Showing papers on "Prison published in 2022"
13 Jan 2022
TL;DR: The US prison population stands at 1.43 million persons, with an additional 740,000 persons in local jails as discussed by the authors, with nearly all of them eventually returning to society.
Abstract: The US prison population stands at 1.43 million persons, with an additional 740,000 persons in local jails. Nearly all will eventually return to society. This review examines the available evidence...
22 citations
TL;DR: In this paper , the authors conducted a random effects meta-analysis, explored between-sample heterogeneity with meta-regression, and calculated odds ratios (ORs) to assess bidirectional relationships between mental and substance use disorders.
Abstract: BackgroundComorbid mental illnesses and substance use disorders are associated with adverse criminal, social, and health outcomes. Yet, their burden is not reliably known among prison populations. We therefore aimed to estimate the prevalence of comorbid serious mental illnesses and substance use disorders (dual disorders) among people in prison worldwide.MethodsIn this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched 15 electronic databases (ASSIA, CAB Abstracts, Criminal Justice Database, Embase, Global Health, Global Index Medicus, IBSS, MEDLINE, NCJRS, PAIS Index, PsycINFO, Russian Science Citation Index, Scielo, Social Services Abstracts, and Web of Science) and the grey literature (Open Grey and ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global) for studies reporting the prevalence of serious mental illnesses and substance use disorders in prison populations published between Jan 1, 1980, and Sept 25, 2021, and contacted the authors of relevant studies. Empirical studies among unselected adult prison populations that applied representative sampling strategies and validated diagnostic instruments, and either reported the prevalence of dual disorders or had authors who could provide prevalence data in correspondence, were included. Two reviewers (GB and SDL) independently extracted data from the eligible studies; both current (up to 1 year) and lifetime prevalence were extracted, if available. We sought summary estimates. Our primary outcomes were comorbid non-affective psychosis with substance use disorders and comorbid major depression with substance use disorders. We conducted a random-effects meta-analysis, explored between-sample heterogeneity with meta-regression, and calculated odds ratios (ORs) to assess bidirectional relationships between mental and substance use disorders. Risk of bias was assessed by use of a standard tool. The study protocol was registered with PROSPERO, CRD42020207301.FindingsOf 11 346 records screened, we identified 34 studies reporting the prevalence of dual disorders among individuals in prison and received unpublished prevalence data for 16 studies, totalling 50 eligible studies and 24 915 people. The mean quality score of included studies was 7·8 (SD 1·2). We found that 3·5% (95% CI 2·2–5·0) had current non-affective psychosis with any comorbid substance use disorder, representing 443 (49·2%) of 900 people with non-affective psychosis, and 9·1% (5·6–13·3) had current major depression and comorbid substance use disorders, representing 1105 (51·6%) of 2143 people with major depression. Between-sample heterogeneity was high (I2>80%). People in prison with current non-affective psychosis were significantly more likely to have substance use disorders compared with those without (OR 1·7, 95% CI 1·4–2·2). People with major depression had higher odds of substance use disorders than those without (1·6, 1·3–2·0).InterpretationAround half of the prison population with non-affective psychosis or major depression have a comorbid substance use disorder. Consideration should be given to screening for dual disorders and implementing integrated and scalable treatments.FundingEconomic and Social Research Council, Agencia Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo (Chile), and the Wellcome Trust. Comorbid mental illnesses and substance use disorders are associated with adverse criminal, social, and health outcomes. Yet, their burden is not reliably known among prison populations. We therefore aimed to estimate the prevalence of comorbid serious mental illnesses and substance use disorders (dual disorders) among people in prison worldwide. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched 15 electronic databases (ASSIA, CAB Abstracts, Criminal Justice Database, Embase, Global Health, Global Index Medicus, IBSS, MEDLINE, NCJRS, PAIS Index, PsycINFO, Russian Science Citation Index, Scielo, Social Services Abstracts, and Web of Science) and the grey literature (Open Grey and ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global) for studies reporting the prevalence of serious mental illnesses and substance use disorders in prison populations published between Jan 1, 1980, and Sept 25, 2021, and contacted the authors of relevant studies. Empirical studies among unselected adult prison populations that applied representative sampling strategies and validated diagnostic instruments, and either reported the prevalence of dual disorders or had authors who could provide prevalence data in correspondence, were included. Two reviewers (GB and SDL) independently extracted data from the eligible studies; both current (up to 1 year) and lifetime prevalence were extracted, if available. We sought summary estimates. Our primary outcomes were comorbid non-affective psychosis with substance use disorders and comorbid major depression with substance use disorders. We conducted a random-effects meta-analysis, explored