Danielle J. Murdoch

Bio: Danielle J. Murdoch is an academic researcher from Simon Fraser University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Indigenous & Criminal justice. The author has an hindex of 3, co-authored 5 publications receiving 12 citations.

(In)-justice: An exploration of the dehumanization, victimization, criminalization, and over-incarceration of Indigenous women in Canada:

Abstract: Indigenous women are vastly overrepresented in Canada’s federal prisons and represent the fastest growing prison population in Canada. This critical commentary utilizes a decolonial framework to ex...

British Columbia Provincial Corrections’ Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Case Study of Correctional Policy and Practice

Abstract: Health and justice officials across North America have described correctional institutions as petri dishes for the transmission of COVID-19. Individuals in custody commonly have health profiles tha...

Decolonizing Criminology: Exploring Criminal Justice Decision-Making through Strategic Use of Indigenous Literature and Scholarship

Abstract: Post-secondary institutions have been increasingly called upon to decolonize pedagogy and syllabi. Minimal research has examined decolonization efforts within criminology curricula despite such cla...

Preparing and Supporting Graduate Students in Their Role as Teaching Assistants: An Exploration of TA Training in a School of Criminology

Abstract: Teaching Assistants (TAs) play an important role in many undergraduate courses throughout North America. TAs have a range of responsibilities to fulfil, such as facilitating tutorials, delivering l...

Scoping review of mental health in prisons through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Abstract: Objective To examine the extent, nature and quality of literature on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of imprisoned people and prison staff. Design Scoping review. Data sources PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Global Health, Cochrane, PsycINFO, PsychExtra, Web of Science and Scopus were searched for any paper from 2019 onwards that focused on the mental health impact of COVID-19 on imprisoned people and prison staff. A grey literature search focused on international and government sources and professional bodies representing healthcare, public health and prison staff was also performed. We also performed hand searching of the reference lists of included studies. Eligibility criteria for selection of studies All papers, regardless of study design, were included if they examined the mental health of imprisoned people or prison staff specifically during the COVID-19 pandemic. Imprisoned people could be of any age and from any countries. All languages were included. Two independent reviewers quality assessed appropriate papers. Results Of 647 articles found, 83 were eligible for inclusion, the majority (58%) of which were opinion pieces. The articles focused on the challenges to prisoner mental health. Fear of COVID-19, the impact of isolation, discontinuation of prison visits and reduced mental health services were all likely to have an adverse effect on the mental well-being of imprisoned people. The limited research and poor quality of articles included mean that the findings are not conclusive. However, they suggest a significant adverse impact on the mental health and well-being of those who live and work in prisons. Conclusions It is key to address the mental health impacts of the pandemic on people who live and work in prisons. These findings are discussed in terms of implications for getting the balance between infection control imperatives and the fundamental human rights of prison populations.

Just as Good as the Real Thing? The Effects of Prison Video Visitation on Recidivism:

Abstract: While research has consistently shown that in-person prison visitation is associated with reduced recidivism, much less is known about the effects of video visits. This study compares recidivism ou...

Incarcerated individuals' experiences of COVID-19 in the United States.

Abstract: PURPOSE: This study aims to examine steps taken by correctional staff to prevent COVID-19 from spreading through correctional facilities and explores strategies used by incarcerated individuals to reduce their own risk of contracting COVID-19 during confinement. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: Data were drawn from interviews with 327 individuals incarcerated after March 16, 2020, in Midwest1, Midwest2 and Southeast state using a questionnaire developed for this purpose. All study participants were actively involved in a randomized controlled trial of a behavioral health reentry intervention and the human subjects board approved the supplement of this study on COVID-19; interviews were conducted from April 15 to November 19, 2020. FINDINGS: Overall, 9.89% of participants contracted COVID-19. Most (68.50%) individuals learned about COVID-19 from television compared to official correctional facility announcements (32.42%). Participants wore face masks (85.02%), washed hands (84.40%) and practiced physical distancing when possible (66.36%). Participants reported that facilities suspended visitation (89.60%) and volunteers (82.57%), provided face masks (83.18%), sanitized (68.20%), conducted temperature checks (55.35%) and released individuals early (7.34%). SOCIAL IMPLICATIONS: Longitudinal observational study on the implementation and effectiveness of public health guidelines in prisons and jails may identify best practices for containing the infectious disease. Maximizing transparent communications, as well as COVID-19 prevention and mitigation efforts, are critical to achieving universal best practices for virus containment and amplifying public health. ORIGINALITY/VALUE: Data presented indicate the early adoption of many Centers for Disease Control guidelines by individuals and correctional facilities, although broad variation existed. Data support the identification of containment strategies for feasible implementation in a range of correctional spaces.

Preparedness and Readiness Against COVID-19 Pandemic in Prison Institutions and Detention Centers in Southwest Ethiopia

Abstract: Background Prisons and detention centers in Ethiopia lack adequate hand washing, personal protective equipment, and quarantine areas As a result, they are vulnerable to the expansion of the COVID-19 pandemic Despite its high risk for the COVID-19 pandemic, no study has been made to assess the preparedness and readiness in prison institutions and detention centers Methods A cross-sectional study design mixed with a qualitative approach was conducted from May 1 to June 30, 2020 A total of four prison institutions and 17 detention centers were included in the study A simple random sampling technique was employed to select the institutions The data were entered into the EpiData and exported to SPSS Windows version 22 for data management and analysis Descriptive statistics was employed for the quantitative section and content analysis was used to analyze the qualitative data Results Five out of 17 detention centers and three out of four prison facilities did not fulfill the standards related to human rights Almost all detention centers and prison facilities did not implement recommended activities of risk assessment and management of COVID-19 In addition, none of the prison facilities and detention centers had quick access to laboratory tests for suspected cases Neither the prison facilities nor the detention centers had a contingency plan for the COVID-19 pandemic Moreover, all staff working in prison facilities and detention centers mentioned that training regarding COVID-19 had not yet been given However, in all prisons and detention centers, preventive measures such as physical distancing, utilization of hand washing facilities, wearing masks, and keeping respiratory hygiene were not practiced

British Columbia Provincial Corrections’ Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Case Study of Correctional Policy and Practice

Abstract: Health and justice officials across North America have described correctional institutions as petri dishes for the transmission of COVID-19. Individuals in custody commonly have health profiles tha...