NCJ Number
106861
Date Published
Unknown
Length
31 pages
Annotation
Treating and managing violent persons in prisons, jails, and security hospitals poses problems and opportunities that are both similar and different than those encountered in other treatment settings, and should be based on individual assessments as well as assessment of the social context in which the violence has occurred.
Abstract
Lack of resources and other factors may prevent relief of overcrowding or other conditions conducive to violence. However corrections managers can take other actions at both the prison level and individual inmate level to reduce inmate violence and to support more effective staff functioning. Correctional staff should carefully study the patterns of inmate violence and the interactions between staff and inmates to have a sound basis for planning and action. Possible strategies include reducing the number of inmates having meals together, increasing or even decreasing the number of staff members at a given location at a given time, and working with staff members to reduce or change demands placed on inmates. Individual inmates whose violence is related to psychiatric disorders are unusual, but they should receive appropriate treatment in a mental health unit in the institution. The use of the Mohanan and Klassen modification of Novaco's treatment model may also be useful. This model uses an interactional perspective and focuses both on changes in the correctional environment and on teaching individuals to monitor their thoughts and to change their ways of responding to stressors. Aftercare following discharge from the institution is also important to these offenders. Finally, staff need time away from the institution and peer support to enable them to continue to function effectively. 104 references.