NCJ Number
150240
Journal
Howard Journal of Criminal Justice Volume: 33 Issue: 2 Dated: (May 1994) Pages: 137-157
Date Published
1994
Length
21 pages
Annotation
A survey of 462 inmates in three South Carolina prisons with three different custody levels, as well as 126 university students who served as a control group, tested the hypothesis that inmates assimilate into a normative prison culture consisting of violence that results in anticipation of future crime.
Abstract
The participants included 166 inmates in a maximum- security prison, 131 in a medium-security prison, and 165 in a minimum-security facility or work release prison. The offenders provided self-reports of past criminal activity, definition of violence, witnessed violence, and future criminal activities. Results revealed that nonviolent offenders in maximum-security facilities admit that they might commit violent crime after release. However, violent offenders in a work release center claim that violent crime is not an option for them. Findings suggest that organizational membership affects attitudes and that maximum-security prisons are sources of violence that lead to higher rates of violent crime. Tables, figures, notes, appended confidentiality statement and prison descriptions, and 51 references (Author abstract modified)