Behavior In Prison Research Articles

KAJIAN KEAGAMAAN TERHADAP NARAPIDANA DI LAMBAGA PEMASYARAKATAN KELAS I BANDAR LAMPUNG

Prisoners are people who are imprisoned due to their actions that violate the law and are God's imperfect creations as well as social beings who need other people to live. Correctional institutions have the task of fostering prisoners, including guiding in religious studies so that when they are free, convicts can have the quality of piety to God Almighty and have good attitudes and behavior so that they can return to society. The problem taken in this paper is how the influence of religious guidance on prisoners in the process of religious studies at the Class I Penitentiary. This writing aims to determine the effect of religious studies on prisoners. This writing is to provide an overview and explanation of how religious studies are conducted on prisoners and add to the knowledge of sociology from a religious perspective. This research is included in the field research and is descriptive. Methods of data collection in this study using observation, interviews, and documentation. The results of this paper indicate the influence of religious guidance on prisoners. The influence is in the form of changes felt by inmates, including increasing the quality of piety to God Almighty, improving attitudes and behavior of prisoners, and solving problems experienced by inmates.

Stream Cipher Based on Game Theory and DNA Coding

Securing communication over public communication channels is one of the challenging issues in the field of cryptography and information security. A stream cipher is presented as an approach for securing exchanged data between different parties through encryption. The core of stream cipher relies on its keystream generator, that is responsible for generating random and secure keystream of encrypting streaming data. Thus, the security of the keystream is measured by its randomness and its resistance to statistical and cryptanalytic attacks. As there is always a trade-off between the security and performance while designing new cryptographic primitives, we introduce a game theory-based stream cipher that performs fast and utilises the unpredictable behaviour of prisoners’ dilemma players to generate random sequences that serve as keystreams. To assure further security, the ciphertext is coded by DNA bases that are randomly scrambled at the beginning of every iteration of generating new keystream. The proposed stream cipher’s performance and security are thoroughly examined in terms of randomness, performance, and resistance to cryptanalytic attacks. The experiments show that our stream cipher can encrypt around 1230 Mbit/s. Statistically, our proposed stream cipher passed the NIST statistical tests successfully.

Pijat Kaki dengan Losion Magnesium Menurunkan Stres Narapidana Perempuan

Prisoners experience stress during detention, and this stress must be removed so that the behavior and mentality of prisoners can be quickly restored. Foot massage is one of the non-pharmacological therapies in stress management, which makes individuals more relaxed and able to avoid excessive stress reactions such as headaches, insomnia, anxiety, physical and mental fatigue. Magnesium is a mineral that plays an important role in the body's metabolism. Magnesium deficiency can cause migraines, insomnia, leg cramps, anxiety, arrhythmias, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension. Foot massage with magnesium lotion is expected to provide a relaxing effect as well as magnesium intake so that it can overcome the stress experienced by prisoners. This study aims to determine the effect of foot massage magnesium lotion on the stress level of female prisoners. The research method is a quantitative quasi-experimental design with a pre-test-post-test approach on 120 female prisoners by comparing stress levels before and after doing foot massage with magnesium lotion for 14 days. Foot massage with magnesium lotion is done independently. Based on the results of the study, there was a significant difference between stress levels before and after the intervention, there was no significant difference between the stress levels of respondents who had long been detained and those who had just been detained. Multivariate analysis showed that the main factor in stress levels was the sentence period. Foot massage using magnesium lotion is a supporter of reducing stress levels. This therapy should still be done because it helps reduce stress and is carried out independently by prisoners.

Epidemiology, Risk Factors, and Prevention of Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviour in Prisons: A Literature Review.

Suicide is a global public health concern that affects all echelons of society, albeit not equally so. Compared with adults in the general population, incarcerated offenders are at increased risk to consider, attempt, and die by suicide, which represents a substantial burden of morbidity and mortality in prisons worldwide. This review synthesises recent literature pertaining to the epidemiology, risk factors, and prevention of suicidal thoughts and behaviour among prisoners, and outlines a framework which emphasises the interplay between individuals (importation) and their surroundings (deprivation). The available evidence suggests that prison-specific stressors may exacerbate risk of suicide in an already vulnerable population characterised by complex health and social care needs. Emerging data point to differential mechanisms through which prisoners come to think about suicide and subsequently progress to suicidal behaviour. As risk of suicide is determined by a complex web of synergistically interacting factors, its management and prevention demands a cross-sectoral policy and service response that includes targeted interventions aimed at high-risk prisoners in combination with population strategies that promote the health and wellbeing of all people in prison.

