NCJ Number
211084
Journal
Prison Journal: An International Forum on Incarceration and Alternative Sanctions Volume: 85 Issue: 3 Dated: September 2005 Pages: 292-310
Date Published
September 2005
Length
19 pages
Annotation
This study explored the experiences of visitors meeting with inmates at a medium-security prison.
Abstract
The unprecedented growth in the prison population over the past three decades has also caused an unprecedented growth in the number of visitors traveling to prisons to meet with inmates. Prisons face substantial barriers to implementing effective visitation programs, including financial and logistical challenges. Another barrier facing administrators as they strive to craft successful visitation programs is the lack of research on visitation programs from the visitors’ perspective. The current study gathered survey data from 396 visitors at a medium-security men’s prison in Kentucky in order to analyze visitors’ demographics; their relationships to inmates; the social, psychological, and emotional contexts of visits; barriers to visitation; perceptions of the visitation program; and other means of keeping in touch with inmates. Results of statistical analyses indicated that, overall, respondents had mid-level views about the visitation program and many faced barriers to visiting that included transportation and financial concerns. The findings also uncovered several factors that were significantly related to perceptions of the visitation experience and environment, including visitors’ age, race, education, and frequency of visits. Based on the findings, the authors offer suggestions concerning the structure and operation of visitation programs. Future research on visitation programming should be conducted across all prison security levels and in male, female, juvenile, and adult facilities. Tables, references