Articles tagged with Imprisonment
A new study found a dramatic increase in people with co-occurring mental health needs and substance use disorders in B.C. prisons, reaching 75% of the prison population. The study calls for more treatment and efforts to address social and structural inequities.
The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed weaknesses in the criminal justice system, highlighting issues with family and domestic violence, gang activity, and police-community interactions. Scholars from the American Society of Criminology investigate these concerns in a special issue, exploring lessons learned and policy implications.
A new study finds that schools with high levels of student substance use and depressed feelings have a higher prevalence of discipline, out-of-school suspensions, and police contact. Schools with lower levels of safety and support also experience higher discipline rates.
A systematic literature review found HIV seroprevalence in five key populations: men who have sex with men (MSM), people who inject drugs (PWID), prisoners, sex workers, and transgender people. The review identified significant gaps in data, particularly for transgender individuals.
A new study by Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health found that NYC COVID-19 mandates enforcement mirrored the discretionary nature of the New York stop-and-frisk program, resulting in racialized criminalization and punishment. The use of police to enforce public health mandates increased the risk of COVID spread due to f...
A team of psychological scientists and criminologists recommend testing eyewitness memory only once to prevent contaminated memories from convicting innocent people. The first identification is the most reliable test, which can avoid further contamination and ensure justice.
A new study found that most incarcerated individuals' in-prison experiences lessen their perceptions of procedural justice and fairness, regardless of the length of time served. The research used a nationally representative sample of over 31,000 adults and examined various in-prison experiences on inmates' perceptions of staff members'...
A new study explored how prosecutors think about race in criminal justice, finding that a color-blind approach can entrench racial disparities. The study suggests that changing prosecutor views on race and core beliefs is necessary to achieve justice.
Researchers found that considering recidivism-free time can contribute to improved risk prediction and accurately predict recidivism among parolees. Annual assessments of parolee risk are more accurate than single pre-release risk scores, the study suggests.
Researchers conducted semi-structured interviews with 12 women who dated or were married to incarcerated partners, analyzing the impact of courtesy stigma and women's coping strategies. The study found that despite disapproval from loved ones, women chose to remain in their relationships, highlighting benefits such as deeper communicat...
A Rutgers University study suggests that video conferencing with tobacco treatment specialists can aid smokers in rural prisons in quitting tobacco smoking. The study also found that providing nicotine replacement therapy patches was effective in aiding the cessation process.
A national study shows that reducing US jail populations leads to community-wide public health benefits, as overcrowded facilities become 'infectious disease incubators' for COVID-19. Decarceration reduces the spread of SARS-CoV-2, benefiting both those released and communities nationwide.
Researchers explored optimizing disease control in prisons using rapid tests, identifying the optimal strategy to minimize costs and reduce infection. The study found that switching between full and no testing depends on various parameters, including contagion rates and test sensitivity.
A study examining Pennsylvania death penalty cases found that victim's gender and race affected every outcome. Cases with white female, male or black male victims were more likely to receive a death sentence than those with black female victims. The study also found that prosecutors were more likely to seek the death penalty in cases w...
A study of federal sentencing data found that Black and Hispanic offenders were more likely to be eligible for life sentences, but not more likely to receive them. The study analyzed data on over 366,000 non-immigration offenders from 2010 to 2017.
Researchers found that individuals have a threshold for opting out of offending, which varies across criminal situations. The study identified reverse bandwagon effects, where group presence both promotes and deters offending intentions.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital found that crowding in prisons significantly increases the risk of COVID-19 infections among inmates. The study suggests that policy changes are necessary to protect this vulnerable population and notes that even a small increase in crowding can pose a significant threat.
A study found that informal parole status uniquely contributes to the likelihood of receiving a prison sentence, with a large and consistent impact across sentencing guidelines. This cumulative disadvantage disproportionately affects Black defendants, exacerbating the Black-White gap in prison sentences.
The study found COVID-19 incidence was significantly higher in Massachusetts prisons operating at a higher percentage of their capacity. In contrast, prisons with more single-cell housing had lower infection rates.
Exposure to nature imagery or sounds decreases physiological signs of stress in incarcerated individuals and sparks interest in learning about natural habitats. Virtual nature experiences also boost curiosity and eagerness to learn about science and the natural world.
