NCJ Number
67205
Journal
Canadian Journal of Criminology Volume: 22 Issue: 2 Dated: (APRIL 1980) Pages: 197-205
Date Published
1980
Length
9 pages
Annotation
EXPERT OPINIONS ON THE CAUSES OF PRISON RIOTS ARE PRESENTED, AND ADMINISTRATIVE FACTORS IN SUCH RIOTS ARE EMPHASIZED.
Abstract
FREQUENTLY MENTIONED CAUSES OF PRISON RIOTS INCLUDE THE INMATES' TOTAL ISOLATION FROM SOCIETY, MASS PUNISHMENT FOR ABUSES BY A FEW, MANHANDLING BY CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS LACK OF MEANINGFUL WORK, AND THE DEGRADING NATURE OF PRISON LIFE. OTHER EXPERTS (G. SYKES, H. MATTICK, V. FOX) SEE RIOTS AS A MANIFESTATION OF A POWER STRUGGLE: IN PRISON A MINORITY THEORETICALLY HAS UNLIMITED POWER TO EXERCISE MAXIMUM CONTROL OVER THE MAJORITY. J. PALLAS AND R. BARBER CONTEND THAT THE PRISONERS' STRUGGLE TODAY IS IN THE FOREFRONT OF THE REVOLUTIONARY MOVEMENT IN AMERICA'S ATTEMPT TO BRING ABOUT SOCIAL CHANGE. ANALYSES OF RIOTS HAVE LEAD TO THE IDENTIFICATION OF THE FOLLOWING FIVE STAGES: (1) UNDIRECTED VIOLENCE FROM SPONTANEOUS AGGRESSIONS; (2) ORGANIZATION OF INMATE STRATEGY AND ADMINISTRATIVE COUNTERMOVES; (3) NEGOTIATION FORCE, OR THREAT OF FORCE; (4) DISINTEGRATION OF INMATE GROUP COHESION LEADING TO SURRENDER; AND (5) POSTFACTO INVESTIGATIONS. POSTFACTO REPORTS INDICATE THAT IN MANY RIOTS ADMINISTRATIVE FACTORS ARE INVOLVED. IN SOME CASES, THE 'HEAD OFFICE' HAD ASSUMED DICTATORIAL POWERS THAT LEAVE LOCAL ADMINISTRATORS UNABLE TO PROVIDE THE REQUIRED AUTHORITY; IN OTHER CASES, THE HEAD OFFICE WAS INACTIVE AND OVERLOOKED WARNING SIGNS COMING FROM THE LOCAL ADMINISTRATORS. ANOTHER POSSIBLE ADMINISTRATIVE FACTOR IS THE INACTIVITY OF THE HEAD OF THE INSTITUTION WHO IS PREOCCUPIED WITH REDTAPE AND DELEGATES NECESSARY DECISIONS TO THE HEAD OFFICE. THE INCONSISTENT ENFORCEMEN OF RULES DUE TO THE UNCERTAINTY OF THE STAFF HAS ALSO BEE SHOWN AS A FACTOR IN RIOTS. THE ARTICLE INCLUDES REFERENCES. (SAJ)