How to Prevent Prison Violence

It is difficult to prevent violence in prison.

Violence in prison is a challenging and troubling problem. According to The Bureau of Justice Statistics, many prisons are operating at more than 100 percent capacity. Overcrowding is likely a contributing factor to violence in prison. Two models of prison violence are: the importation model and the deprivation model. The importation model sees the background of the inmates---what they bring into the environment with them---as a trigger for violence. The deprivation model sees the environment itself, with its absence of the usual comforts, as a cause of violence in prison. Some measures can be taken to minimize the problem.

Instructions

Measures to Minimize Prison Violence

1. 

   Prisons tend to be tense environments.

   Ensure that the prisoners have some level of basic privacy and a place to keep a few possessions safely. Maintain some degree of respect between staff and prisoners. Meet the prisoners' basic needs, including the needs for rest, sleep, food and hygiene. There has to be some measure of human decency in dealings between staff and prisoner, so the prisoner has some stake in maintaining order.

2. Interview staff carefully, excluding those who would likely be unable to form appropriate and therapeutic relationships with prisoners. Train staff, developing good observation skills and communication skills. Ensure that the prison is not too reliant on overtime, as tired staff are unlikely to be effective.

3. Ensue that prisoners have educational opportunities, including anger managment training. Consider work programs within the prison. These measures help to build self-esteem, but also occupy prisoners, preventing boredom, which can lead to aggression.

4. Include outlets for physical energy in the prisoners' daily routine. This may include a prison farm, garden, sports or a gym. It is important to release pent-up energy, particularly when confinement is a fact of life.

5. Attempt to meet the spiritual needs of the prisoners. This can sometimes help a convict to take a new direction in his life. Ministers and chaplains can also provide a neutral person to listen or counsel prisoners.

References

• Adaptation to Imprisonment
• Causes and Prevention of Violence in Prisons