between-sample heterogeneity with meta-regression, and calculated odds ratios (ORs) to assess bidirectional relationships between mental and substance use disorders. Risk of bias was assessed by use of a standard tool. The study protocol was registered with PROSPERO, CRD42020207301. Of 11 346 records screened, we identified 34 studies reporting the prevalence of dual disorders among individuals in prison and received unpublished prevalence data for 16 studies, totalling 50 eligible studies and 24 915 people. The mean quality score of included studies was 7·8 (SD 1·2). We found that 3·5% (95% CI 2·2–5·0) had current non-affective psychosis with any comorbid substance use disorder, representing 443 (49·2%) of 900 people with non-affective psychosis, and 9·1% (5·6–13·3) had current major depression and comorbid substance use disorders, representing 1105 (51·6%) of 2143 people with major depression. Between-sample heterogeneity was high (I2>80%). People in prison with current non-affective psychosis were significantly more likely to have substance use disorders compared with those without (OR 1·7, 95% CI 1·4–2·2). People with major depression had higher odds of substance use disorders than those without (1·6, 1·3–2·0). Around half of the prison population with non-affective psychosis or major depression have a comorbid substance use disorder. Consideration should be given to screening for dual disorders and implementing integrated and scalable treatments.
16 citations
TL;DR: It is found that educational interventions could seek to address COVID-19 risk misconceptions in prison settings, however, impact may be limited if trust is not fostered and if incentives are not considered in vaccine promotion.
Abstract: Background Vaccine uptake rates have been historically low in correctional settings. To better understand vaccine hesitancy in these high-risk settings, we explored reasons for COVID-19 vaccine refusal among people in federal prisons. Methods Three maximum security all-male federal prisons in British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario (Canada) were chosen, representing prisons with the highest proportions of COVID-19 vaccine refusal. Using a qualitative descriptive design and purposive sampling, individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with incarcerated people who had previously refused at least one COVID-19 vaccine until data saturation was achieved. An inductive–deductive thematic analysis of audio-recorded interview transcripts was conducted using the Conceptual Model of Vaccine Hesitancy. Results Between May 19-July 8, 2021, 14 participants were interviewed (median age: 30 years; n = 7 Indigenous, n = 4 visible minority, n = 3 White). Individual-, interpersonal-, and system-level factors were identified. Three were particularly relevant to the correctional setting: 1) Risk perception: participants perceived that they were at lower risk of COVID-19 due to restricted visits and interactions; 2) Health care services in prison: participants reported feeling “punished” and stigmatized due to strict COVID-19 restrictions, and failed to identify personal benefits of vaccination due to the lack of incentives; 3) Universal distrust: participants expressed distrust in prison employees, including health care providers. Interpretation Reasons for vaccine refusal among people in prison are multifaceted. Educational interventions could seek to address COVID-19 risk misconceptions in prison settings. However, impact may be limited if trust is not fostered and if incentives are not considered in vaccine promotion.
15 citations
TL;DR: The authors examined the available evidence on how the experience of incarceration is likely to impact the probability that formerly incarcerated individuals will reoffend, and concluded that additional work is needed to understand the heterogeneous effects of incarceration as well as the mechanisms through which incarceration effects, when observed, are generated.
Abstract: The US prison population stands at 1.43 million persons, with an additional 740,000 persons in local jails. Nearly all will eventually return to society. This review examines the available evidence on how the experience of incarceration is likely to impact the probability that formerly incarcerated individuals will reoffend. Our focus is on two types of studies, those based on the random assignments of cases to judges, called judge instrumental-variable studies, and those based on discontinuities in sentence severity in sentencing grids, called regression discontinuity studies. Both types of studies are designed to account for selection bias in nonexperimental estimates of the impact of incarceration on reoffending. Most such studies find that the experience of postconviction imprisonment has little impact on the probability of recidivism. A smaller number of studies do, however, find significant effects, both positive and negative. The negative, recidivism-reducing effects are mostly in settings in which rehabilitative programming is emphasized and the positive, criminogenic effects are found in settings in which such programming is not emphasized. The findings of studies of pretrial incarceration are more consistent—most find a deleterious effect on postrelease reoffending. We also conclude that additional work is needed to better understand the heterogeneous effects of incarceration as well as the mechanisms through which incarceration effects, when observed, are generated. For policy, our conclusion of the generally deleterious effect of pretrial detention adds to a larger body of evidence pointing to the social value of limiting its use.
