Utilizing Social Media to Survey Former Inmates

• In Event: Poster Session I

Abstract

The complex transition from incarceration to the community necessitates a variety of research on released inmates. Unfortunately, the harsh reality of prisoner re-entry does not yield ease of access for this population. Indeed, socioeconomic disadvantage, substance abuse treatment, unfamiliarity with new technology, housing/employment barriers, and potential reinvolvement in criminal activity can create challenges for researchers wishing to speak with this population. While various retention strategies can be employed to maintain involvement in research (e.g. incentives for involvement, frequent check-ins, proxy interviews, community contacts), a critical concern for researchers is first initiating contact with former inmates. This poster reflects on the challenges, successes, and future avenues of using social media to contact and recruit released inmates.

Authors

• Robert Stallings, Lenoir-Rhyne University

• Kyle C. Ward, University of Northern Colorado

• Paul Hawkins, Indiana University of Pennsylvania