Staff culture, use of authority and prisoner quality of life in public and private sector prisons

Abstract

Drawing on data collected in five private sector and two public sector prisons, this article highlights the complex relationship between prison staff culture and prisoner quality of life. Specifically, it explores the link between the attitudes of prison staff and their behaviour, particularly in terms of their use of authority, and seeks to explain the somewhat paradoxical finding that those prisons rated most positively by prisoners were those in which staff were least positive about their own working lives and most negative in their views of prisoners. The article highlights the importance of experience and competence, as well as attitudes, in determining how authority is exercised and experienced in prison. It also draws attention to the different kinds of staff cultures that exist both between and within the public and private sectors.

Choosing when choices are limited: The role of perceived afforded choice and autonomy in prisoners’ well-being.

“…Strengthening prisoners' well-being may thus represent a route to reduce recidivism. Given the potential importance of prisoners' wellbeing and guided by strength-based theories (Ward & Brown, 2004), the literature has witnessed an increased interest in identifying the contextual and personal factors *568 involved in prisoners' well-being (e.g., Crewe, Liebling, & Hulley, 2011).The emerging research on prisoners' well-being has successfully identified several individual and institutional factors that can buffer decreases in prisoners' well-being. For example, Picken (2012) found in a recent review that emotion-focused coping, receiving visits, engagement in structured activities within prison, and less fear of victimization all related to better adjustment and well-being among male prisoners.…”

“…Strengthening prisoners' well-being may thus represent a route to reduce recidivism. Given the potential importance of prisoners' wellbeing and guided by strength-based theories (Ward & Brown, 2004), the literature has witnessed an increased interest in identifying the contextual and personal factors *568 involved in prisoners' well-being (e.g., Crewe, Liebling, & Hulley, 2011).…”

Preliminary findings on police custody delivery in the twenty-first century: Is it ‘good’ enough?

“…As the data presented here show, the notion of respect -which was used in the inspection reports as a proxy for good treatment -may be a civic value that could be nurtured or undermined in police custody and it would be of interest to explore if and how this were the case, as well as its relationship with safety in the custody area. For example, it may be that greater respect runs the risk of compromising safety in some police custody suites, if staff are respectful but do not know how to use their authority appropriately, as research on private prisons suggests (Liebling 2006, Shefer and Liebling 2008, Crewe et al 2011, 2015.…”

Neutrality as an Element of Perceived Justice in Prison:<br>Consistency versus Individualization

“…Prisoners want officers to set limits, to protect them from themselves and other prisoners, to impose sanctions if rules are violated, and to guide them in important life decisions. 35 Crewe et al stress that prison officers should help prisoners, care for prisoners, and show respect for prisoners (if the prisoner shows respect to them). Prisoners appreciate it when prison officers have experience, show knowledge and general competence, and are able to help them and to do things for them.…”