13 citations
TL;DR: In this paper , the authors examined factors contributing to containment of one of the first California prison COVID-19 outbreaks and remaining vulnerabilities using an adapted multi-level determinants framework to systematically assess infectious disease risk.
Abstract: People incarcerated in US prisons have been disproportionately harmed by the COVID-19 pandemic. That prisons are such efficient superspreading environments can be attributed to several known factors: small, communal facilities where people are confined for prolonged periods of time; poor ventilation; a lack of non-punitive areas for quarantine/medical isolation; and staggeringly high numbers of people experiencing incarceration, among others. While health organizations have issued guidance on preventing and mitigating COVID-19 infection in carceral settings, little is known about if, when, and how recommendations have been implemented. We examined factors contributing to containment of one of the first California prison COVID-19 outbreaks and remaining vulnerabilities using an adapted multi-level determinants framework to systematically assess infectious disease risk in carceral settings.Case study employing administrative data; observation; and informal discussions with: people incarcerated at the prison, staff, and county public health officials.Outbreak mitigation efforts were characterized by pre-planning (e.g., designation of ventilated, single-occupancy quarantine) and a quickly mobilized inter-institutional response that facilitated systematic, voluntary rapid testing. However, several systemic- and institutional-level vulnerabilities were unaddressed hindering efforts and posing significant risk for future outbreaks, including insufficient decarceration, continued inter-facility transfers, incomplete staff cohorting, and incompatibility between built environment features (e.g., dense living conditions) and public health recommendations.Our adapted framework facilitates systematically assessing prison-based infectious disease outbreaks and multi-level interventions. We find implementing some recommended public health strategies may have contributed to outbreak containment. However, even with a rapidly mobilized, inter-institutional response, failure to decarcerate created an overreliance on chance conditions. This left the facility vulnerable to future catastrophic outbreaks and may render standard public health strategies - including the introduction of effective vaccines - insufficient to prevent or contain those outbreaks.
12 citations
TL;DR: In this article , the authors proposed a fractional-order crime transmission model by categorizing the existing population into four clusters: law-abiding citizens, criminally active individuals who have not been imprisoned, prisoners, and prisoners who completed the prison tenure.
Abstract: Due to the alarming rise in types of crime committed and the number of criminal activities across the world, there is a great need to amend the existing policies and models adopted by jurisdictional institutes. The majority of the mathematical models have not included the history of the crime committed by the individual, which is vital to control crime transmission in stipulated time. Further, due to various external factors and policies, a considerable number of criminals have not been imprisoned. To address the aforementioned issues prevailing in society, this research proposes a fractional-order crime transmission model by categorizing the existing population into four clusters. These clusters include law-abiding citizens, criminally active individuals who have not been imprisoned, prisoners, and prisoners who completed the prison tenure. The well-posedness and stability of the proposed fractional model are discussed in this work. Furthermore, the proposed model is extended to the delayed model by introducing the time-delay coefficient as time lag occurs between the individual’s offense and the judgment. The endemic equilibrium of the delayed model is locally asymptotically stable up to a certain extent, after which bifurcation occurs.
12 citations
TL;DR: From this analysis, it emerged that the most common COVID-19 prevention methods were the screening of the entire population inside the prison through swab analysis and the reduction in overcrowding in prisons.
12 citations
TL;DR: In this paper , the authors examined changes in the prevalence of mental and substance use disorders among people admitted to provincial prisons in British Columbia (BC), Canada, from 2009 to 2017, using the Jail Screening Assessment Tool, a validated intake screening tool designed for rapid identification of mental health needs.
Abstract: People who are incarcerated experience social exclusion and have higher rates of mental and substance use disorders than the general population. Prisons are not suitable for treating mental illness, and understanding how the profile of prison populations changes provides essential information for correctional service planning. This study examined changes in the prevalence of mental and substance use disorders among people admitted to provincial prisons in British Columbia (BC), Canada.The study included all people admitted to any of the 10 provincial prisons in BC from 2009 through 2017 (N=47,117). Using the Jail Screening Assessment Tool, a validated intake screening tool designed for rapid identification of mental health needs, the authors calculated the period prevalence (by calendar year) of mental health needs, substance use disorders, and drug use.The proportion of people with co-occurring mental health needs and substance use disorders increased markedly per year, from 15% in 2009 to 32% in 2017. Prevalence of methamphetamine use disorder increased nearly fivefold, from 6% to 29%, and heroin use disorder increased from 11% to 26%. The proportion of people with any mental health need and/or substance use disorder increased from 61% to 75%.The clinical profile of people admitted to BC prisons has changed, with dramatic increases in the proportion of people with co-occurring disorders and reported methamphetamine use. More treatment and efforts to address social and structural inequities for people with complex clinical profiles are required in the community to reduce incarceration among people with multifaceted and complex mental health care needs.
