A Multifaceted Examination of the Impact of Prison Context on Recidivism

• In Event: Rehabilitation and Reentry in Prison

Abstract

An emerging body of research finds a strong empirical relationship between prison misconduct and recidivism, while broader theoretical work observes that in-prison experiences are important for the reentry process. Recent scholarly examinations of the impact of prison contextual factors are limited by a reliance on secondary data sources. We employ a multi-methodological approach that includes field notes and observational data from intensive site visits at male state prisons in Ohio. Controlling for individual-level characteristics including dynamic risk and prison misconduct, we analyze the impact of a various prison-level factors on recidivism for a cohort of released prisoners. Some of these prison contextual factors that capture recent incarceration experiences include environmental deprivation, staffing characteristics, and various situational context measures (i.e., physical layout, surveillance, concentrations of gangs and youthful offenders). Findings are considered in terms of their implications for reentry planning.

Authors

• Kathleen Ann Lamb, Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction

• Brian R. Kowalski, Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction

• Brian D. Martin, Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction