NCJ Number
86077
Date Published
1982
Length
47 pages
Annotation
This New Zealand study looks at the extent and frequency of inmate contact with family and friends through visiting, correspondence, and home leave, taking into consideration the distance between the inmate's hometown and place of incarceration.
Abstract
A total of 529 inmates responded to a questionnaire, and further data were provided from inmate files. Results indicated that only about 30 percent of the sample received visits from family or friends at least once every 2 weeks, but that the frequency was affected by distances between the hometown and the institution. Transportation problems and other commitments also affected the frequency of visits. Almost 70 percent of the sentenced prisoners lived within reasonable distance of a penal institution accessible to public transportation, but only 25 percent were detained in that institution. A total of 14 tables, 4 references, inmate suggestions to improve visiting conditions, and a list of visiting arrangements in institutions are provided. (Author abstract modified)