NCJ Number
245829
Journal
Journal of Research in Crime and Delinquency Volume: 50 Issue: 3 Dated: August 2013 Pages: 417-444
Date Published
August 2013
Length
28 pages
Annotation
This study examines the effect of prison visitation on the probability of inmate misconduct.
Abstract
This sample is an admissions cohort of over 7,000 inmates admitted to Florida correctional facilities between 2000 and 2002. The authors conducted multilevel analyses of the week-to-week association between officially recorded disciplinary infractions and prison visits, including spousal, significant other, parental, relative, and friend visits. The probability of an in-prison infraction declines in anticipation of visits, increases immediately following visits, and then gradually declines to average levels. This pattern is relatively consistent across visitors and infraction types but is strongest for spousal visits and contraband infractions. More frequent visits are associated with a more rapid post-visit decline. If visits reduce the pains of imprisonment or increase social control, then these effects may be too short-lived to create lasting improvements in the behavior of individuals while incarcerated. Future research should attempt to replicate and explain these findings and examine the longer term effects of visitation on inmate adjustment during and after incarceration. Abstract published by arrangement with Sage Journals.