Articles tagged with Imprisonment
Research on Philippine jails reveals the everyday human cost of overcrowding, including sensory overload from poor ventilation, heat, and smell. The study calls for sensorially attuned penal reform to address the full spectrum of carceral harm.
A new book, 'Music and Political Imprisonment in Pinochet’s Chile', exposes the brutal realities of torture during the dictatorship through the power of music. Survivors like Ana María Jiménez recount how they used songs to comfort each other and resist their captors.
The University of Utah has established the nation's first Prison Education Research Center (PEARL) using an $8 million grant. The center will focus on advancing educational justice for people and communities impacted by incarceration, collecting systematic data on postsecondary education in prisons. PEARL aims to strengthen data and ev...
A new study reveals prisoners in Finland express a willingness to act responsibly, but face challenges within prison structures. They identify climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss as serious problems, associating sustainability with everyday actions like recycling and saving energy.
A new study by VCU researchers found that almost all participants perceived a suspect as being in custody after only a short period of time, even though they had not been formally arrested. The research used virtual reality headsets to examine how people perceive police custody from 'inside' the interrogation room.
A new study in a US prison suggests that incarcerated individuals prioritize accessibility, support, and humane treatment from staff. The study's findings highlight the potential implications of negative emotions such as frustration and feeling uncared for on relationships between staff and inmates.
Research reveals that individuals diagnosed with cancer during incarceration or shortly after release are less likely to receive prompt and recommended cancer care. The study highlights the importance of addressing barriers to high-quality care in correctional health settings, particularly for patients who have a constitutional right t...
Researchers develop an indicator to predict the possibility of genocide based on escalating human rights abuses, including declining workers' rights, torture, and extrajudicial killings. The sequence of violations can culminate in mass atrocities, with the United Nations ultimately deciding whether they meet the criteria for genocide.
A recent analysis found that former inmates report worse health than non-incarcerated peers, even years after release. The study, published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, suggests that clinicians consider screening for incarceration history and connecting patients to supportive services.
Researchers found high rates of depression and anxiety among juvenile prisoners, regardless of the charge. The study suggests that addressing mental health concerns before detention can reduce recidivism, and screening and intervention should be standard practice in all detention settings.
Researchers found that automated text message reminders significantly reduced bench warrants and pretrial incarceration rates. The study used software sent to clients of public defenders in California, resulting in a 20-21% decrease in missed court dates.
A Norwegian researcher has identified key factors contributing to recidivism after imprisonment, including mental health, relationships, motivation, and support systems. The study found that 'soft' factors are equally important as 'hard' variables in predicting reoffending risk.
A NIH-funded study found that individuals receiving medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) while incarcerated had higher treatment engagement rates six months after release. The study also showed a significant reduction in fatal and non-fatal overdose deaths, as well as reincarceration rates.
The study found that commonly used mental health screening tools may not be reliable for everyone, particularly African American youth. Research highlights the need for improved assessments that are both psychometrically sound and culturally responsive to protect vulnerable youth in the juvenile justice system.
The European Union has launched a new toolkit to help eliminate viral hepatitis B and C in prisons across Europe. The toolkit provides practical tools and guidance for implementing interventions in prisons, with the goal of reducing transmission rates and promoting public health.
A study by Universitat Oberta de Catalunya researchers found that digital tools have an important role in prisons' educational programmes and inmates' emotional well-being. However, unequal access to internet-connected devices and outdated equipment limit their impact.
A large cohort study found significant associations between incarceration and increased risk of death from overdoses, as well as a doubling of individual mortality risk at high county incarceration rates. The findings highlight the need for reforms in criminal justice and public health policies to address these risks.
Individual incarceration is strongly associated with increased mortality in the US, as well as higher all-cause mortality among people living in counties with high incarceration rates. Incarcerated individuals face a 39% higher risk of dying from any cause and are three times more likely to die from drug overdose.
A new study by University of Cincinnati criminologist Francis Cullen found that 40% of Americans agree the prison system is racist and that public punitiveness has declined. The study suggests a shift in 'penal sensibility' as Americans become less favorable towards mass incarceration.
A pilot program was conducted in South Africa to provide harm reduction and medications for opioid use disorder among people living with HIV and illicit opioid use. The study found low uptake of medication-assisted treatment after release, citing perceived ineffectiveness and delays in initiation.
A new study of over 700 incarcerated women reveals that rape is a significant predictor of incarceration, with victims more than 4 times as likely to be incarcerated as non-victims. The study also found that severe abuse can lead to early school dropout and increased crime.
