Articles tagged with Imprisonment
Funding for non-custodial alternatives, community service, and legal representation are essential to reduce overcrowding and HIV/TB transmission. African governments have a responsibility to address life-threatening prison conditions contrary to international law.
A systematic analysis of prison populations worldwide shows that female prisoners are more obese than the general female population apart from in the UK, while male prisoners are slimmer. The study highlights the importance of addressing public health risk factors in vulnerable populations.
Researchers found that drug use and sex with multiple partners were common behaviors among men who had been reincarcerated due to parole violations. The study highlights the need for prevention programs targeting substance abuse and sexual risk behavior among parolees.
A University of Washington study found that sex-offender registries inflate counts by as much as 60%, with only 43% of listed offenders actually living in designated communities. The discrepancy is largely attributed to differences in data collection and reporting procedures among states.
Researchers found that states with conjugal visitation had significantly fewer reported inmate-on-inmate sexual offenses. This suggests that sex gratification may be a primary motivation for rape and other forms of sexual violence in prisons.
Researchers found that ex-prisoners often relapse into drug use due to poor social support, economic challenges, and readily available drugs. However, 'protective' factors like structured treatment programs, spirituality, self-help groups, and family can strengthen them against relapse.
Ex-offenders face significant barriers to securing accommodation due to local authority restrictions, limited housing connections, and complex needs. Strengthening relationships between housing advice agencies, local authorities, and third sector organisations is crucial for reducing reoffending rates.
A powerful weather system is moving through the central and eastern U.S., generating more severe weather and at least 12 tornadoes reported in three states. NASA's GOES-13 satellite captured the movement of the weather system, which pushed east as it generated severe weather in Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, and Georgia.
Dr. Travis Franklin's studies found that Native Americans, especially young males, face harsher sentences than whites, African Americans, and Hispanics in federal courts. In another study, he discovered that Asian Americans are the least likely to be incarcerated and receive shorter sentences in state courts compared to other racial gr...
A new study reveals that inmates with severe mental illnesses have lower recidivism rates than those with substance abuse issues or no diagnosis. The research, published in the International Journal of Law and Psychiatry, found that those with mental illnesses alone had better outcomes even compared to those with no problems.
Nadkarni has made a significant impact through her public engagement activities, raising awareness of environmental and conservation issues among diverse audiences. Her initiatives include the Sustainable Prisons Project, Tree-Top Barbie, and the Research Ambassadors Program, promoting science education and outreach.
A University of Leicester study found that individuals with extreme antisocial personality are more likely to join gangs. Gangs provide a sense of belonging and acceptance for these individuals, who struggle with social connections due to their behavior.
Research finds that women in prison are more likely to turn to drugs due to abuse and marginalization, highlighting the need for institutional change and support systems. The study suggests that addressing socioeconomic issues and providing alternatives to criminal activity can help prevent female incarceration.
The MetLife Foundation Journalists in Aging Fellows Program will develop major aging-focused stories or series, covering concerns such as seniors drowning in debt and the struggles of Iraqi and Afghan refugees. The program aims to cultivate public awareness of these issues, which affect all generations and cultures.
A study by USC, Stanford, and Kellogg School researchers found that individuals with power but low status are more likely to engage in demeaning activities. The study's results support the idea that a combination of power and lack of respect can be toxic, as seen in incidents like Abu Ghraib torture and the Stanford Prison Experiment.
The article discusses the key issues of the proposed National Criminal Justice Commission and offers recommendations from experts in the field. The commission aims to address the growing number of Americans incarcerated or on parole, which has increased by 290% since 1980, affecting government programs such as education and public health.
A new project led by University of Chicago researcher Jean Decety will use fMRI technology to examine the neural circuitry of criminal psychopaths in prisons. The research aims to identify the brain networks necessary for empathy and develop targeted therapies.
The resource center offers core competencies, a mentoring program, and a library with over 400 documents to support effective jail administrators. Key findings include the development of 22 core competencies and a mentoring program to groom experienced leaders and recruit new employees.
A team of researchers at Sam Houston State University will study a new mental health court in Montgomery County, evaluating its effectiveness in reducing recidivism rates and improving life skills. The three-year project aims to assess the program's cost-effectiveness and jail diversion outcomes.
Research suggests that UK government plans to divert mentally ill prisoners into mental health services are unlikely to succeed due to a lack of suitable facilities. The study found that only a small percentage of psychotic prisoners receive treatment, and those who do often face significant barriers to follow-up care after release.
