CC Ch 6

Chapter 6: Jails and Detention Centers

Introduction to Community Institutions

• Derivative: Origin of jails from historical structures

• Gaols: Early forms of jails, often in a community context

• Length of Existence: Historical background and evolution over time

• Diverse Mission: Functions beyond punishment, including rehabilitation

• Multifaceted Role: Critical importance in maintaining community safety and governance

Jail Types

• Who Runs a Jail: Various authorities including local, state, and federal law enforcement

• Locations: Ranging from urban centers to rural areas

• Facilities: Differences in jail facility types based on regional needs and designs

• Technology: Usage of modern technology for security and inmate management

Jail Inmates and Their Processing

• Operate 24/7: Constant management required

• Clientele: Variety of inmates including those awaiting trial and sentenced individuals

• Processing Steps:

  • Delivery of Arrestee: Transportation from arresting officers to facility

  • Booking: Official recording of the arrest

  • Classification: Assessing inmate risks and needs for proper housing

  • Placement: Assigning inmates to appropriate housing based on classification

Overcrowding in Jails

• Similar Issues to Prisons: Overlapping problems in management and facilities

• Overcrowding Defined: Situation where inmate population exceeds capacity

• Capacity Misleading: Reports of capacity might not reflect true conditions

• Limits Mission: Overcrowding can hinder rehabilitation and safety goals

• Loss of Effectiveness: Operational challenges arise due to overcrowded conditions

• Effects of Policies: 'Get tough' policies have contributed to overcrowding

• Lawsuits: Legal challenges related to conditions and inmate treatment

Demographics: Gender, Juveniles, Race, and Ethnicity

• Inmate Population: Majority adult minority males, with women comprising a smaller percentage

• War on Drugs: Impact on demographic shifts in incarceration rates

• Trends in Declines: Observations of fluctuating rates among women and minorities

• Racial/Ethnic Groupings: Increase in representation of whites, African-Americans, and Hispanics in the system

The Poor and the Mentally Ill

• John Irwin's Definition (1985): Describes particular characteristics of the marginalized

  • Disorganized: Social disarray often leads to incarceration

  • Disorderly and Detached: Many inmates feel disconnected from societal norms

  • Disrepute: Stigmatization complicates reintegration into society

Mental Health, Substance Abuse, and Poverty

• Higher Risk of Police Contact: Vulnerabilities among the mentally ill, homeless, and substance abusers

• Studies:

  • James and Glaze (2006): Association between mental illness and incarceration

  • BJS National Inmate Survey (Beck et al., 2013): Findings on mental illness and victimization in jails

  • San Francisco Study (McNiel et al., 2005): Links mental health issues to victimization

Mental Illness and Solitary Confinement

• Inmates with Mental Illness: Higher likelihood of being placed in solitary confinement

• Studies on Rikers Island:

  • Pearson (2015): Explores isolation effects

  • Seabrook (2014): Investigates conditions and effects on mental health

Calls for Reform in Care of Mentally Ill Inmates

• Cohen (2013): Highlights widespread abuse of mentally ill in jails

• Council of State Governments Justice Center (2015): Initiative to improve mental health treatment in jails

Medical Problems in Jails

• Social Health Issue: Overview of inmate health disparities (Maruschak, 2015)

• Elderly Inmates: Increased prevalence of health issues among older populations

  • Statistics: 61% of inmates over 45 report medical problems

• Female Inmates: Report higher rates of medical issues compared to males

Youth Medical Needs

• Unique Health Challenges: Younger inmates face distinct health issues (Broussard et al., 2002)

• Constitutional Rights (Estelle v. Gamble, 1976): Right to medical care and standards of care established

• Affordable Care Act (2010): Mandated health care provisions for inmates

Budgetary Coverage for Inmate Medical Issues

• Importance of Medical Care: Ethical and legal considerations necessitate proper medical attention

• Reason for Budget Needs: Prevention of lawsuits, health reintegration, and community health responsibilities

Substance Abuse in Jails

• Social Reality: High prevalence of substance abuse among inmates

• Statistics (Karberg and James, 2005): 2002 study shows half of inmates were under influence at arrest

• Co-Occurring Disorders: Common co-occurrence of substance abuse and mental health issues

• Challenges in Programs: Program duration and resource limitations hinder treatment efficacy

Suicide in Jails

• Risk Factors: High risk among first-time incarcerated individuals, often intoxicated

• Studies:

  • National Center on Institutions and Alternatives (1986, 2006): Longitudinal studies on jail suicides

  • Mumola (2005): Analysis of rates of suicide among inmates

  • Winter (2003): Comprehensive suicide data review

Suicide Rates Comparison

• Jail vs. Community Rates: Incarcerated individuals' suicide rates significantly higher than the general population

• Trends Over Time: Shift from suicides to medical illnesses as primary cause of death among inmates from 1983 to 2002

Gang Presence in Jails

• Challenges for Management: Gangs create additional complexity and violence in jails

• Prevalence: Higher rates of gang activity in urban jails and estimation challenges (Tapia, 2014)

• Management Strategies: Segregation of gang members, monitoring, and documentation of activities

Sexual Violence in Jails

• Legislative Framework: Prison Rape Elimination Act (2003) mandates data collection

• Victimization Data: Significant percentages of inmates report victimization; notable gender differences in experiences

• Factors Influencing Victimization: Demographics such as age, education level, and sexual orientation impact vulnerability to violence

• Staff Misconduct: High rates of sexual misconduct by staff, particularly towards male inmates by female staff

Podular Direct Supervision Jails

• Emergence and Benefits: Development of new jail architecture aimed at improving safety and supervision

• Dimensions of Officer Behavior: Key behaviors identified for effective jail management and inmate relationship development

• Success Rate: Potential for cost-effectiveness and enhanced safety reported by many facilities

Community Jails

• Innovative Approaches: Encouraging transitions back into the community post-incarceration

• Collaboration with Community: Working with local organizations to aid inmates’ reintegration and access to resources

Reentry Programs for Jails

• Community Reintegration Focus: Emphasis on reducing recidivism through effective programs

• Successful Models: Studies showing gender-specific needs can lead to more effective reentry outcomes

• Collaborative Arrangements: Engaging with community agencies is essential for effective reintegration

Open-Access Student Resources

• Available Resources: Quizzes, eFlashcards, Sage Journal Articles, and Multimedia Resources for further learning

• Access Point: edge.sagepub.com/stohressentials3e