Radicalization of U.S. prisoners

Abstract

Research Summary Concern has been expressed that prisoner radicalization poses a high probability threat to the safety of the United States. Although the threat of terrorist acts planned in prison is known to be above zero because of a nearly executed terrorist plot hatched in a state prison, the central finding of this research is that the actual probability is modest. The reasons for a modest probability are fourfold: Order and stability in U.S. prisons were achieved during the buildup period, prison officials successfully implemented efforts to counter the “importation” of radicalism, correctional leadership infused antiradicalization into their agencies, and inmates' low levels of education decreased the appeals of terrorism. Policy Implications The prison environment permits a great deal of information to be collected on the activities and, more difficult to detect, planned activities of inmates after they are released. This environment requires the attentive observation of staff, collection of information from inmates, and efforts at different levels of a correctional agency to assemble, collate, and assess information; much of it is likely to be false and some will be vital.

The Radicalisation of Prison Inmates: A Review of the Literature on Recruitment, Religion and Prisoner Vulnerability

“…Future studies should also recognise and take into consideration that radicalisation is a process that occurs over time and that these stages are not sequential and the speed in which an individual goes through these stages can vary significantly depending on individual circumstances. Ultimately, this phenomenon needs to be explored more fully so we can enhance our understanding and provide effective solutions to minimise radicalisation in prisons [1,12].…”

“…Prisoner radicalisation is a popular topic of discussion; however, despite this recognition it has not been fully explored and is a phenomenon that is not well understood [1,12]. Furthermore, the process of radicalisation in prisons in particular is poorly understood because of the very limited information researchers can obtain and this consequently obstructs the development or improvement of effective intervention methods [4].…”

Ranjivost pojedinaca i podložnost uticaju radikalizacije

“…Može biti kratkoročnih nagrada, kao što je zadovoljstvo izbacivanja protiv neprijatelja. uopšteno, međutim, radikalizacija podrazumeva nanošenje štete naciji-državi čak i na visokim nivoima ličnog rizika (useem and Clayton 2009). Proces radikalizacije odigrava se u neprijateljskom fizičkom okruženju, ali ga znatno pospešuje Internet, što rezultira u odvojenoj, decentralizovanoj društvenoj strukturi.…”

The similarities between Lombroso’s theories on political crime and contemporary terrorism issues

“…Imprisonment should include education and reform. De-radicalization of prisoners and disengagement from terrorism are frequently discussed, yet empirical data are scarce (Horgan, 2009;Useem & Clayton, 2009).…”