Understanding Risky Facilities: Analysis of Factors Associated with Jails Escapes in Four States

• In Event: Space and Location Considerations in Prisons and Jails

Abstract

There is a dearth of research on the factors that make some jails more prone to escapes than others. Clarke and Eck’s (2007) risky facilities framework posits there are seven key factors which predict a facility’s risk to crime and disorder. Using data from 108 county jails in four contiguous states, this study empirically tests if facility-level risk factors can account for jail escapes. Additionally, this research examines county-level characteristics to account for the macro-level explanations. This research discusses policy implications in light of the findings.

Authors

• Jacqueline Scott, John Jay College of Criminal Justice / CUNY Graduate Center

• Jeff Mellow, John Jay College of Criminal Justice

• Gohar A. Petrossian, John Jay College of Criminal Justice

• Bryce E. Peterson, Urban Institute