11 citations
TL;DR: In this paper , the role of prisons as reservoirs of M. tuberculosis, propagating epidemics through spillover to surrounding communities, has been quantitatively measured directly, but it has been difficult to measure directly.
11 citations
TL;DR: In this article , the authors evaluate the successful reentry of individuals released from prison, particularly given limitations of currently available data and the complex set of factors that shape reentry experiences, and propose a method to evaluate the success of reentry.
Abstract: Nearly 600,000 people are released from state and federal prisons annually. Whether these individuals will successfully reintegrate into their communities has been identified as a critical measure of the effectiveness of the criminal legal system. However, evaluating the successful reentry of individuals released from prison is a challenging process, particularly given limitations of currently available data and the complex set of factors that shape reentry experiences.
11 citations
19 Jul 2022
TL;DR: The authors analyzes an anti-trafficking news documentary that frames prison as a protective state service that, if reformed, can help women escape sex trafficking, and contextualizes the documentary's narratives in an overview of the structural white supremacy of anti trafficking's philanthropic journalism and a discussion of common activist methods for supporting prisoners.
Abstract: Anti-trafficking discourse regularly suggests that more policing and surveillance of women’s lives will protect them from the harms of sex trafficking. Prison abolition movements, on the other hand, argue that punishment and prisons do not end violence against women, they only intensify the violence women experience. This chapter analyzes an anti-trafficking news documentary that frames prison as a protective state service that, if reformed, can help women escape sex trafficking. The documentary was released during widespread grassroots activism to draw attention to the racialized and gendered injustices of the prison industrial complex, including high-profile campaigns to end money bail. The chapter argues that the anti-trafficking documentary works to discursively protect the state from allegations of racism and racial injustice amid public scrutiny of the anti-Black structure of the criminal legal system. The chapter contextualizes the documentary’s narratives in an overview of the structural white supremacy of anti-trafficking’s philanthropic journalism and a discussion of common activist methods for supporting prisoners in order to show how the suggested reforms would harm the incarcerated women it aims to help. Ultimately, the case study reveals how the terms of the anti-trafficking discourse are mobilized in ways that undermine racial justice organizing and tactics.
TL;DR: Community CO VID-19 spread contributes to COVID-19 case rates in prisons, and in counties with prisons, community spread should be closely monitored.
Abstract: Background COVID-19 and mass incarceration are closely intertwined with prisons having COVID-19 case rates much higher than the general population. COVID-19 has highlighted the relationship between incarceration and health, but prior work has not explored how COVID-19 spread in communities have influenced case rates in prisons. Our objective was to understand the relationship between COVID-19 case rates in the general population and prisons located in the same county. Methods Using North Carolina’s (NC) Department of Health and Human Services data, this analysis examines all COVID-19 tests conducted in NC from June-August 2020. Using interrupted time series analysis, we assessed the relationship between substantial community spread (50/100,000 detected in the last seven days) and active COVID-19 case rates (cases detected in the past 14 days/100,000) within prisons. Results From June-August 2020, NC ordered 29,605 tests from prisons and detected 1,639 cases. The mean case rates were 215 and 427 per 100,000 in the general and incarcerated population, respectively. Once counties reached substantial COVID-19 spread, the COVID-19 prison case rate increased by 118.55 cases per 100,000 (95% CI: -3.71, 240.81). Conclusions Community COVID-19 spread contributes to COVID-19 case rates in prisons. In counties with prisons, community spread should be closely monitored. Stringent measures within prisons (e.g., vaccination) and decarceration should be prioritized to prevent COVID-19 outbreaks.
TL;DR: Unvaccinated staff were younger and more likely to have had COVID-19; they were also morelikely to work alongside other un vaccinated staff and live in communities with relatively low rates of vaccination.
