NCJ Number
100597
Journal
Federal Probation Volume: 44 Issue: 3 Dated: (September 1985) Pages: 55-63
Date Published
1985
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This article examines trends in the use of inmate protective custody in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
Abstract
Data for all three countries indicate a substantial increase in the use of protective custody since 1978. Factors possibly contributing to this trend include greater inmate interaction, fewer restrictions and lessened discipline, prison overcrowding, increases in the number of sexually and mentally disordered inmates, growth in inmate gangs and cliques, and increased emphasis on prisoners' rights. Rationales for protective custody include the nature of the offense, inmates' debts, personality problems, fear of sexual aggression, and being an informant. A study of protective custody inmates indicates that they include a high percentage of sex offenders and are characterized by self-destructive behaviors, low self-esteem, and poor social skills. Another study, however, found that psychological symptoms of these inmates varied as a function of the prison environment. While protective custody conditions vary across institutions, inmates often are more isolated and have fewer privileges and programming opportunities than nonprotective custody inmates. Strategies in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada to limit the size of the protective custody population include counseling, crisis intervention, screening, increased supervision, transfers, and separate facilities. 41 references.