CJA446

Introduction to the American Criminal Justice System. (2019). Open Textbook Library.
The chapter on corrections in the American criminal justice system discusses the history and philosophical foundations of punishment. It explores four primary correctional ideologies: retribution, deterrence, incapacitation, and rehabilitation, addressing how these approaches influence how offenders are punished and rehabilitated. The chapter also examines the growth of prisons, the increasing prison population in the U.S., and current issues such as overcrowding, mass incarceration, and reentry challenges. It encourages critical thinking on how punishment philosophies shape society's approach to crime and justice.

Mastrorilli, M. E. (2017). Preparing for Prea: Ethical Leadership in Action. American Jails, 31(1), 8–14.
The chapter on corrections in the American criminal justice system discusses the history and philosophical foundations of punishment. It explores four primary correctional ideologies: retribution, deterrence, incapacitation, and rehabilitation, addressing how these approaches influence how offenders are punished and rehabilitated. The chapter also examines the growth of prisons, the increasing prison population in the U.S., and current issues such as overcrowding, mass incarceration, and reentry challenges. It encourages critical thinking on how punishment philosophies shape society's approach to crime and justice.

Martin, E., Chapman, B., & Morgan, L. (2023). The overlooked role of jails in the discussion of legitimacy: Implications for trust and procedural justice. Corrections Today, 85(2), 16–20.
In The Overlooked Role of Jails in the Discussion of Legitimacy, Martin, Chapman, and Morgan discuss how jails, despite their central role in the criminal justice system, are often overlooked when considering legitimacy and procedural justice. The article stresses the need for reform in how jails operate to foster public trust, enhance fairness, and improve transparency in correctional processes. Enhancing inmate treatment and accountability within jails can directly impact public perceptions of justice and law enforcement.

Baggio, S., Peigné, N., Heller, P., Gétaz, L., Liebrenz, M., & Wolff, H. (2020). Do Overcrowding and Turnover Cause Violence in Prison? Frontiers in Psychiatry, 10, 481001. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2019.01015
Violence is common in prison and its individual risk factors are well documented. However, there is a mixed evidence on the relationship between prison violence and institutional factors, such as overcrowding and turnover, and recent research suggested that these factors may not be important or relevant. This study investigated the association between prison violence and institutional factors in a Swiss pre-trial prison between 2013 and 2018. Measures included violence (assaults requiring immediate medical attention) as well as the annual overcrowding and turnover rates. Using a meta-regression, the results showed that prison violence was higher when overcrowding and turnover increased. Overall, our study highlighted that institutional prison factors might have notable detrimental effects on prison life. Reduction of prison overcrowding and turnover appear critical to reduce prisoners’ vulnerability. Turning prison into safe places designed to promote desistance would probably not be achievable without considering these crucial factors.

Katel, L. (2024, November 30). The struggle within: The crisis of mental illness in U.S. prisons. Psychology Today.
The article discusses the crisis of mental illness in U.S. prisons, emphasizing how deinstitutionalization led to prisons becoming de facto mental health institutions. With nearly half of the incarcerated population suffering from mental health disorders, overcrowding exacerbates the issue. The author advocates for community-based psychiatric care and a focus on rehabilitation within the prison system to address the mental health crisis effectively.

Correctional Needs Assessment (2022, March). Recruitment and retention challenges in corrections. CNA.
The article examines the staffing crisis in U.S. correctional facilities, emphasizing the challenges related to recruitment and retention. Factors such as low pay, job stress, and safety concerns contribute to the difficulty in hiring and maintaining correctional officers. These shortages have significant implications for facility operations, employee wellbeing, and overall public safety. The article calls for strategic reforms to address these staffing issues.

Hull, O. J., Breckler, O. D., & Jaegers, L. A. (2023). Integrated Safety and Health Promotion among Correctional Workers and People Incarcerated: A Scoping Review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(12), 6104. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20126104
• Summary: The article by Hull, Breckler, and Jaegers (2023), published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, presents a scoping review of integrated safety and health promotion strategies targeting both correctional workers and incarcerated individuals. The authors examine existing interventions and programs aimed at improving occupational health, safety, and well-being within correctional facilities. The review highlights the interconnectedness of staff and inmate well-being, emphasizing that unsafe or unhealthy conditions for one group can adversely affect the other. The findings call for a holistic approach to health promotion, combining workplace safety measures, mental health support, and rehabilitation-focused initiatives. The study concludes with recommendations for future research and policy development to foster healthier correctional environments.
For assignment 4, under module 4, put this new resource in place for the "Van Ginneken et al. (2023): Correctional officer well-being."

International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology. Joseph A. Schwartz, Douglas A. Granger, Jessica L. Calvi, Christopher A. Jodis, and Benjamin Steiner. Article first published online: November 26, 2023. https://doi.org/10.1177/0306624X2312133