NCJ Number
170894
Journal
Prison Journal Volume: 77 Issue: 4 Dated: (December 1997) Pages: 456-466
Date Published
1997
Length
11 pages
Annotation
Based on interviews, a review of data from New York State's Department of Correctional Services (DOCS), and a survey of prosecutors in more than a dozen counties where State prisons are located, the authors conclude as many as 6,000 prison crimes may be committed annually in New York State.
Abstract
The lack of attention devoted to crimes committed in prisons is striking, given the important implications of the problem for both prison management and public safety. Although research has not documented a clear link between institutional offending and recidivism after release, it is possible inmates who commit crimes in prisons may be more likely to continue their criminal activities once they return to the community. In 1995, New York's DOCS reported 8,304 unusual incidents in State prison facilities, including 1,738 reported cases of inmate-on-inmate assaults, 962 cases of inmate assaults on staff, and 3,550 incidents involving possession of prison contraband. Also in 1995, six homicides occurred in DOC facilities, a murder rate of 8.7 per 100,000 State prisoners. Data indicated few prison crimes were referred for prosecution or actually prosecuted. Special problems associated with prosecuting prison crimes are noted, as well as lessons learned from the prosecution of prison crimes in Texas. Recommendations for preventing prison crimes in New York State are offered. 6 references and 11 notes