Abstract: Key Points Question In California prisons, what proportion of prison staff who have direct contact with residents are unvaccinated, and what are their characteristics? Findings In this cohort study of 23 472 custody staff and 7617 health care staff in California state prisons, 14 317 custody staff (61%) and 2819 (36%) health care staff remained unvaccinated through June 30, 2021, despite widespread vaccine availability. Unvaccinated staff were younger and more likely to have had COVID-19; they were also more likely to work alongside other unvaccinated staff and live in communities with relatively low rates of vaccination. Meaning The study results suggest that low vaccination rates among prison staff pose continuing risks.
TL;DR: In this article , the mediating role of organizational dehumanization in the development of depersonalized relationships with incarcerated persons is investigated, and this effect is mediated by prison officers' job satisfaction.
Abstract: This article contributes to the literature on the antecedents and consequences of prison officers’ job satisfaction. First, we argue that organizational dehumanization (i.e., employees’ perceptions of being treated as tools by their organization) explains how work environment factors determine job satisfaction. Second, we propose that the role played by organizational dehumanization in the development of job satisfaction carries over depersonalization of incarcerated persons. The study (N = 357 Belgian prison officers) supports the mediating role of organizational dehumanization in the relationships between four work environment factors (organizational justice, appropriateness of material resources, quality of the physical environment, and perceived organizational support compared with that of the persons who are incarcerated) and job satisfaction. In addition, the findings indicate that prison officers’ perception of being dehumanized by their prison trickles down in the development of depersonalized relationships with incarcerated persons, and this effect is mediated by prison officers’ job satisfaction.
TL;DR: In this paper , a survey administered in 13 prisons in England & Wales and Norway, as part of a research programme with explicitly comparative aims, seeks to address both the relative and absolute dimensions of the Nordic penal exceptionalism thesis.
Abstract: Abstract Based on a survey administered in 13 prisons in England & Wales and Norway, as part of a research programme with explicitly comparative aims, this article seeks to address both the relative and absolute dimensions of the Nordic penal exceptionalism thesis. It outlines the consistently more positive results in Norway compared to England & Wales, explaining them primarily with reference to the former’s much higher quality and use of open prisons. At the same time, it emphasizes that, even in an unusually humane prison system, prisoners report considerable pain and frustration. The article also makes the case that comparative analysis should strive to be systematic, but that such comparisons are always imperfect, making methodological transparency all the more essential.
TL;DR: In this paper , a situation assessment of Zimbabwean prisons’ preparedness and approach to tackling the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) acknowledges state and prison efforts to protect prisoners and staff, despite infrastructural constraints and inadequate resourcing from government.
Abstract: Purpose Prisons in Africa face unprecedented challenges during Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In July 2020, the first prison system case of COVID-19 was notified in Zimbabwe. Subsequently, the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services released their COVID-19 operational plan. The purpose of the study was to assess preparedness, prevention and control of COVID-19 in selected prisons in Zimbabwe. Design/methodology/approach A multi-method situation assessment of COVID-19 preparedness was conducted across three Zimbabwean prisons. The World Health Organization checklist to evaluate preparedness, prevention and control of COVID-19 in prisons was administered to frontline health managers. Information garnered was further explored during site observation and in multi-stakeholder key informant interviews with policymakers, prison health directorate, frontline health-care professionals, officers in charge and non-governmental organizations ( n = 26); focus group discussions with correctional officers ( n = 18); and male/female prisoners ( n = 36). Data was triangulated and analyzed using content thematic analysis. Findings Outdated infrastructure, severe congestion, interrupted water supply and inadequate hygiene and sanitation were conducive to ill-health and spread of disease. Health professionals had been well-trained regarding COVID-19 disease control measures. COVID-19 awareness among prisoners was generally adequate. There was no routine COVID-19 testing in place, beyond thermo scanning. Access to health care was good, but standards were hindered by inadequate medicines and personnel protective equipment supply. Isolation measures were compromised by accommodation capacity issues. Flow of prison entries constituted a transmission risk. Social distancing was impossible during meals and at night. Originality/value This unique situation assessment of Zimbabwean prisons’ preparedness and approach to tackling COVID-19 acknowledges state and prison efforts to protect prisoners and staff, despite infrastructural constraints and inadequate resourcing from government.
TL;DR: This article explored the views of people who are homeless and dependent on prescribed or illicit opiates/opioids on the range of ORT delivery options, including long-acting buprenorphine (LAB) depot injection, methadone liquid, and sublingual/wafer bupregine.
