True versus Mixed Custody: How do Custody Levels Interact?

• In Event: Insights from New Approaches to Corrections Research

Abstract

Classification schemas are evidence-based practices used to organize inmates into security levels during their incarceration. It has been argued that classification levels should not mix with one another, as it can increase an individual’s risk of infraction behavior. However, many agencies lack the design capacity to keep the levels separate. Beyond this, no study to date has examined the influence of classification levels living together on prison misconduct. Using a large sample of inmates housed by the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services, we compared misconducts that occurred in a true custody housing unit (one custody level) and mixed custody housing units (multiple custody levels). Multi-level logistic regressions were computed demonstrating important interaction of custody level on rates of misconduct. Findings provide important findings regarding facility design and the potential impact on prison management.

Authors

• Baylee A. Allen, University of Nebraska at Omaha

• Zachary Hamilton, University of Nebraska at Omaha

• Alex Kigerl, University of Nebraska at Omaha