Recent research published in Criminal Justice and Behavior has highlighted the prevalence of mental health disorders among correctional staff, building upon existing research indicating adverse mental health outcomes for this population. Based on data from practitioners in the field, the authors identified areas for changes that could mitigate stress, as well as the need for systemic shifts that would prioritize correctional worker mental health. In this article, we provide a summary of key takeaways that may prove useful to practitioners in the correctional field. Research Purpose and Lit Review The study's authors, hailing from Memorial University of Newfoundland, cited mounting … [Read more...] about Research Summary: Correctional Worker Mental Health

In a recent essay for Criminology & Public Policy, author Alex R. Piquero explored the overlap of the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and the focus on racial and social justice following the murder of George Floyd in the United States. These two simultaneous events, Piquero suggested, created an environment wherein criminal justice policy could be critically examined and potentially reshaped. In this article, we provide a summary of his essay and key takeaways that may prove useful to practitioners in the correctional field. Impact on Crime and Incarceration One component of research noted by Piquero is the work of criminologists to determine the pandemic's impact on "crime and criminal … [Read more...] about Essay Summary: Improving Criminal Justice Policy in the Wake of COVID

At the end of 2018, the United States had 4.5 million people in community corrections, which was more than double the number of incarcerated individuals in both jails and prisons. While past research has indicated that over 50% of men incarcerated in jails have experienced at least one traumatic brain injury (TBI); however, very little research has looked at the prevalence of TBI in community corrections (e.g., probation and parole). This article summarizes research recently published in the December 2021 issue of Criminal Justice and Behavior, which examines the impact of TBI on the risk of recidivism in community corrections, as well as accommodations that may improve receptivity and … [Read more...] about Research Summary: TBI’s Impact on Risk of Recidivism in Community Corrections

A new report from the Brookings-AEI Working Group on Criminal Justice Reform was published this year as part of its series: "A Better Path Forward for Criminal Justice." The seventh chapter of the series focuses on how to improve prisoner reentry for the over 640,000 people per year who return to their communities following incarceration. In this article, we provide a summary of their findings, including short- and long-term recommendations to increase racial equity and improve the reentry process. The Need for Criminal Justice Reform The report frames prisoner reentry as a racial justice issue that merits a criminal justice reform response. Black Americans are anywhere from five to … [Read more...] about Brookings Institute Report Summary: Recommended Reforms to Improve Prisoner Reentry

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...] about New Research Examines the Relationship Between Solitary Confinement and Mental Illness

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...] about New Research Connects Criminal Justice Workforce to Incarceration Rates

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...] about Research Indicates VR Highly Effective for Correctional Rehabilitation

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...] about New Research on the Efficacy of Restorative Justice in Criminal Justice Settings

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...] about Rethinking Role of Police for Mental Health Response: Brookings Institute Highlights Crisis Team Models

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...] about New Review Highlights Strategies for Managing COVID-19 in Correctional Facilities When Mental Illness Is a Factor

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...] about Corrections Staff Well-Being During COVID-19: IACFP Webinar Highlights