Disciplinary Segregation’s Effects on Inmate Behavior: Institutional and Community Outcomes

Authors

Youngki Woo, The University of Texas Rio Grande ValleyFollow
Laurie A. Drapela, Washington State University
Michael F. Campagna, University of Nebraska at Omaha
Mary K. Stohr, Washington State University
Zachary K. Hamilton, Washington State University
Xiaohan Mei, University of California, Los Angeles
Elizabeth Thompson Tollefsbol, Northern Idaho College

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

7-21-2019

Abstract

Disciplinary segregation (DS) is practiced in a variety of correctional settings and a growing body of research explores its subsequent effects among offenders. The present study contributes to this literature by analyzing the impact of short-term DS on violent infractions and community recidivism among a sample of inmates in Washington State. We assessed the impact of DS on these outcomes from deterrence and stain theory perspectives while controlling for social support variables such as visitations and correctional programming. Mentally ill offenders were excluded, as their abilities to make rational choices may be inconsistent with deterrence theory. Results show DS does not significantly affect post-DS infractions. Social supports significantly reduced inmates’ odds of violent infractions while incarcerated. Community models indicate no substantive differences between the DS and non-DS groups on post-prison convictions 3 years after release. Overall, DS exhibited limited effects on offenders’ institutional or community outcomes.

Comments

© 2019, The Author(s).

Original published version available at https://doi.org/10.1177/0887403419862338.

Recommended Citation

Woo, Youngki, et al. “Disciplinary Segregation’s Effects on Inmate Behavior: Institutional and Community Outcomes.” Criminal Justice Policy Review, vol. 31, no. 7, Aug. 2020, pp. 1036–1058, doi:10.1177/0887403419862338.

Publication Title

Criminal Justice Policy Review

DOI

10.1177/0887403419862338