A new study by researchers at Florida State University and the University of Cincinnati found significant disparities among individuals placed in extended solitary confinement compared to the rest of the prison population. The study identified notable differences in mental health, education, language, race/ethnicity, and age.
Correctional nurses have faced unique challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, including limited access to personal protective equipment and high patient-to-staff ratios. A special issue of the Journal of Correctional Health Care provides firsthand accounts and evidence-based guidelines for pandemic response in correctional nursing.
Researchers gathered data on prison cancer diagnoses to understand barriers in delivering quality healthcare. The study aims to improve prison cancer care through patient and public involvement.
Researchers found that counties hosting prisons experienced higher rates of COVID-19 cases due to spillover from prisons into surrounding communities. The study emphasizes the need for prioritizing prison health and public health policies to address this vulnerability.
A new study by researchers at UC and Michigan State University found that electronic monitoring tethers failed to reduce reoffending among girls involved in the juvenile justice system. The study suggests that tethering may be harmful because it limits girls' access to treatment programs, leading to higher recidivism rates.
A study by the University of Kansas found that women leaving jail have high rates of vaccine hesitancy, with only 20% willing to receive a vaccine. An online app developed by researchers aims to boost health literacy and address misconceptions about COVID-19 vaccines.
A recent study on TB outbreak in an Irish prison highlights the need for increased testing and improved care. The study found that 50% of staff may have developed latent TB as a result of occupational exposure, posing a risk of progression to active TB.
A survey study found associations between having a family member incarcerated and decreased well-being and life expectancy among US adults. The study also identified other factors that contribute to these negative effects on well-being and life expectancy.
A recent study found that four out of five women in prison in Scotland have a history of head injury, mostly sustained through domestic violence. Women who had such injuries were more likely to engage in violent criminal behavior and had longer prison sentences.
A new study by Stanford researchers found that nearly two-thirds of California prison residents who were offered a COVID-19 vaccine accepted at least one dose. Acceptance rates varied across different racial and ethnic groups, with Hispanic and white inmates having the highest acceptance rates.
A new study by economists at UC Riverside and University of Louisiana found that juvenile incarceration has a deterrent effect on property crimes but increases the probability of drug-related crimes as an adult. Rehabilitation programs may improve welfare outcomes for convicted juveniles.
A new study on the Prisoner Assessment Tool Targeting Estimated Risk and Needs (PATTERN) found that roughly half of the federal prison population is immediately eligible for early-release time credits. Participating in re-entry programs and positive behavior change can increase eligibility for many inmates.
Family clustering is a confirmed phenomenon associated with COVID-19, causing extreme emotional and physical distress among family members. The article provides strategies for patients, doctors, nurses, and families to navigate this challenging situation, including addressing guilt and shame stemming from transmission of the disease.
A Finnish study found that psychopathic criminal offenders and well-functioning individuals with similar traits have altered brain structure and function in emotional regulation areas. The more psychopathic characteristics a person has, the more their brain resembles that of psychopathic criminals.
A study analyzing NYC jail admissions from 2008 to 2017 found that nearly 27% of Black men were jailed by age 38, compared to 3% of White men. The cumulative risk of incarceration disproportionately affected Latino men, particularly in poor neighborhoods.
A study is evaluating Recovery Works, a Indiana program focusing on pre-incarceration diversion and post-incarceration re-entry services to reduce recidivism by 20%. The research aims to assess the impact of services on health-related outcomes and recidivism rates among low-level offenders.
A new University of California, Berkeley study finds that nonjudgmental empathy training for court-appointed supervision officers can lead to a 13% decrease in recidivism among their clients. The findings are significant given the US criminal justice system's high rates of recidivism.
A study by Jamie J. Fader found that young men of color in Philadelphia's Frankford neighborhood avoid public spaces out of concern for unpredictable interactions with law enforcement. This avoidance results in limited social engagement, community disengagement, and reduced opportunities for education and employment.
A new study found that prisoners with mental illness were significantly more likely to be placed in extended solitary confinement. The study, which examined data from over 155,000 men, found that having a mental illness increased the likelihood of being placed in solitary by up to 170%.
A new research project aims to understand the psychological impact of COVID-19 restrictions on prisoners and prison staff. The study, funded by £251,240, will examine how lockdown measures affect prisoners' behavior and mental health.
