Solitary confinement has long been an area of controversy within the context of criminal justice and corrections. Those against the practice have questioned whether it is ethical due to the potential psychological impact it can have on incarcerated individuals. For incarcerated persons with mental illness (IPMI), this impact can be even greater; particularly if IPMI are more likely to receive solitary confinement. This article summarizes a recent study, originally published in Justice Quarterly, conducted by researchers at Florida State University that examines the relationship between solitary confinement and mental illness to determine if IPMI have an increased likelihood of being sent to … [Read more...]

Although many scholars have attempted to understand why incarceration rates often differ among countries, there is no current research examining whether there is a connection between the size of a nation's criminal justice workforce (specifically those handling cases prior to the point of incarceration) and that country's incarceration rates. Here, we summarize research by Alyssa K. Mendlein that explores the connection between front-end criminal justice system workforce size and incarceration rates across multiple countries, published in International Criminology in April 2021. Purpose of Research For this study, Mendlein combined a conflict perspective and a systems approach to … [Read more...]

Although virtual reality (VR) technology has been successfully utilized for psychological treatment and learning for many years, its use in correctional facilities for the purpose of correctional rehabilitation has been slower to manifest. Here, we summarize research by Bobbie Ticknor exploring the benefits and challenges of using VR for correctional rehabilitation, published in Criminal Justice & Behavior in September 2019. Technology in Correctional Facilities Correctional facilities have long integrated technology into their daily practices for the purposes of supervision and assessment. More recently, additional efforts have been made to begin utilizing technology for … [Read more...]

Although restorative justice has become more regularly utilized in workplace and school settings, its use in the criminal justice system is still often met with criticism. A new study by Masahiro Suzuki, from Central Queensland University, and Xiaoyu Yuan, from Shanghai University of Political Science and Law, seeks to provide empirical evidence for why and how restorative justice works within a criminal justice setting for both offenders and victims. This article provides a summary of their research, which was approved for publication in Criminal Justice and Behavior and published online February 20, 2021. What Is Restorative Justice? Restorative justice is a method of justice … [Read more...]

A recent report published by the Brookings Institute focuses on the inadequate and sometimes deadly result of using police as first responders for people in need of immediate mental health response. The report's authors, Stuart M. Butler and Nehath Sheriff, argue that crisis situations wherein individuals may have behavioral or mental health needs require an approach that shifts police away from leading the response and instead uses mental health professionals and community resources to help individuals secure the care they need. The Data The authors cite several high-profile cases wherein police responded with force when encountering individuals with mental health or developmental issues. … [Read more...]

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, governments around the world have had to identify, implement, and refine regulatory practices to help decrease the spread of the virus and mitigate the impact on healthcare facilities and personnel. A new rapid review conducted by researchers in Canada highlights strategies considered most effective in managing COVID-19 in correctional facilities and other secure units, specifically for individuals with mental health issues. Here, we provide a summary of key findings and recommendations from the research, published in Victims & Offenders: An International Journal of Evidence-based Research, Policy, and Practice. Research Context Measures … [Read more...]

Staff members in correctional facilities navigate a unique blend of challenges and rewards in their work. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, corrections staff well-being must be prioritized and met with effective organizational responses. IACFP recently brought together a panel of experts for the IACFP/ICPA webinar: "Staff Well-Being and Resilience in Correctional Environments - During and After a Pandemic." Here, we provide highlights from the webinar, including the impact of COVID-19 on staff, operational and mental health measures, coping strategies, and resources. The Impact of COVID-19 on Staff Although the work of corrections staff creates high levels of stress, the threat of … [Read more...]