, faith, and the declining nature of trust
Alison Liebling, Helen Arnold

Decline in levels of trust among prisoners and staff found in UK maximum security prison. Faith, faith identities, and fears of radicalisation affected prisoner social life. Relationships were fractured and the traditional prison hierarchy had dissolved. Long sentences, fears of radicalisation, and shifting power bases led to higher fear. Religion had become an identifier and ‘cover’ for violent disputes between prisoners.

Prison gang integration and inmate violence
John L. Worrall, Robert G. Morris

We examine the effects of prison gang integration on inmate violence. Within-prison gang dynamics are associated with the incidence of violence. Intergroup conflict theory helps explain prison gang violence.

The ties that bind or the ties that break: Examining the relationship between visitation and prisoner misconduct
Joshua C. Cochran

Visitation patterns are heterogeneous. Prisoners who are visited more consistently engage in lower levels of misconduct. Prison systems may want to consider promoting more frequent and consistent visitation. Future research should account for the longitudinal and heterogeneous nature of prison experiences.