Scaling up opioid agonist treatment (OAT) to 40% of people who inject drugs could avert between 12-24% of all drug-related deaths, including 13-19% of overdose deaths. Longer treatment durations and prison-based OAT are predicted to have significant additional impact.
New research at the University of Birmingham and Utrecht University found that prisons with more green space have lower levels of violence and self-harm. The study's findings demonstrate that incorporating nature contact into prison environments can improve wellbeing and reduce costs.
A new study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found a strong association between jail incarceration and death rates from various causes in the US. The research estimated that every 1,000 population increase in local jail incarceration rate was associated with significant increases in mortality rates from infectio...
A study of US county-level data finds a strong association between jail incarceration and death rates from various causes, including infectious diseases and chronic respiratory conditions. Reducing jail incarceration is crucial for mitigating its public health harms.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that perceived racism, sexual orientation discrimination, and HIV-status discrimination are associated with increased risk for criminal justice involvement. The research highlights the compounding effect of intersecting forms of social inequality on health outcomes.
Linda Teplin's 15-year study examines the psychosocial outcomes of incarcerated youth, finding disproportionate effects on African Americans and Hispanics. The research highlights the need for public health and criminal justice reform to address these inequities.
A study by Alexa Barrett and Al Kopak found that male detainees with PTSD, PD, and AUD were more likely to commit violent offenses. The combination of these conditions significantly increased the likelihood of violence.
A Danish study examines the association between childhood experiences and early adulthood outcomes, finding a link between negative experiences in childhood and adolescence and poorer outcomes. The research uses population data from Denmark to investigate how age at exposure to adverse experiences affects adult life.
A new study by Portland State University finds that mass incarceration is significantly associated with increases in industrial emissions. The construction and maintenance of prisons, as well as the production of goods and materials used inside prisons, contribute to these emissions.
A Rutgers University study finds states use unfair 'pay-to-stay' fees to recoup incarceration costs, often through civil lawsuits and wage garnishment. The practice disproportionately affects low-income individuals and can lead to significant financial burdens upon release.
A UMass Lowell researcher is working with the US Department of Justice to develop a workplace training program that aims to reduce trauma and stress among corrections employees. The goal is to improve their overall health outcomes, which are often poor due to chronic stress, obesity, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
A global study led by McGill University found that 54% of UN-recognized countries have national mandatory vaccination policies, with varying penalties for non-compliance. Educational and financial penalties are the most common, ranging from small fines to jail time in some cases.
A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that sanctuary policies protect immigrants and reduce deportations, but have no measurable impact on crime rates. Sanctuary policies prevented about 22,300 deportations nationwide between 2013 and 2015.
A Washington State University study found that private prisons lead to an average increase of 178 new prisoners per million population per year. The length of sentences also increases, especially in nonviolent crimes with more leeway in sentencing guidelines.
A study of WWII art made by prisoners of war in Australian and New Zealand internment camps uncovers surprising quality and artistic confidence among the works. The artworks, created between 1942 and 1945, depict alluring female figures and cultural symbols, providing insight into the lives of ethnic and part-Japanese detainees.
Research reveals familial incarceration has a significant impact on mental health for African American women, leading to elevated psychological distress and depressive symptomology. Employment and social roles can alleviate the burden, contrary to previous studies that only examined parents or children of incarcerated individuals.
A new study found that members of Generation X, who came of age during the 1980s and early 1990s, have higher rates of incarceration throughout their lives. This is due to extended criminal history under a determinate sentencing regime implemented in 1994.
An observational study found COVID-19 case rates increased significantly among incarcerated individuals and staff in Massachusetts jails and prisons following decarceration. Testing rates were also lower during this period, contributing to the spread of the virus.
A University of Wisconsin Oshkosh study found that treating people like people makes life easier for both ends of the power dynamic in jail. Interpersonal communication skills are key to diffusing explosive situations and avoiding physical force, according to research by assistant criminal justice professor Matt Richie.
Rutgers researchers found that a combination of behavioral and nicotine replacement therapies helps incarcerated men and transgender women quit smoking. The six-week program led to significant reductions in tobacco smoking or complete abstinence, suggesting its potential for larger-scale studies.