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Effects of a Rapid Increase in a Prison Population: A Pre- and Post-Test Study

NCJ Number
116851
Author(s)
B Pelissier
Date Published
1989
Length
6 pages
Annotation
Between January and June 1986, the inmate population at FCI Butner nearly doubled, growing from 330 to 653.
Abstract
In November 1985, in anticipation of this increase, prison officials decided to double bunk Butner's general and research population. When this decision was made, institutional staff expressed concern that inmate-inmate and inmate-staff violence would increase and that the good rapport between staff and inmates would be destroyed. Despite staff suggestions to tighten security and exert more control, the warden chose to continue to limit restrictions and controls on prisoners to only those needed for safe confinement. A total of 154 staff members and 284 inmates were interviewed after the increase to determine their expectations concerning the increase. The impact of the increase on various objective measures also was examined. Results indicate that the institution adjusted to the increase smoothly and without an increase in fights and violence. Staff and inmates appeared to have experienced few attitude changes toward the institution, and staff members maintained the level of satisfaction with the institution and their jobs that they had prior to the increase. Inmates showed no overall increase in rates of incident reports, BP9 filings, or sick calls. Results suggest that increased security measures may not be required with increased prison population and that inmate programs and services may help alleviate frustration, tension, and boredom. 5 tables and 4 references. (Author abstract modified)