NCJ Number
232321
Journal
Victims and Offenders Volume: 2 Issue: 1 Dated: January 2007 Pages: 77-90
Date Published
January 2007
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This article reviews violence and disorder in prison as well as drug abuse and gang activity in prison and its link to institutional violence to then examine the current responses to prison violence and disorder.
Abstract
In order to distinguish prison myth from reality, the authors examine both official and unofficial estimates of the violence and disorder in prison, as well the dual issues of whether drug abuse and gang activity in prison can be directly linked to the level of violence and disorder in correctional institutions. Based on this review, current responses to prison violence and disorder are examined; the authors argue that the key to reducing the current level of prison violence and disorder is to determine the appropriate tipping point between formal and informal social control mechanisms. The authors conclude by highlighting three distinct strategies for reducing violent incidents in prisons: (1) demand transparency, (2) require evidence-based practice, and (3) implement innovative measures of prison performance and quality. (Published Abstract)