Examining the Influence of Jail Misconduct on Future Recidivism

• In Event: Misconduct in Correctional Environments

Abstract

Although prison populations are larger than jails, the annual number of individuals moving through America’s jails far exceeds those passing through its prisons. The relationship between institutional misconduct and recidivism is mixed when examining the existing research that has assessed whether misconduct is a significant predictor of recidivism among prison populations. No identified studies have examined this impact with jail populations. After first assessing the impact of visitation on inmate misconduct within a county jail, this study expands on those results, by studying the impact of misconduct on recidivism post-release. The presentation will provide results, discussion of significance, and future recommendations.

Authors

• Mari Pierce, Penn State University, Beaver

• Tina Freiburger, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

• Carly Hilinski-Rosick, University of Tampa