NCJ Number
168601
Journal
Journal of Offender Rehabilitation Volume: 23 Issue: 1/2 Dated: (1996) Pages: 37-48
Date Published
1996
Length
12 pages
Annotation
Fifty-one wardens in American correctional institutions (50 States and the District of Columbia) responded to a survey about inmate behaviors and the physical location of the warden's offices with respect to the institution and inmate crowdedness.
Abstract
Thirty-six usable questionnaires were returned, representing a 70.6-percent response rate. The survey sought data on six inmate behaviors: inmate escapes, inmate disciplinary actions, correctional officers and/or staff attacked by inmates, inmate grievances and litigations, inmate suicides, and attempted inmate suicides. Wardens also were asked how frequently they visited and/or inspected inmate housing areas. The wardens' responses show that there were significantly more inmate disciplinary actions and attempted suicides reported in institutions with outside warden offices compared to those with inside warden offices. There were also more reported attempted inmate suicides in institutions with outside warden offices. The remaining inmate behaviors show no statistical differences between inside and outside warden office locations. Regardless of whether the warden's office is located inside or outside the institution, it may be important to examine other measures, including the time of day for inmate housing visits and/or inspections by the warden, as well as the duration of and activities during such visits and inspections. This study suggests that policy decision-makers take into account the warden's proximity orientation when considering warden office locations. 4 tables and 12 references