NCJ Number
210929
Journal
Criminal Justice and Behavior Volume: 32 Issue: 4 Dated: August 2005 Pages: 412-432
Date Published
August 2005
Length
21 pages
Annotation
In order to enhance the classification and placement of inmates in Korean prisons, this study examined risk variables that may predict inmate misconduct.
Abstract
Twenty-four prisons from districts throughout the country participated in the study. Valid data were obtained from 917 male inmates from these prisons, as well as from the correctional officers who managed them. Eight items, rated on four-point Likert-type scales, were used to assess inmates' risk for engaging in dangerous behaviors during incarceration. The total score of these eight items was found to have a somewhat low but significant correlation with the number of prior arrests. Data on crime-related psychological variables were obtained with the Korean Correctional Psychological Inventory. Factors derived from this scale were delinquent behaviors, aggression, deviant thoughts, suicidal risk, and delusional thoughts. Management problems during detention were also included. A dichotomous criterion measure of institutional misconduct was created based on the correctional records of violations of prison behavioral codes. A relatively high rate of predictive accuracy for inmate misconduct emerged from the model developed, which suggests that it might significantly improve decisionmaking about institutional placement and management of problem inmates across various subgroups of male offenders in the study sample. Study limitations and the nature of further research are discussed. 6 tables, 3 figures, and 37 references