Studies of prison violence typically focus either on individual-level aggression or large-scale collective acts. Most past work consists of case studies, limiting the generalizations from the results. The present study used data from 371 state prisons and measures of both individual and collective violence and attempted to identify the structural, managerial, and environmental determinants of prison disorder. Findings suggest that poor prison management is a predictor of rates of assault toward inmates and staff. However, the likelihood of prison riots is largely independent of structural, managerial, and environmental factors. The article also discusses the implications for public policy.

Opinion polls show increasing punitiveness among the public toward criminals. However, methodological issues raise questions about the use of such polls in developing public policy. To provide a more accurate description of attitudes toward crime, a telephone survey of 397 adults was conducted in which punitive and rehabilitative sentiments toward six common crimes were examined. Respondents expressed a strong punishment orientation toward all six offenses, this punitiveness being relatively uniform across a variety of demographic and attitudinal subpopulations within the sample. However, strong support was also expressed for rehabilitative programs, particularly among the young, poor, and minority populations.

Although studies have documented increased levels of violence in U.S. prisons, little attention has been given to how this violence shapes inmate behaviors and life-styles. This article presents results from a survey of 300 adult males incarcerated in a maximum-security facility, providing data on the types, prevalence, and social correlates of personal precautions to violence. A factor analysis of responses revealed two distinct dimensions of precautionary behavior. The more fearful, older, and socially isolated inmates primarily used avoidance behaviors to reduce the threat of victimization. On the other hand, younger inmates who use the inmate culture as a source of status and privilege tended to employ more aggressive or proactive techniques to deter attacks.

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This research examines the relationship between fear of victimization and mental health among prison inmates. The data come principally from a survey of 300 inmates housed in a maximum-security facility in the southeastem United States. Regression analysis is used to identify the independent effccts of institutional stresses, social suppons, victimization and fear. Unlike studies conducted among non-incarcerated populations, the findings of this research show, controlling for pre-existing disorders, level of fear as an extreinely important predictor of general well-being.

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