A new study calls for an overhaul of current practices to ensure seriously ill prisoners are identified and released. The researchers propose standardized national guidelines and a recall mechanism to address inequities faced by illiterate, cognitively impaired, or unsupported prisoners.
The US is experiencing an 'epidemic of mass incarceration' due to inadequate treatment of addiction and mental illness in the community. Millions of Americans are cycling in and out of correctional facilities each year, with devastating consequences for their health and well-being.
A new study by St. Michael's Hospital reveals that female prisoners who did not participate in a drug treatment program after their release were 10 times more likely to return to prison within one year. The study highlights the importance of post-release treatment programs for prisoners with substance abuse problems.
A new article suggests changes to compassionate release guidelines to address medical-related flaws, including the development of standardized guidelines and the assignment of advocates to help navigate the system. The authors propose palliative care for critically-ill prisoners awaiting decision on compassionate release or approval.
A study funded by the Economic and Social Research Council found that public sector prisons tend to have more experienced staff, but also face uniformed staff jadedness and cynicism. Private prisons, however, showed strengths in policing and control, organization, and prisoner development when staff were well-trained and used authority...
The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation has established a set of quality measurements for its prison health care services, building on research from the RAND Corporation. The new measurements will help improve access to care and quality of care in the prison system.
Physicians may be complicit in torture if they care for patients at the request of their torturers, but refusing treatment can abandon a patient in need. Guidelines suggest minimizing complicity by assessing consequences and following patient requests to mitigate or prevent acts of torture.
A study by the Crime Victims' Institute found that gang members are twice as likely to be victims of crime than non-gang members, with increased risks of assault and drive-by shootings.
A Stanford study reveals how metaphors influence attitudes towards crime, finding that 'beast' and 'virus' framings lead to different proposed solutions. The researchers found that people are more likely to support increased policing if crime is described as a 'beast', while social reform approaches are favored when crime is seen as a ...
Research finds men and women with contact to criminal justice system have higher rate of suicide compared to general population, even without imprisonment or guilty verdict. Exposure to the justice system is independently associated with elevated suicide risk, particularly among younger individuals with violent charges.
A University of Montreal study found that playing on a criminal's guilt can yield more effective confessions than coercive methods. The research analyzed the conditions under which prisoners confessed to their crimes, highlighting the importance of police evidence and the interrogator's attitude.
A systematic review found that prison TB spread significantly increases the incidence of TB in the general population. The average incidence of TB in prisons was 23 times higher than in the general population.
The UK is experiencing a resurgence of tuberculosis, with London accounting for over 40% of all TB cases. The disease is concentrated in high-risk groups, including migrants, homeless people, and prisoners. Experts call for urgent recommendations to be implemented to control the spread.
A new study found that attending Alcoholics Anonymous at least once a week increased the chance of a positive outcome for incarcerated women returning to the community. The research also showed a significant decrease in alcohol-related consequences and overall drinking days among those who attended AA regularly.
The latest issue of Index on Censorship highlights the vital role writers can play in supporting their colleagues facing persecution. Contributors, including Margaret Atwood and Lydia Cacho, share their experiences and emphasize the importance of protecting free expression.
A study of 20 individuals returning to society after prison found that avoidance and problem-focused coping strategies were frequently used but often ineffective in managing barriers. Healthy coping mechanisms, such as emotion-focused strategies, were infrequently employed, contributing to recidivism.
Researchers conclude that caring for prisoners' mental and physical health directly impacts public health, with a significant burden of chronic and infectious disease among incarcerated individuals. The authors recommend targeted healthcare resources in prisons to prevent disease transmission and ensure effective treatment upon release.
The Lancet Review highlights the need for targeted healthcare resources in prisons, where millions of marginalized individuals are often beyond community health services reach. Prisoners' health problems become public health concerns upon release, and reforming medical services could substantially improve public health.
The Miriam Hospital will conduct research on HIV testing, treatment, and linkage to care for prison inmates, with a focus on improving follow-up care after release. The hospital aims to address the disproportionate number of HIV-positive individuals in the criminal justice system.
Studies show that everolimus-eluting stent (EES) implantation significantly reduces the incidence of restenosis and repeat revascularization in patients with calcified culprit lesions. EES treatment resulted in higher rates of major cardiac adverse events compared to non-calcified lesions.
