NCJ Number
217423
Journal
L.A.E. Journal Volume: December 2006 Dated: December 2006 Pages: 28-30
Date Published
December 2006
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This paper cites various studies and statistics on homicide and sexual offenses committed by inmates in State and Federal super-maximum prisons, and it describes the disciplinary process prisons use to deal with the offenders.
Abstract
According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, homicide rates in State prisons declined significantly from 1980 (54 per 100,000) to 1990 (8 per 100,000). By 2002, prison homicide rates had declined even further, down to 4 per 100,000. Sixty-one percent of the homicide victims in State prisons were violent offenders. Regarding sexual violence in prison, homosexual rape is rare. Significantly more inmates are subjected to sexual harassment. Writers who report a high incidence of prison rape lack evidence to support their claims. Sexual propositions occur at a high rate, however. Apparently, inmates who are targeted by such propositions are reasonably successful in developing protective measures that prevent actual sexual assaults. Consensual homosexual arrangements started by aggressive behavior against heterosexual men are rare. Inmates who commit crimes in prison and/or violate prison rules receive misconduct reports by prison staff. The inmate is then placed in a restricted housing unit until a disciplinary board hears the case and determines the guilt or innocence of the inmate under the charges filed. If determined to be guilty, the inmate is sentenced to restrictive housing for a determined period. In the State system, the inmate can appeal a board's guilty decision. Inmates who kill correctional staff and other inmates as well as habitual sexual predators who victimize weaker inmates are typically placed in administrative segregation for an extended period, usually for the duration of their sentences. 10 references