Doing Local Time: The Effects of Sophisticated Offenders on Aggregate Jail Inmate Misconduct

• In Event: Empirical Approaches to Persistent Criminal Justice Problems

Abstract

Studies of institutional behavior have suggested an integrated model where the interactions of deprivation and importation produce inmate misconduct. Overwhelmingly, these studies have focused on prison samples and, thus, failed to consider the initial stages of institutional assimilation occurring in local jails. This study adds to the literature on the effects of offender and organizational characteristics on inmate misconduct through analysis of quarterly and monthly collected operational data from California county jails. Results of a negative binomial model revealed sophistication of the offender population – proportion felony offenders – significantly increased institutional misconduct – staff assaults – after controlling for three deprivation – average daily population, proportion male, and inmate turnover ratio – measures. These findings suggest more sophisticated offenders increase the complexity of offender management within local jails. Theoretically, the findings suggest jail experiences may be more dynamic than static across prison populations.

Authors

• Jonathan W. Caudill, California State University, Chico

• Emily La Rue, California State University, Chico

• Chad R. Trulson, University of North Texas

• Ryan Patten, California State University, Chico

• Matt DeLisi, Iowa State University

• Matthew O. Thomas, California State University, Chico