Relationships Matter: Legitimacy, Procedural Justice, and the Working Alliance in Prisons and Jails

Session Submission Type: Complete Thematic Panel

Abstract

This panel offers insight into the interpersonal relationships between corrections staff and the individuals currently incarcerated in United States prisons and jails. The presentations will raise key issues, including whether: (a) currently relied upon procedural justice measures adequately capture theoretical constructs unique to prison contexts; (b) the legitimacy of authority figures is impacted by the first six weeks of jail incarceration; and (c) sexual offenders can develop a relationship with their therapists over the course of treatment. The panel brings together several research teams presenting their latest research and empirical findings using sophisticated research methods and analyses (e.g., longitudinal data, multi-level modeling). Implications for current correctional practices and policies are outlined and suggestions for future research are provided.

Sub Unit

• Area VII: Criminal Justice Policy and Practice / 46: Prisoner Experiences with the Justice System

Individual Presentations

• Measuring Neutrality in Custodial Decisionmaking: Prisoner Perceptions of One Procedural Justice Element - Layne Dittman, Sam Houston State University; Brandy L. Blasko, Sam Houston State University; Danielle S. Rudes, George Mason University; Shannon Magnuson, George Mason University

• Legitimate Custodial Authority: Preliminary Findings from The Texas Jail Study - Robin Parker, University of Texas at San Antonio; Jill Viglione, University of Texas at San Antonio; Brandy L. Blasko, Sam Houston State University

• Changes in the Working Alliance Over the Course of Prison-Based Sexual Offender Treatment - Brianne Kane, Sam Houston State University; Brandy L. Blasko, Sam Houston State University

Chair

• Brandy L. Blasko, Sam Houston State University

Discussant

• Kimberly R. Kras, University of Massachusetts Lowell