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Characteristics of Administratively Segregated Offenders in Federal Corrections

NCJ Number
187149
Journal
Canadian Journal of Criminology Volume: 43 Issue: 1 Dated: January 2001 Pages: 131-143
Author(s)
Laurence L. Motiuk; Kelley Blanchette
Editor(s)
Julian Roberts
Date Published
January 2001
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This study offers an increased knowledge of the nature and characteristics of segregated offenders in the Canadian Federal Corrections System.
Abstract
Upon admission to Federal custody, offenders who were subsequently placed into segregation were clearly distinguishable from their non-segregated counterparts. Segregated offenders had considerably more previous involvement with the criminal justice system, as youth and as adult offenders. Offenders who had been segregated while in Federal custody were found to be twice as likely to have been in segregation for disciplinary reasons on previous prison terms. Segregated offenders were more likely to have lower educational attainment, be unemployed, and have had unstable employment histories before entering prison. In terms of occupation, segregated offenders often lacked a skill area, trade, or profession. A review of family background revealed that most segregated offenders were single at the time of their current admission. Also, segregated offenders were more likely to have been experiencing an array of cognition problems, such as difficulties solving interpersonal problems, inability to generate choices, being unaware of consequences, unrealistic goal setting, disregard for others, being impulsive, and more. Finally, segregated offenders held more negative attitudes towards the law, courts, police, corrections, community supervision, and rehabilitation. This study’s investigation extended its earlier work in comparing segregated and non-segregated offenders in relation to three selective outcome measures: discretionary release (parole), return to Federal custody for any reason, and return with a new offense while on conditional release. The research also explored the predictive value of three objective classification instruments used to gather case specific information on criminal history background, release risk and security level designation in relation to the various outcome measures for segregated and non-segregated offenders. References