Roundtable: Navigating Research Partnerships with Departments of Corrections

Session Submission Type: Roundtable Session

Abstract/Description

This roundtable explores the partnerships between corrections agencies and researchers that seek to better understand, and make changes to, prison conditions and culture. Three researchers will share the lessons learned from three national studies—covering the successes and challenges to study designs, but also diving deeper into the ways the research teams approached and worked through different compromises as they navigate when deciding with whom to partner, when, and on what topics. Dr. Rodriguez will share from her experience leading the Prison Violence Consortium, a partnership between seven state prison systems and correctional experts dedicated to investigating the causes and consequences of prison violence among incarcerated persons and correctional staff. Dr. Pitts will share his experience leading a network of researchers in five states through the Prison Research and Innovation Initiative. Dr. Shanahan will share their experience conducting mixed methods studies across five state corrections agencies using participatory action research. The roundtable will provide opportunities for everyone to share their experiences from the past and their concerns and excitement for the future about conducting research to effect change in prisons.

Sub Unit

• Area XIV. Roundtables

Chair

• Matthew Mizel, Arnold Ventures

Discussants

• David Pitts, Urban Institute

• Nancy Rodriguez, University of California, Irvine

• Ryan Shanahan, Vera Institute of Justice