Reimagining incarceration: A Comparative Analysis of Prisoner Perceptions in Guatemala's Old and New Prisons

• In Event: The Inmate Perceptions of Procedural Justice and Correctional Standards of Care Survey: Results from Guatemala

Abstract

The Dominican Republic’s Nuevo Modelo de Gestión Penitenciaria which emphasizes international principles of human rights, has served as a model for other countries in the region, including Guatemala, seeking to reform their correctional institutions. However, relatively little is known about the impact of these reforms The current study uses in-depth survey data to compare perceptions and experiences of 104 female prisoners housed in Guatemala's traditional facilities and its New Model of Prison Management facility. Propensity score matching techniques were used to control for differences in legal and demographic characteristics. Using the United Nations’ dimensions as a framework, perceptions of the rule of law were measured across four major dimensions: performance; capacity; integrity, transparency, and accountability; and treatment of members of vulnerable groups. Analyses indicate that women living in the New Model had significantly more favorable perceptions and positive living experiences. This study increases our understanding of different correctional management models and provides evidence to establish better prison policies and practices.

Authors

• Jeff Mellow, John Jay College of Criminal Justice

• Debi Koetzle, John Jay College of Criminal Justice

• Irina Fanarraga, John Jay College of Criminal Justice / CUNY Graduate Center

• Veronica Michel, John Jay College of Criminal Justice