TL;DR: The results have shown the existence of a CPV offender profile that is common to minors and adults and includes some of the dimensions of self-concept, specifically academic and family self- Concept, as well as the avoidant and rational problem-solving styles and the negative orientation toward problems.
Abstract: The main objective of this study was to establish the psychosocial profile of adolescents and adults who have admitted to committing child-to-parent violence (CPV) and were serving a judicial sanction or prison sentence, respectively. Two groups of participants took part in this study. The first group was made up of 89 male youths who were serving judicial sanctions, and the second group was made up of 70 men serving a prison sentence. A cross-sectional retrospective design with concurrent measurements was used in this study. Group differences in the exposure-to-violence variables were conducted. Automatic regression models were used to estimate a self-reported CPV. In relation to the variables of indirect exposure to violence, statistically significant differences between those who admitted having committed CPV and those who did not, irrespective of being adults or adolescents, were found for seeing violence in class and at home but not for seeing violence on the street or on television. Regarding the variables related to experiencing violence, the results showed statistically significant differences in experiencing violence at home but not in class or on the street. The best predictive model of CPV includes some of the dimensions of self-concept, specifically academic and family self-concept, as well as the avoidant and rational problem-solving styles and the negative orientation toward problems. The results have shown the existence of a CPV offender profile that is common to minors and adults.
11 Mar 2022
TL;DR: In this paper , a theoretical understanding of the prison as an archive and as an architectural construct is presented, providing a new means of understanding how incarcerated trans persons may use and perform gender to survive carceral violence.
Abstract: Most incarceration settings around the world are governed by strong cisnormative policies, architectures, and social expectations that segregate according to a person's legal gender (i.e. male or female). This paper draws on the lived experiences of 24 formerly incarcerated trans women in Australia and the U.S. to elucidate the way in which the prison functions according to Lucas Crawford's theory of trans architecture, alongside Jacques Derrida's notion of archive fever. The paper displays how the cisnormative archive of the justice system and its architectural constructs impact trans women in men's incarceration settings, including how trans women entering the incarceration setting are able to embody gender in a way that is not reified by the insistences of those normative structures. In light of this, this paper advances a theoretical understanding of the prison as an archive and as an architectural construct, providing a new means of understanding how incarcerated trans persons may use and perform gender to survive carceral violence.
TL;DR: The PIVOT study as discussed by the authors evaluated a 'one-stop-shop' intervention integrating point-of-care HCV RNA testing, Fibroscan-based liver disease assessment, and treatment prescription at a reception prison in Australia.
TL;DR: This article used the psychological concept of ego-depletion as an exploratory framework to better understand the disproportionate rates of reincarceration among people with injecting drug use histories, and found that post-release environments are egodepleting and inconducive to sustaining behavioural changes for PWID leaving prison.
TL;DR: In this paper , the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 and associated carceral risk factors among incarcerated adult men in Quebec, Canada was examined using Poisson regression models with robust standard errors.
Abstract: Abstract Background People in prison are at increased risk of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. We examined the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 and associated carceral risk factors among incarcerated adult men in Quebec, Canada. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional seroprevalence study in 2021 across 3 provincial prisons, representing 45% of Quebec’s incarcerated male provincial population. The primary outcome was SARS-CoV-2 antibody seropositivity (Roche Elecsys serology test). Participants completed self-administered questionnaires on sociodemographic, clinical, and carceral characteristics. The association of carceral variables with SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity was examined using Poisson regression models with robust standard errors. Crude and adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated. Results Between 19 January 2021 and 15 September 2021, 246 of 1100 (22%) recruited individuals tested positive across 3 prisons (range, 15%–27%). Seropositivity increased with time spent in prison since March 2020 (aPR, 2.17; 95% CI, 1.53–3.07 for “all” vs “little time”), employment during incarceration (aPR, 1.64; 95% CI, 1.28–2.11 vs not), shared meal consumption during incarceration (“with cellmates”: aPR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.08–1.97 vs “alone”; “with sector”: aPR, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.03–1.74 vs “alone”), and incarceration post-prison outbreak (aPR, 2.32; 95% CI, 1.69–3.18 vs “pre-outbreak”). Conclusions The seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 among incarcerated individuals was high and varied among prisons. Several carceral factors were associated with seropositivity, underscoring the importance of decarceration and occupational safety measures, individual meal consumption, and enhanced infection prevention and control measures including vaccination during incarceration.
TL;DR: The seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 among incarcerated individuals was high and varied among prisons, underscoring the importance of decarceration and occupational safety measures, individual meal consumption, and enhanced infection prevention and control measures including vaccination during incarceration.
