NCJ Number
194455
Journal
Canadian Journal of Criminology Volume: 44 Issue: 2 Dated: April 2002 Pages: 209-240
Date Published
April 2002
Length
32 pages
Annotation
This article examines the prevalence of use of psychoactive substances in 10 Federal penitentiaries in Quebec.
Abstract
The consumption of psychoactive substances by offenders is a major issue for clinicians, researchers, and corrections managers. This study examined use of psychoactive substances in 10 Federal penitentiaries in Quebec, classified according to three levels of security. The 317 participants, chosen at random, were asked to complete a self-report questionnaire. Responses and the characteristics of both offenders and penitentiaries were analyzed in an attempt to determine whether there were relationships between offenders and use of drugs in prison. Participants were asked about certain aspects of their perceptions concerning the level of tolerance by custodial staff regarding different kinds of drugs as well as perceptions about the frequency of searches and controls. Certain characteristics of the offenders (e.g., age, preincarceration use of drugs, and number of previous stays in the penitentiary) were related to drug use while incarcerated. Tolerance by guards was related to the type of drugs and the facility's level of security. Tables, figures, notes, references