NCJ Number
227408
Journal
Prison Journal Volume: 89 Issue: 2 Dated: June 2009 Pages: 205-233
Date Published
June 2009
Length
29 pages
Annotation
This study explored the relationship between prison crowding and inmate misconduct.
Abstract
Previous research conducted since 1990 on the effects of prison crowding on inmate misconduct has produced mixed findings; review of these studies revealed several methodological inconsistencies that could be contributing to these eclectic results making it difficult to derive greater insight on the subject. The strategy outlined in this study is designed to promote research that is more useful from a policy standpoint that is relatively simple to conduct, and that will provide findings that can be more readily synthesized. The strategy focuses on four aspects of the research process: operationalization of key concepts; underlying explanations for possible effects of crowding on misconduct; consideration of direct, indirect, and conditioning effects of crowding on misconduct; and the bi-level nature of the crowding-misconduct relationships. These frameworks shape all other aspects of the research process and contribute to proper model specification and more reliable statistical findings. Given the importance of reducing levels of misconduct for improving safety, it is important that researchers move forward in a more consistent fashion to provide reliable information that will be more useful from a policy standpoint. Offered in this article are specific directions for related research in addition to arguments defending these choices. Table, figure, and references