NCJ Number
74141
Journal
Corrective and Social Psychiatry and Journal of Behavior Technology Methods and Therapy Volume: 26 Issue: 4 Dated: (1980) Pages: 151-155
Date Published
1980
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This report on a study of rule infractions by the inmates of the Louisiana determined the variables significant in a prison routine.
Abstract
Data for this study was obtained from the case files of the inmates (LCIW) who were at the institution during 1976; statistical analysis focused on 171 women who had been in the institution for at least 6 months. The statistical tests-- chi square, frequency distributions, and Pearson Product-Moment Correlation Coefficient were used to analyze the data based on 27 variables pertaining to health status, social data, and institutional conduct. The findings showed that the most frequent rule violation was disobedience, and other frequent infractions were fighting, defiance, and possession of contraband. The penalty most often imposed was reprimand. Profiles of inmates indicated that rule violators tended to be younger, and single. In addition, the Pearson tests showed that the number of rule infractions increased as the age of inmates decreased, and that the younger an inmate was at age of first incarceration, the greater would be the number of the rule infractions she was likely to commit. However, there was no significant relationship between rule infractions and the number of previous incarcerations on the kind of criminal offenses committed. The findings also showed that a larger percentage of rule infractions occurred in the morning and early afternoon than at other times of day. It is hoped that this study will add to research in the area of discipline and serve as a model for further studies. Statistical data, and a discussion following presentation of the report are included.