Abstract: Abstract Background People in prison are at increased risk of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. We examined the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 and associated carceral risk factors among incarcerated adult men in Quebec, Canada. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional seroprevalence study in 2021 across 3 provincial prisons, representing 45% of Quebec’s incarcerated male provincial population. The primary outcome was SARS-CoV-2 antibody seropositivity (Roche Elecsys serology test). Participants completed self-administered questionnaires on sociodemographic, clinical, and carceral characteristics. The association of carceral variables with SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity was examined using Poisson regression models with robust standard errors. Crude and adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated. Results Between 19 January 2021 and 15 September 2021, 246 of 1100 (22%) recruited individuals tested positive across 3 prisons (range, 15%–27%). Seropositivity increased with time spent in prison since March 2020 (aPR, 2.17; 95% CI, 1.53–3.07 for “all” vs “little time”), employment during incarceration (aPR, 1.64; 95% CI, 1.28–2.11 vs not), shared meal consumption during incarceration (“with cellmates”: aPR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.08–1.97 vs “alone”; “with sector”: aPR, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.03–1.74 vs “alone”), and incarceration post-prison outbreak (aPR, 2.32; 95% CI, 1.69–3.18 vs “pre-outbreak”). Conclusions The seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 among incarcerated individuals was high and varied among prisons. Several carceral factors were associated with seropositivity, underscoring the importance of decarceration and occupational safety measures, individual meal consumption, and enhanced infection prevention and control measures including vaccination during incarceration.
TL;DR: A systematic review of post-release programs for women exiting prison with substance use disorders (SUDs) is presented in this article , with an objective to reduce recidivism for adult women (⩾18 years) with a SUD.
Abstract: The rising rates of women in prison is a serious public health issue. Unlike men, women in prison are characterised by significant histories of trauma, poor mental health, and high rates of substance use disorders (SUDs). Recidivism rates of women have also increased exponentially in the last decade, with substance related offences being the most imprisoned offence worldwide. There is a lack of evidence of the effectiveness of post-release programs for women. The aim of this systematic review is to synthesise and evaluate the evidence on post-release programs for women exiting prison with SUDs.We searched eight scientific databases for empirical original research published in English with no date limitation. Studies with an objective to reduce recidivism for adult women (⩾18 years) with a SUD were included. Study quality was assessed using the revised Cochrane Risk of Bias tool for randomized trials (RoB2) and the Risk of Bias in Non-randomized Studies - of Interventions (ROBINS-I) tools.Of the 1493 articles, twelve (n = 3799 women) met the inclusion criteria. Recidivism was significantly reduced in five (42%) programs and substance-use was significantly reduced in one (8.3%) program. Common attributes among programs that reduced recidivism were: transitional, gender-responsive programs; provision of individualised support; providing substance-related therapy, mental health and trauma treatment services. Methodological and reporting biases were common, which impacted our ability to synthesize results further. Recidivism was inconsistently measured across studies further impacting the ability to compare results across studies.Recidivism is a problematic measure of program efficacy because it is inconsistently measured and deficit-focused, unrecognising of women's gains in the post-release period despite lack of tailored programs and significant health and social disadvantages. The current evidence suggests that women benefit from continuity of care from prison to the community, which incorporated gender-responsive programming and individualised case management that targeted co-morbid mental health and SUDs. Future program design should incorporate these attributes of successful programs identified in this review to better address the unique challenges that women with SUDs face when they transition back into the community.
TL;DR: Under the Reentry Act, Medicaid would be able to pay for health care for eligible people who are incarcerated starting up to 30 days before their release from jail or prison as mentioned in this paper , which could bring care in these facilities in line with community standards.
Abstract: Under the Reentry Act, Medicaid would be able to pay for health care for eligible people who are incarcerated starting up to 30 days before their release from jail or prison. Changes to this bill could bring care in these facilities in line with community standards.
TL;DR: The PIVOT study as discussed by the authors evaluated a "one-stop-shop" intervention integrating point-of-care hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA testing, Fibroscan-based liver disease assessment, and treatment prescription at a reception prison in Australia.
TL;DR: This article examined the consequences of mass enfranchisement of Black people for the use of the carceral state and found that states covered by Section 5 of the VRA experienced a differential increase in Black prison admissions relative to those that were not covered and that incarceration varied systematically in proportion to the electoral threat posed by Black voters.
