Correlates of Escape: A Preliminary Assessment of Georgia Prisons

Abstract

Incapacitation theory of imprisonment postulates that confinement functions in isolating inmates from the free world community. Institutional escapes thwart this objective and undermine the relationship between prisons and their surrounding communities. Few published studies have examined the correlates of escape behavior. Fewer researchers have examined the connection between institutional escapes and structural conditions ofprisons. In this study, youthfulness of the inmate population, prison resources, adequacy of treatment personnel, and prison supervision levels are observed to explain 70% of the total variance in Georgia prison escape levels.

Escapes From Correctional Custody

“…Again, limited and outdated research makes it difficult to determine the real effect of the facility operator on escapes. Anson and Hartnett (1983) conducted the most thorough examination into the effects of facility-level correlates of escape. In their analysis of adult male prisons in Georgia, they found that four variables-age of the inmate population, ratio of treatment staff to inmates, level of supervision, and annual resources per inmate-accounted for 70% of the variance in escape levels across facilities (Anson & Hartnett, 1983).…”

“…Anson and Hartnett (1983) conducted the most thorough examination into the effects of facility-level correlates of escape. In their analysis of adult male prisons in Georgia, they found that four variables-age of the inmate population, ratio of treatment staff to inmates, level of supervision, and annual resources per inmate-accounted for 70% of the variance in escape levels across facilities (Anson & Hartnett, 1983). Jan's (1980) findings also suggest that facilities with youthful populations are more likely to experience escapes than adult facilities.…”

“…Other findings are consistent across studies. For example, younger inmates are more likely to escape from custody than older inmates (Anson & Hartnett, 1983; Lyons, 2011; Stone, 1975). The average age of escapees has been estimated at 25 (Morgan, 1967), 30 (Sturrock et al, 1991), and 34 (Culp, 2005) years.…”

Analysis of “Powder Keg Theory” in State Escape Statutes

“…Despite the broad ranges of seriousness of escape categories, lawmakers have tended to take a punitive stance toward custodial escapes regardless of escape type (Anson & Hartnett, 1983). Escapes are often considered a great threat to the public; they are portrayed as aggressive, brutal, and above all, seriously violent with the potential to harm others.…”

“…Escapes are often considered a great threat to the public; they are portrayed as aggressive, brutal, and above all, seriously violent with the potential to harm others. Anson and Hartnett (1983) noted that state legislators believe custodial escapes are a serious public safety issue and escapees need to be incarcerated to no longer harm society.…”