The Relationship Between Perceived and Reported Violence and Conflict in a Jail

• In Event: Issues Facing Correctional Staff

Abstract

While there has been significant research examining inmate and staff perceptions of safety in correctional facilities, as well research examining reported incidents in correctional facilities, there has been little research that has explored correlates between inmate perceptions, staff perceptions, and official incident reports. This paper seeks to address that gap in the literature through the exploration of correlates between these three distinct types of data. As part of a larger investigation of violence and conflict (verbal, physical, economic, and sexual) in correctional facilities, over four hundred male inmates in a local detention facility completed a survey designed to measure inmate perceptions of the various types of violence and conflict present in their housing units. Staff perceptions of violence and conflict in those same housing units were measured in a series of structured interviews and surveys conducted with corrections staff. Official incident report data was provided by the facility. Data gathered through inmate and staff surveys and interviews were then analyzed alongside official incident report data, allowing for the comparison of staff perceptions of conflict, inmate perceptions of conflict, and reported incidents. Implications of the findings are discussed.

Authors

• John Bell, Eastern Kentucky University

• Maria Bordt, Eastern Kentucky University

• Emily Hayden, Eastern Kentucky University

• Ethan Henny, Eastern Kentucky University

• Danielle MacInnes, Eastern Kentucky University

• William McClanahan, Eastern Kentucky University

• Brenna Owen, Eastern Kentucky University

• Hannah Robbins, Eastern Kentucky University

• Jennifer Tilley, American University

• Josh Yeager, Eastern Kentucky University

• James Bevard Wells, Eastern Kentucky University