NCJ Number
128309
Date Published
1990
Length
282 pages
Annotation
The initial impacts of a new medium-security prison on a small, rural Washington community were analyzed during a period starting in August 1985 just before the completion of construction through September 1989.
Abstract
The prison reached full capacity of 500, medium-security inmates in January 1988. Data were collected by means of longitudinal surveys of community residents and prison employees; interviews; participant observation in the community; and gathering of statistics from businesses, governmental agencies, and other organizations. Findings showed that the prison eventually brought the number of jobs promised, but these were more likely to go to other county residents or newcomers than to Clallam Bay residents. However, the prison has contributed substantially to the local and regional economy, mainly through indirect contributions by employees to area businesses. The community's population has increased nearly 20 percent, and inmate family members, employees, released inmates, and previous residents of the area are all believed to have contributed to a reported increase in crime. In addition, the prison's employee turnover has been high due to long commutes or dissatisfaction with the community's living arrangements. Thus, both positive and negative impacts have been below expectations. Tables and 38 references