Hubungan Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) dengan Tingkat Depresi pada Penderita HIV/AIDS

Introduction: VCT counseling is a counseling activity that provides psychological support, information and knowledge of HIV/AIDS and ensures the resolution of various problems related to HIV/AIDS, including the behavior of prisoners in each prison. Methods: This study used a cross sectional design. The number of samples is 56 prisoners or inmates who suffer from HI/AIDS. The research instrument used a questionnaire measuring instrument and statistical tests using the Chi Square test. Results: Depression of HIV/AIDS sufferers in Cipinang Jati Negara Class 1 Prison experienced depression 61% more. The bivariate results showed that there was a relationship between Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) and the level of depression in HIV/AIDS sufferers in Cipinang Jati Negara Jakarta Class 1 Prison with a P-value of 0.009 and an Odds Ratio of 4.63. Discussion: There is a relationship between Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) and the level of depression in HIV/AIDS sufferers at the Class 1 Cipinang Jati State Prison, East Jakarta in 2020.

Bimbingan Agama bagi Narapidana di LAPAS Kelas IIA Ambon

Religious guidance is a flagship program that is run at correctional institutions to equip prisoners with religious knowledge. One of the benefits of this implementation is to provide changes in the behavior of prisoners so that they can return to the right path. The purpose of this study is to describe the mechanism for implementing religious guidance activities carried out in Class IIA Ambon Prisons. The research method used in this study is qualitative with a psychoreligious approach. Eight informants were selected through a snowball sampling pattern. .The results of the study show that the implementation of religious guidance held in Class IIA Ambon Prisons focuses on several elements; a) mentoring activities, b) assisted materials, and c) activity implementation teams. as far as its implementation, the religious guidance that has been carried out has been carried out well, but there are some obstacles faced, namely; the ustadz and ustadz who guide have not been given time due to the covid-19 pandemic so that the implementation is still not running as usual and allocation the guidance time is still relatively lacking, so it is necessary to add more time or days so that the implementation is more optimal.

Prison Misconduct and the Use of Alternative Resolutions by Correctional Officers in Therapeutic Communities and Other Custody Units.

This mixed methods study uses official records and interviews with inmates and staff to compare misconduct in therapeutic communities (TC's) and the use of alternative resolutions (in lieu of formal charges by correctional officers) to other prison units. Prisoner misconduct has been studied using individual self-reports or aggregate prison rates, but unit level differences between TC's and other prison wings are often overlooked. Restorative justice and diversion approaches are much studied in the community corrections literature but correctional officer use of alternatives to charging, such as mediation, is not well understood. The study examines differences in prisoner behavior by unit function by comparing misconduct over a 24 month period in therapeutic communities to general population, worker, protective custody, mental health, and high risk units. Study findings show lower misconduct in TC's, including more serious misconduct such as fights. Furthermore, a significant proportion of overall charges were diverted into alternative resolution (AR)s, particularly within therapeutic communities. Interviewees reported a different approach taken in the TC toward discipline with a greater use of interaction, informal warnings, and application of AR, as opposed to formal charges. Future research is recommended using qualitative research strategies to appraise the alternative resolution decision process and prisoner-staff perceptions of discipline.

Jihadist Extremism in Spanish Prisons: Characterisation of the Inmates Linked to Jihadist Radicalisation and Analysis of Their Behaviour in Prison

ABSTRACT In Spain, 10.1 percent of jihadist terrorists were radicalised in prison. The objective of this paper is to elaborate on the analysis of the phenomenon of jihadist radicalisation in Spain’s prisons by analysing the inmates linked to jihadist radicalisation who are included in groups A, B and C. The results show that the profile of the inmates linked to jihadist radicalisation has not undergone major changes, although a drop in age and an increase in the number of cases of Spanish nationality can be observed. When the inmates included in the three groups were compared at the time of the investigation (August 2019), it was found that they are of a similar age, that Spanish citizens are more common in group A, mental disorders are more common in group C and that both group B as well as C exhibit a more extensive criminal record and more admissions to prison. Important differences were found with regard to the behaviour in prison, namely that the inmates in group A are not individuals who repeatedly employ violence, while the inmates in group C exhibit a very pronounced antisocial profile, with frequent use of both verbal and physical violence in their day-to-day life in prison.