Abstract: The 1965 Voting Rights Act (VRA) fundamentally changed the distribution of electoral power in the US South. We examine the consequences of this mass enfranchisement of Black people for the use of the carceral state—police, the courts, and the prison system. We study the extent to which white communities in the US South responded to the end of Jim Crow by increasing the incarceration of Black people. We test this with new historical data on state and county prison intake data by race (~1940–1985) in a series of difference-in-differences designs. We find that states covered by Section 5 of the VRA experienced a differential increase in Black prison admissions relative to those that were not covered and that incarceration varied systematically in proportion to the electoral threat posed by Black voters. Our findings indicate the potentially perverse consequences of enfranchisement when establishment power seeks—and finds—other outlets of social and political control.
TL;DR: A systematic review of post-release programs for women exiting prison with substance use disorders (SUDs) is presented in this article , with an objective to reduce recidivism for adult women (⩾18 years) with a SUD.
Abstract: The rising rates of women in prison is a serious public health issue. Unlike men, women in prison are characterised by significant histories of trauma, poor mental health, and high rates of substance use disorders (SUDs). Recidivism rates of women have also increased exponentially in the last decade, with substance related offences being the most imprisoned offence worldwide. There is a lack of evidence of the effectiveness of post-release programs for women. The aim of this systematic review is to synthesise and evaluate the evidence on post-release programs for women exiting prison with SUDs.We searched eight scientific databases for empirical original research published in English with no date limitation. Studies with an objective to reduce recidivism for adult women (⩾18 years) with a SUD were included. Study quality was assessed using the revised Cochrane Risk of Bias tool for randomized trials (RoB2) and the Risk of Bias in Non-randomized Studies - of Interventions (ROBINS-I) tools.Of the 1493 articles, twelve (n = 3799 women) met the inclusion criteria. Recidivism was significantly reduced in five (42%) programs and substance-use was significantly reduced in one (8.3%) program. Common attributes among programs that reduced recidivism were: transitional, gender-responsive programs; provision of individualised support; providing substance-related therapy, mental health and trauma treatment services. Methodological and reporting biases were common, which impacted our ability to synthesize results further. Recidivism was inconsistently measured across studies further impacting the ability to compare results across studies.Recidivism is a problematic measure of program efficacy because it is inconsistently measured and deficit-focused, unrecognising of women's gains in the post-release period despite lack of tailored programs and significant health and social disadvantages. The current evidence suggests that women benefit from continuity of care from prison to the community, which incorporated gender-responsive programming and individualised case management that targeted co-morbid mental health and SUDs. Future program design should incorporate these attributes of successful programs identified in this review to better address the unique challenges that women with SUDs face when they transition back into the community.
TL;DR: In this paper , the authors evaluate electronic monitoring as an alternative to prison for nonviolent offenses and find that electronic monitoring reduces reoffending at both extensive and intensive margins compared with prison, with the cumulative number of offenses reduced by 40% ten years after sentencing.
Abstract: Abstract We evaluate electronic monitoring as an alternative to prison for nonviolent offenses. Leveraging plausibly exogenous variation in sentencing outcomes generated by quasi-random assignment of judges, we find electronic monitoring reduces reoffending at both extensive and intensive margins. Compared with prison, electronic monitoring is estimated to reduce the probability of reoffending by 22 percentage points five years after sentencing and by 11 percentage points ten years after sentencing, with the cumulative number of offenses reduced by 40% ten years after sentencing. These results demonstrate that electronic monitoring has sustained crime-reducing effects.
TL;DR: This article found that Islamist terrorists display levels of self-sacrifice for their primary reference group similar to that of Latino gangs, but greater willingness to sacrifice for primary values than other inmates.
Abstract: Is terrorism just another form of criminal activity, as many nations' justice systems assume? We offer an initial answer using face-to-face interviews and structured surveys in thirty-five Spanish prisons. Recent theories of extreme sacrifice inform this direct observational and comparative study. Islamist terrorists display levels of self-sacrifice for their primary reference group similar to that of Latino gangs, but greater willingness to sacrifice for primary values than other inmates (non-radical Muslims, Latino gangs, and delinquent bands). This disposition is motivated by stronger perceived injustice, discrimination, and a visceral commitment to such values (risk/radicalization factors). Nevertheless, state authorities, prison staff, and families are (protective/de-radicalization) factors apt to reduce willingness to sacrifice and keep foreign fighters, now being released in large numbers, from returning to terrorism.