A tale of two prisons: Investigating the social climate of small prisons using a mixed methods design

Abstract

Prison climate can have considerable impact on the behaviours of incarcerated individuals both in custody and on release. This study is the first study to use a mixed methods approach to explore the perceptions of prison climate among prisoners and staff at two small Australian prisons. The quantitative research component measured prisoner ( n = 117) and staff ( n = 117) ratings of prison climate using the Essen Climate Evaluation Schema (EssenCES) questionnaire. Results highlighted that, overall, prison staff rated prison climate as more supportive than prisoners did and that prisoners and staff in the lower security prison rated the prison climate as safer and more cohesive than prisoners and staff in the higher security prison. The qualitative research component consisted of semi-structured interviews with prisoners ( n = 16) and a range of prison staff ( n = 17). The qualitative analysis revealed a more detailed understanding of the perceived differences between the two prisons with most participants articulating agreed values and behaviours that are important to a more positive and supportive prison climate. Barriers to a positive prison climate were also identified. This research contributes a unique perspective on prison climate by using both qualitative and quantitative measure to examine the perceptions of those living and working in small prisons.