Correctional Responses to Violence and Violent Offenders (From Violent Behavior: Assessment and Intervention, V 1, P 227-242, 1990, Leonard J Hertzberg, Gene F Astrum, et al, eds. -- See NCJ-123057)

• NCJ Number: 123069
• Author(s): R J Powitzky
• Date Published: 1990
• Length: 16 pages
• Sale Source: PMA Publishing Corp
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This chapter explores issues underlying treatment of the violent offender, causes of institutional violence, suggested interventions, and future trends in correctional responses to violent offenders and institutional violence.

Abstract

The complexities of managing and treating the violent offender are evidenced in the history of the terminated START program, which was designed to modify the behavior of violent inmates. START was criticized as being coercive and involuntary, such that it violated inmates' rights. The acceptability of various strategies for managing and treating violent inmates varies according to the corrections philosophy being emphasized. Responses to institutional violence focus on three interacting areas: institutional social climate and environment, staff and staff behavior, and inmate behavior. To prevent group violence, these elements must interact to form a homeostatic balance. The future is uncertain regarding the treatment of individual violent offenders, but progress is being made in preventing institutional violence as corrections management is involved in proactive efforts to improve institutional climates, facilities, and services. 47 references.