Examining Differences in Correctional Officer Legitimacy Among Incarcerated Persons in Relationship to Grievance Process Legitimacy

• In Event: Dispatches From Behind the Veil: Assessing Leisure, Legitimacy, and Resiliency in Prison Through a PAR Approach

Abstract

A plethora of extant analyses in the criminology field have focused on legitimacy of law enforcement and court officials, yet less is known about incarcerated populations perceptions of legitimacy in interactions with prison staff. This project utilized a PAR based approach to investigate how incarcerated people perceive the grievance process. The project fielded a research team of university based and incarcerated persons to examine the relationship of perceived housing unit correctional officer legitimacy on satisfaction with the grievance process. The team surveyed incarcerated persons in a DE prison. We report findings from analyses examining levels of legitimacy with officer interactions and the grievance process across housing units. Models controlled for the characteristics of the units and the backgrounds of persons residing on them. Findings indicate a positive relationship between unit staff and grievance process legitimacy. Discussion centers on the importance of unit level legitimacy and how it can be increased.

Authors

• Daniel OConnell, Center for Drug and Health Studies, University of Delaware

• Emalie Rell, University of Delaware

• Christy Visher, University of Delaware

• Darryl L. Chambers, University of Delaware