NCJ Number
97794
Date Published
1985
Length
79 pages
Annotation
This review of research on adult prisons and prisoners in England and Wales between 1970 and 1982 concludes that little research has been done since 1975 and that future research should focus on the operation and management of prisons.
Abstract
An introduction notes the change from the treatment model to the justice model in the United States and the discussions over what should replace the training and treatment aims of the prison service in England and Wales. The concept of humane containment as the working definition of goals adopted in 1984 is noted. A summary of research on the social, criminal, and psychiatric characteristics of adult male prisoners between 1966 and 1977 notes that about a third were socially malfunctioning or suffered from some form of psychiatric disorder before their current imprisonment. No distinctive personality type characteristic of offenders was found. A discussion of research on the effects of imprisonment points out that impaired intellectual functioning or personality deterioration are not inevitable consequences. A review of research on management of particular prisons notes the scarcity of studies and the finding that the administrator can exert a substantial influence on inmates' behavior. The limited research available on disciplinary proceedings, female prisoners, the numbers and deployment of prison staff, and the role of Boards of Visitors is also summarized. A discussion comments that nearly all the research has concentrated on prisoners and the effects of various factors on their behavior or recidivism. The need for research on prisons, prison staff, and the components of on prisons, prison staff, and the components of prison organization that influence the quality of life for prisoners and staff is emphasized. A total of 132 references plus 132 other publications from the Home Office are listed.