A UCLA team is studying ways to get HIV-positive men released from LA jails into medical care and on sustained treatment. The randomized controlled trial will assess an innovative peer-navigation intervention to improve health outcomes and prevent transmission.
A study found that having an incarcerated father is associated with substantially elevated risks of marijuana and other illegal drug use in adolescence and early adulthood. Young people with incarcerated fathers also exhibited elevated trajectories of marijuana usage, extending into their mid-twenties.
Researchers argue that economic analysis can inform more effective criminal justice policies by reducing incarceration rates and focusing on prevention. They suggest devolving budgets for custodial sentences to local authorities, with financial incentives to drive cost-saving measures.
The NIH will fund a five-year research initiative to identify and treat HIV-positive inmates in the US prison system. The goal is to reduce HIV transmission and improve public health by linking those in incarceration to antiretroviral therapy and medical care.
Children of incarcerated parents face increased risks of behavioral problems, substance abuse, and lower academic performance. A strong attachment with alternative caregivers can mitigate these effects, according to research by Julie Poehlmann at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
The XVIII International AIDS Conference presented strong scientific findings on HIV research and program scale-up, emphasizing the need for increased funding and human rights protection. Delegates renewed their commitment to securing universal access to prevention, care, treatment, and support.
The new standards provide information on organizational policies, staffing ratios, intake screening, and suicide prevention. They are designed to help correctional professionals develop effective rehabilitation programs for mentally ill individuals.
A comprehensive study reveals that prison-based de-radicalization programs can be effective in reducing terrorism, particularly when individual approaches are taken. The report highlights the importance of promoting positive influences inside prisons and investing in staff training to combat radicalization.
A new report confirms that routine, jail-based HIV testing can identify a substantial proportion of people unknowingly infected with HIV. The study found nearly 170 new HIV diagnoses among Rhode Island inmates during an eight-year period, highlighting the potential for this testing to prevent disease spread.
The article highlights the prevalence of mental health issues among prisoners and emphasizes the importance of training correctional staff, treatment programs, and community prevention programs. The editorial argues that society's values and understanding of mental health disorders contribute to this issue.
African-American male youths are disproportionately represented in US prisons due to early-life conditions and educational system limitations. Implementing practices like parental engagement, teaching motor skills, and community mentorship can help counteract these challenges and promote a sense of acceptance and responsibility.
Research found that UK prisoners have significantly higher rates of drug-resistant TB, with one in three cases resistant to treatment, and poorer treatment outcomes compared to other TB patients.
Researchers examine delivery of end-of-life care in Pennsylvania prisons, developing intervention toolkit and educational strategies to address racial/ethnic disparities and optimize patient care. The study aims to provide insights into delivering high-quality healthcare in complex organizations.
Research found that UK prisoners formed groups along ethnic lines for protection and shared interests, yet experienced racist tensions. Prisons lacked gangs, but minority ethnic prisoners faced harsh treatment from staff, sparking fears of institutional racism.
Researchers from Tel Aviv University used bacterial decision-making to advise against automatic swine flu shot uptake. Bacteria communicate through chemical signals and consider risks before making decisions, suggesting a cautious approach for humans. They propose that only individuals with widespread contact should receive the vaccine.
A new study by Dr. Nitika Pant Pai found that only 15% of HIV-positive repeat offenders in San Francisco County jail continued their antiretroviral treatment between incarcerations or after release, increasing the risk of disease progression and public health transmission.
A University of Alberta study reveals that parolees with a gambling habit often resort to criminal activities and substance abuse when released from prison. The research highlights the need for sufficient practical resources to help problem gambler offenders integrate successfully into the community.
A new study found that only half of federal and state prison systems offer opioid replacement therapy (ORT), a treatment proven to reduce drug-related disease and reincarceration rates. Meanwhile, only 23 states provide referrals for inmates to treatment upon release from prison.
Prison environments can benefit from behavior modification techniques, such as systematic reinforcement of pro-social behaviors. Decreasing prison populations is also crucial, particularly for those with high-risk behavior, and providing job training to help prisoners reintegrate into society.
The US Department of Defense has been criticized for its handling of medical care at Guantanamo Bay, with a report highlighting concerns over the use of medical personnel in interrogation and force-feeding of detainees on hunger strike. Independent examinations of released detainees have shown severe psychological damage from detention.