NCJ Number
176548
Date Published
1999
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This paper contains preliminary analysis of ongoing work in the area of prison homicides.
Abstract
The paper documents 56 homicides that occurred in Australian prisons since 1980. While these 56 homicides comprise only 7 percent of all prison inmate deaths, the number confirms the violent nature of prisons in that the homicide rate per 1,000 prisoners is up to seven times higher than the homicide rate in the comparable non-prison community. The paper discusses a definition of inmate homicide; causes of death in prison; incidence and trends in prison homicide; demographics; means of deaths; apparent motives leading to prison homicide; common victim characteristics; and offender characteristics. Improved technological and architectural advancements have had a positive effect on the security and management of prisons. Education, training, work and behavioral programs are contributing to the rehabilitation of many inmates. However, Australia's prisons are faced with massive overcrowding and increased numbers of more dangerous, disturbed and drug-affected inmates. Prison administrations and managers will face many challenges in addressing the increased violence, not the least of which will be ensuring that they have the right staff with the appropriate training and commitment. Figure, tables