A Comparison of Prison Violence Prevention and Control Strategies Between the USA and Australia

• In Event: Varied Perspectives on Violence and Victimization among Inmates: A Look at Risk, Prevalence, and Prevention

Abstract

This paper examines violence in secure correctional facilities in the United States since the last comprehensive assessment was undertaken in 2007. Since that time, strategies in the U.S., such as institutional culture initiatives and efforts to reduce inmate sexual assault through the tenants of the Prison Rape Elimination Act, have been in place, allowing for a pre/post comparison of institutional violence and disorder. Additionally, along with the United States, Australia has been at the forefront of a progressive reform movement in its correctional facilities to reduce prison violence and reshape the nation’s correctional system so that it better serves the goal of effective reintegration of former offenders back into communities. Through this type of comparative analysis of two nations with similar crime and justice issues (e.g., large proportions of drug offenders, disproportionate representation of underrepresented groups in the correctional system), policy decisions may be better informed and a true picture of the impacts of large scale incarceration obtained. The paper concludes with a report on best practices and ameliorating policies that show promise, as well as a discussion of incarceration trends and strategies for both nations moving forward.

Authors

• Donald Charles Hummer, Penn State Harrisburg

• James Michael Byrne, University of Massachusetts Lowell

• Daniela Barberi, Penn State Harrisburg