NCJ Number
230086
Journal
Criminal Justice and Behavior Volume: 37 Issue: 4 Dated: April 2010 Pages: 417-438
Date Published
April 2010
Length
22 pages
Annotation
The authors of this study explored the need to increase security levels between capital murderers availability to become eligible for parole and also whether career inmates represented greater management challenges.
Abstract
Managing career inmates (e.g., capital murderers) is a serious burden for prison administrators and taxpayers. Research findings are mixed as to whether such inmates will engage in increased levels of institutional misconduct. Using complete disciplinary histories from non-death-sentenced capital inmates in Texas whose offenses occurred between 1987 and 1994, the authors explored the need for increased security levels between capital murderers sentenced to markedly different parole eligibility policies (15 years vs. 35 to 40 years before becoming eligible for parole). They also explored whether career inmates represent greater management challenges because they have "nothing to lose," compared with capital inmates with less time to parole eligibility. Findings suggest that capital inmates sentenced to longer mandatory prison terms are less likely to engage in serious and violent misconduct. Policy implications are discussed in terms of prison administration, fiscal practicability, and career inmate social development. Tables and references (Published Abstract)