Media and Mayhem in Corrections: The Role of the Media in Prison Riots

Abstract

Three of the most infamous prison riots in the United States took place in Attica, New York; Santa Fe, New Mexico; and Lucasville, Ohio in 1971, 1980, and 1993, respectively. Although an examination of the three riots reveals differences in the uprisings, there are important similarities in the underlying conditions behind them. Analysis of the three riots shows the significant role played by representatives of the media both in negotiating with inmates and taking back the three institutions. In this article, the authors discuss the influence and effect of media coverage on prison riots based on what was learned from the participation of the media in the Attica, Santa Fe, and Lucasville uprisings.

Revisiting the Bicutan Siege

“…Similar to other documented prison riots ("Friar Tito Information," 2006;Mahan & Lawrence, 1996), several surviving Bicutan detainees complained of being indiscriminately fired upon, kicked, and beaten by members of the police assault team, even hours after the SICA building was placed under control (CHR, 2006). A detainee in Cell No.…”

“…"When inmates have little inclination to riot but sloppy security leave ample room for the prisoner to incite one, prison administrators have developed a blind spot for riots" (Boin & Van Duin, 1995, p. 363). The 1981 riot in New Mexico State Prison-considered as the "most violent uprising in the correctional history of the United States" (Boin & Van Duin, 1995, p. 357)-erupted when prison personnel left a security gate open as they were closing down for the night (Mahan & Lawrence, 1996). The resulting siege lasted for 36 hr and left 33 dead inmates in its wake.…”

“…Several nontrained police and army personnel (i.e., local politicians) were also allowed to take part in the negotiations, running afoul of the rule that only properly trained personnel should be negotiators. In the 1971 prison riot at the Attica State Correctional Facility in New York, the participation of personalities from the media, politics, and other professions in the negotiations with the prisoners became dysfunctional (Mahan & Lawrence, 1996).…”

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly: The Media in Prison Films

“…The papers legitimate the victory in their headlines: 'Rioters win' and 'Victory for rioters'. The media are rarely integrated into the management of riots in the way depicted in Riot in Cell Block 11 and when they are involved, their influence is not always as positive in resolving the situation (Munro-Bjorklund 1991; Mahan and Lawrence 1996). However, here the media play a role in resolving the riot and the headlines are as much a vindication of their role as they are of the rioters.…”

“…Like the media, the public is now faced with either learning from these experiences or returning to the situation that led to the riots. Following the notorious Attica riot in New York State in 1971, the subsequent official report recommended that continuous public scrutiny would prevent future uprisings by exposing inhumane conditions (Mahan and Lawrence 1996). Reynolds similarly voices the need for more open and consistent public debate.…”