NCJ Number
114172
Journal
Journal of Criminal Justice Volume: 16 Issue: 3 Dated: (1988) Pages: 231-240
Date Published
1988
Length
10 pages
Annotation
Based on the analysis of archival data collected on over 175,000 inmates, Cox et al. (1984) suggested that prison overcrowding effects can and should be studied at the prison system level. Further, they implied that crowding research conducted at the individual prison level is no longer necessary or meaningful.
Abstract
This article reports on the way a single critical incident and concomitant policy change provided the opportunity to examine some of the assertions made by Cox et al. with a single California prison complex. Data collected at the complex level appeared to support their findings regarding sick call rates. Analysis at the unit level, however, contradicted their findings, and the discovery of a change in admissions policy provided a better explanation of the divergent results. The population-inmate disciplinary report rate contradicted what would have been predicted based on Cox et al. The conclusion was that overcrowding effects are complex and need to be identified through direct involvement and knowledge gained at the individual prison level. 1 footnote; 8 references. (Author abstract)