Understanding Correctional Responses to Prison Violence: An In-depth Analysis

• In Event: Understanding the Drivers and Responses to Prison Violence: Results from a Multi-State Examination

Abstract

Correctional responses to prison violence play an important role in managing the safety and security of the institution; however, our understanding of the variations in response strategies remains limited due to an overreliance on administrative misconduct data. These data capture disciplinary responses but fail to capture the full spectrum of potential institutional responses to violent incidents. In this study, we examine over 700 incident reports from a southwestern state prison system in order to gain deeper insight into the situational factors that influence the array of correctional responses to violence. We also investigate the extent that violence recorded in incident reports leads to official misconduct and the factors that differentiate violence with and without formal sanctions. Findings aim to inform evidence-based policies that enhance safety and well-being within correctional systems.

Authors

• Kylie S. Reale, Southern Illinois University Carbondale

• Natasha Frost, Northeastern University

• Nancy Rodriguez, University of California, Irvine