Receiving visits in prison and aggressive and contraband misconduct among Dutch prisoners

Although scholars have emphasised the implications of social support for in-prison behaviour, and prison administrators worldwide use visitation as a correctional tool to manage prisoner behaviour, a few empirical studies have provided an articulate account of the visitation–misconduct relationship. This study expands research in this field by (a) addressing various features of visits, such as whether, from whom and how often prisoners receive visits and (b) examining two specific types of misconduct: aggressive and contraband. Using a combination of survey and administrative data from 3885 Dutch prisoners, multilevel analyses were conducted. Receiving visits in prison is associated with the higher probabilities of contraband misconduct, especially when partner or friends visit. Receiving visits is, however, not significantly associated with aggressive misconduct, but weekly visits from friends increased the likelihood of aggressive misconduct. Post hoc analyses suggest that visits are particularly not associated with verbally aggressive behaviours, but they are associated with lower likelihoods of physically aggressive behaviours. No significant associations were found between child or family visits and any type of misconduct. Policy implications and suggestions for future research are discussed.

Keberagamaan Napi di Lembaga Pemasyarakatan Perempuan Kelas II A Kota Bandung

This study discusses the religious behavior of female prisoners in the Class IIA Women's Penitentiary in Bandung City. Through qualitative methods with data collection by observation and interviews, this research answers how the religious behavior of female prisoners when in prison. This religious behavior is seen in three aspects: the form of thought, the form of action, and the form of fellowship. This study found that prisoners believe that their presence in prison is the right place to cleanse themselves with religious messages. In religious behavior, the prisoners think fully believe in each God, scriptures, prophets, angels, and their religious doctrines, especially Islam and Christianity. In the form of actions, the coaching program provided by prisons is quite effective in increasing religious behavior through ‘shalihah’ pesantren activities, iqra classes, tausiyah, and worship services. The program is beneficial for prisoners in forming a more responsible character. Finally, religious behavior in fellowship is a complementary form of religious forms of thought and action. Through this form of fellowship, inmates are more stable when socializing with fellow inmates and prison officers.

Exploring the Relationship Between Domestic Violence Perpetration and Suicidal Behavior in Male Prisoners

This study is the first to explore the relationship between domestic violence perpetration and suicidal behavior in prisoners in England and Wales. The nature of this relationship is unclear, however, understanding and reducing suicide in prisons is a critical issue for frontline staff and policy makers. Eight participants with a history of suicide attempts and domestic violence perpetration were interviewed. Five key themes were identified through thematic analysis; “Trauma, victimization and life struggles,” “Relationship ideals versus relationship reality”, “Explaining domestic violence”, “The impact of prison” and “Suicide as a coping strategy”. This study shows that the relationship between domestic violence and suicide risk in prisoners may be better understood through a pathway of experiences rather than individual risk factors. Further research is needed to test the replicability of this pathway in other samples.

New hepatitis C virus infection, re-infection and associated risk behaviour in male Irish prisoners: a cohort study, 2019

BackgroundPrisoners are recognised as a high-risk population and prisons as high-risk locations for the transmission of hepatitis c virus (HCV) infection. Injecting drug use (IDU) is the main driver of HCV infection in prisoners and harm reduction services are often suboptimal in prison settings. HCV prevalence and incident data in prisoners is incomplete which impacts the public health opportunity that incarceration provides in identifying, treating and preventing HCV infection. The aim of this study is to identify new HCV infection and associated risk factors in an Irish male prison.MethodsWe conducted a follow up (18-month) cohort study on prisoners who had previously tested negative, self-cleared or had been successfully treated for HCV infection. We conducted the study in a male medium security prison located in Dublin Ireland (Mountjoy Prison) using HCV serology, a review of medical records and a researcher-administered questionnaire.Results99 prisoners with a mean age of 33.2 yrs. participated in the study and 82(82.8%) completed a research-administered questionnaire. Over half (51%) had a history of drug use from a young age (14.8 yrs.), 49.9% a history of heroin use and 39% a history of IDU. The prevalence of HIV and hepatitis B virus core antibody was 3% and HCV antibody was 22.2%. No new HCV infections were identified in those who had never been infected (n = 77), had self-cleared (n = 9) or achieved sustained virological response (n = 12). Small numbers of prisoners continued to engage in risk-behaviour including, IDU both in the prison (n = 2) and the community (n = 3), sharing syringes (n = 1) and drug taking paraphernalia (n = 6) and receiving non-sterile tattoos (n = 3).ConclusionDespite the high numbers of Irish prisoners with a history of IDU and HCV infection, new HCV infection is low or non-existent in this population. Small numbers of prisoners continue to engage in risk behaviour and larger studies are required to further understand HCV transmission in this cohort in an Irish and international context.