A new analysis of job applicant data from a large employer found that Ban-the-Box policies had little impact on employment rates for individuals with criminal records. Despite initial hopes that these policies would improve job prospects, the study suggests that any benefits may be reversed during subsequent candidate assessment.
A Northwestern University study found that justice-involved youth with higher doses of incarceration had poorer outcomes, including lower education and employment rates. The study suggests that early interventions are crucial to reducing recidivism and promoting positive outcomes for these young individuals.
A recent study published in the Southern Economic Journal found that lengthy prison sentences have a deterrent effect on homicide rates, similar to the death penalty. The research, which examined the Australian legal system and its history with capital punishment, suggests that these types of sentencing can be effective in reducing crime
A new study found that reported tuberculosis diagnoses among incarcerated people in Europe and the Americas plummeted by up to 100% during the pandemic, despite consistent incarceration rates. This reduction was distinct from general population trends, highlighting the need for improved healthcare systems within prisons.
A Florida Atlantic University study reveals that middle-class white-collar offenders face unique challenges during reentry into society, including stigma, anxiety, and fear of public exposure. Despite these challenges, they tend to secure employment and stable housing more easily than non-white-collar offenders.
A Texas A&M-led study found that many former prisoners stop taking medications for chronic illnesses shortly after release, even when enrolled in Medicaid. The research suggests that insurance alone may not be enough to ensure access to healthcare, and new policies could guide former inmates as they rejoin their communities.
A study by Norwegian University of Science and Technology found that defendants receive lighter sentences when victims are described with rape myths, such as 'scantily clad' or 'being promiscuous'. This correlation holds true even with medical evidence and violence involved. The researchers aim to raise awareness about the use of exper...
A new study by J.Z. Bennett finds that long sentences for juveniles sever ties made while incarcerated and hinder progress upon release. The research highlights the importance of prison friendships, social connections, and emotional support in facilitating successful reintegration.
A new study from Texas A&M University's Mosbacher Institute found that reducing violent crime in El Salvador significantly decreased Central American emigration to the US. Homicide rates dropped by 87% after President Nayib Bukele implemented a crackdown, resulting in a 45-67% reduction in border apprehensions.
Incarcerated individuals face heightened health risks from wildfires due to poor ventilation, inadequate infrastructure, and pre-existing medical conditions. Climate change is intensifying wildfire conditions worldwide, posing immediate and long-term health impacts on this vulnerable population.
A three-year effort in nine California counties resulted in 227 individuals receiving new sentences, with 174 offenders released by September 2024. Researchers recommend increasing funding, training for prosecutors and public defenders, and standardization of review factors to strengthen the program.
New research reveals that mothers of formerly incarcerated children experience significant financial strain, especially for Black mothers whose starting wealth is already lower. This study highlights the urgent need for policy reforms to address the social and economic impacts of incarceration on families.
Researchers from the University of California - Irvine have released two policy briefs to understand and address prison violence. The study aims to develop strategies for reducing and preventing it in correctional facilities across the US.
Experts warn of devastating impact of overcrowding on prisoner wellbeing and staff burnout. Researchers urge UK government to provide targeted interventions to address moral injury, a psychological wound caused by conflicting values.
A new study by USC Dornsife researchers reveals how Illinois' repeal of the 'pay-to-stay' law, charging inmates for room and board, can inform national reform efforts. The study found that lawmakers used a pragmatic approach to reform, highlighting the importance of data-driven decision making in advancing criminal justice reform.
A study found that Canada's PNEP can prevent 15% of new hepatitis C cases and 8% of injection-related infections. Scaling up the program could lead to significant cost savings and improved public health outcomes.
New research from Lancaster University highlights the devastating impact of the UK's unprecedented use of citizenship stripping on British children trapped in dire camps in North-East Syria. The study calls for a children's right approach to repatriation decision-making to ensure safe return and family reunification.
A new study reveals that medical schools are not teaching doctors to care for the incarcerated or formerly incarcerated population, who face significant chronic health issues. Approximately 95% of those incarcerated will return to the community, but medical providers are not prepared to serve them.
The University of Rhode Island-based report card gives failing grades to over half the world's countries, with a median score of 52. Democratic countries tend to have better human rights records, but exceptions exist. The US scored a 62.5, ranking 66th, despite being a wealthy democratic country.
