What about those we left behind?: The unintended consequences of decarceration for those still incarcerated

• In Event: Institutional Experiences and Misconduct: Understanding Prison Environments, Inequalities, and Reform

Abstract

Decarceration is the intentional reduction of prison populations through changes in sentence law and guidelines, crime classifications, or correctional policies. Recently many states have witnessed a substantial reduction in prison populations, described as an end to the era of mass incarceration. But what about those who are left behind? Beyond changes to the composition of the prison population, decarceration may have impacts on prison misconduct and incarcerated individual behavior. The purpose of this study is to examine the potential effects of these decarceration policies on individuals who remain incarcerated in Washington State after the enactment of State v. Blake, which decriminalized simple drug possession. In this study, I use interrupted time series analysis to examine decriminalization’s impact on prison misconduct. Implications for future ‘smart decarceration’ strategies are proposed.

Author

• Baylee Allen-Flores, DePaul University