NCJ Number
139265
Journal
Forum on Corrections Research Volume: 4 Issue: 3 Dated: September 1992 Pages: 23-30
Date Published
September 1992
Length
8 pages
Annotation
Over the past decade, there has been a substantial rise in the incidence of violence in Scottish prisons. In understanding prison violence, one must not only address inmate characteristics, but consider as well those characteristics of a prison regime that affect the level of violence.
Abstract
The Barlinnie Special Unit in Scotland was designed to reduce violence among inmates serving long sentences for homicide or assault and displaying psychiatric histories. The regime plan worked to reduce hostility between inmates and staff, increase prisoner autonomy, and provide a forum in which feelings and anger could be expressed. Evaluations showed that inmates' behavior improved dramatically after they were transferred to this unit. Regime factors which have appeared to be important in determining the level of institutional violence include staff-inmate communication, staff training, staff experience, and staff morale. Lack of visitor access, overcrowding, and transiency also seem to contribute to inmate violence. Regimes which reduce uncertainty and population change, which ensure the safety of prisoners without being repressive, which maintain clean and sanitary conditions, and which have well-trained personnel are those which are likely to have a positive effect on prison violence.