The book uses a 'history from below' approach to center the voices of petitioners, revealing how they framed their demands using language like justice, rights, and equity. Through over 4,000 petitions, Dr. Bright Alozie shows the significance of this genre in shaping colonial society and influencing decision-making.
A survey of 1,729 young adults in the UK found that almost nine in 10 believe removing a condom without consent is sexual assault, and around half support prison time as a penalty. The study also explored views on non-consensual condom removal in different relationship scenarios.
A new study by MIT researchers identifies characteristic in prison facilities that exacerbate an incarcerated person's vulnerability to summer heat. The findings highlight the need for policymakers and community leaders to address this growing concern, particularly as climate change worsens heat-related risks.
A recent study found that only 43.8% of US jails provide medication for opioid use disorder, with most citing lack of licensed staff as a major barrier. The majority of jails (70.1%) offer substance use disorder treatment or recovery support, but access remains limited due to cost and staffing challenges.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that trust in police plummeted among Black residents of Chicago after the 2020 shooting of Jacob Blake. Younger residents and those who had previously been arrested or incarcerated experienced the largest declines. The findings suggest that police violence can exacerbate public safety issues.
A study found that only six states successfully delivered medications for opioid use disorder to at least 50% of people referred to treatment by the criminal legal system. This disparity leads to a high risk of overdose death among individuals leaving jails and prisons, highlighting the need for better access to effective treatments.
A new study by Richard Boylan found that geographic disparities in US homicide rates have decreased since the 1970s, contradicting expectations. Economic and social inequalities between regions have grown, but violent crime rates have fallen, with possible explanations including improved policing and incarceration rates.
A study found that direct incentives, such as tax credits and insurance, can increase hiring managers' willingness to hire applicants with prior records. The most effective incentives were a $2,400 tax credit and $25,000 insurance against losses, which worked regardless of conviction type or perceptions about performance.
A new Australian study reveals that people experiencing homelessness face constant and intrusive police interactions, leading to feelings of intimidation, harassment, and stigma. The research highlights the need for improved social security nets, community support services, and public housing infrastructure.
Research finds that people with criminal justice system contact are less likely to have bank accounts after release, facing significant barriers like identification and proof of residence. The study highlights the importance of access to banking in reintegration and economic stability.
A new study led by UMass Amherst and Tufts Medical Center will provide HIV prevention, diagnosis, and treatment for people with opioid use disorders who are incarcerated. The study aims to increase the number of incarcerated individuals tested and treated, addressing a critical gap in healthcare access.
Researchers identified 24 categories of police misconduct, including officer failure to report and perjury, sexual-related crimes, and drug offenses. Findings show that a small number of counties account for most of the incidents and relative harm, highlighting disparities in disciplinary outcomes.
A US study has compiled data on 2,904 juvenile 'lifers', revealing significant progress in resentencing and release, but also highlighting challenges faced by those returning to society. The research underscores the need for comprehensive support systems to facilitate successful reintegration.
A University of Cincinnati study found that nearly 2% of youth with a justice keyword in their record had a disproportionate number of physical and mental health diagnoses. These youth also accounted for a significant proportion of behavioral health inpatient admissions, hospitalization inpatient days, and foster care visits.
Research by Associate Professor Shannon Bosch challenges Russia's classification of foreign fighters as mercenaries, arguing that international law and Ukrainian domestic legislation protect their rights. The study highlights the need for full combatant immunity and prisoner of war status for these foreign fighters.
A new study has validated the Trauma History Questionnaire (THQ) with incarcerated and perinatal women, revealing strong connections between trauma exposure and negative mental health outcomes. The findings suggest that increased attention to mental health care is necessary for these vulnerable populations.
A majority of the American public favors providing incarcerated pregnant women with access to abortion, particularly in cases of rape or health risk. Most also support parental aid for these women, with conservative Republicans being least supportive of both
A study found that mass incarceration contributes to social disorganization and increased firearm homicides among Black communities in Chicago. Targeted policies addressing mass incarceration may help reduce urban firearm violence.
A new paper reviews Tommie Shelby's book on prison abolition, arguing that Shelby misreads the intentions of the movement. The author contends that while prisons cause real harm, quibbling with abolition may be unproductive. The paper examines how mass incarceration structures US society through fear, racism, and police brutality.
A study evaluating contract treatment in Sweden found that this sanction significantly reduces recidivism and substance-related adverse health events compared to community sanctions or prison sentences. Providing treatment yields better results than punishment, addressing the root causes of criminality often linked to substance misuse.