Relationship between benzodiazepine prescription, aggressive behavior, and behavioral disinhibition: a retrospective study in a Swiss prison

BackgroundBenzodiazepines are commonly prescribed in prisons amidst the controversies surrounding their potential role in causing behavioral disinhibition and aggressive behavior and their association with use and trafficking of illicit and addictive substances. The present study aimed to (1) ascertain the relationship between benzodiazepine prescription (including their dosage and duration of use) and aggressive behavior and behavioral disinhibition in prison and (2) investigate whether there was an association between benzodiazepine prescription, (including their dosage and duration of use) and using and trafficking illicit and addictive substances during imprisonment.MethodsData were extracted from the electronic database of an “open” Swiss prison (n = 1206, 1379 measures) over a 5-year period (2010–2015). Measures included benzodiazepine prescription, duration of benzodiazepine use and mean dosage, and punishable behaviors (physical and verbal aggression, disinhibited but not directly aggressive behaviors, property damage or theft, substance-related offenses, and rule transgression). We assessed the relationship between benzodiazepine prescription and punishable behaviors after propensity score matching. Logistic regressions were also used to test the relationship of benzodiazepine use duration and dosage with punishable behaviors among participants who received benzodiazepines.ResultsAfter propensity score matching, benzodiazepine prescription was not significantly associated with any punishable behavior. Among detained persons who took benzodiazepines, there was no significant association of dosage and duration of use with offenses involving illicit or addictive substance use or trafficking.ConclusionsOur study did not empirically support the occurrence of increased aggressive or disinhibited behaviors or increased risk of substance abuse in detained persons who received benzodiazepines in prison. This suggests a need to reconsider restrictions in prescribing benzodiazepines in the prison setting.

Gender Differences in the Relationship between Methamphetamine Use and High-risk Sexual Behavior among Prisoners: A Nationwide, Cross-sectional Survey in Japan

ABSTRACT This study aimed to examine the relationship between methamphetamine (MA) use and high-risk sexual behavior among newly incarcerated prisoners in Japan. We conducted a secondary analysis using cross-sectional survey data, which constituted a nationwide prison sample surveyed between July and November 2017. In total, 699 participants (462 male and 237 female prisoners), who completed the self-administered questionnaire during imprisonment were recruited for the study. The prevalence of high-risk sexual behaviors was as follows: inconsistent condom use (78.4% male, 81.7% female), multiple sexual partners (61.3% male, 41.3% female), history of sexually transmitted diseases (14.1% male, 23.6% female), and trading sex for drugs (15.6% male, 17.7% female). A logistic regression analysis showed that MA use during sex increased the likelihood of high-risk sexual behavior in both male (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 5.86; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.41–10.07) and female prisoners (AOR = 2.58; 95% CI = 1.33–5.00). Additionally, in female prisoners, a history of sharing MA injection (AOR = 1.60; 95% CI = 1.06–2.42) increased high-risk sexual behavior. Our results indicate that harm reduction programs tailored according to the specific necessities of each gender to reduce high-risk sexual behaviors among MA users should be included in Japanese drug policies.

The effect of omega-3 long\xa0chain polyunsaturated fatty acids on aggressive behaviour in adult male prisoners: a structured study protocol for a multi-centre, double-blind, randomised placebo-controlled trial and translation into policy and practice

BackgroundInterventions to better manage aggressive behaviour and reduce recidivism are a primary concern for corrective services. Nutritional interventions to correct prisoner behaviour have been largely overlooked in the literature. Emerging evidence suggests that dietary intake influences aggressive behaviours and that nutritional supplementation with omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LCPUFA) could attenuate both the severity and frequency of aggressive behaviour.MethodsAdult male prisoners who have a history of aggressive behaviour (n = 600) will be recruited from at least 6 Correctional Centres and randomised to receive either n-3 LCPUFA or placebo supplementation for a 16-week duration. Treatment will be with either 1 g/day of n-3 LCPUFA (694 mg DHA and 397 mg EPA) or placebo capsules, which are a corn/soy oil blend and are identical in size and colour.The primary outcome measure is the Inmate Behavioural Observation Scale (IBOS): an objective measure of aggressive behaviour. Secondary outcome measures include questionnaires (including aggression, attention deficit disorder, impulsivity, depression/anxiety/stress scales), engagement in programmes, recidivism and quality of life. Baseline and post-intervention assessments include the IBOS, questionnaires and blood to measure the levels of n-3 LCPUFA.DiscussionTo conclusively test the potential that increasing n-3 LCPUFA intakes can improve rates of prisoner aggression and associated mental health and violence-related social system management costs, we propose an adequately powered multi-centre, double-blind, randomised controlled trial, examining the effects of n-3 LCPUFA supplementation on aggressive behaviour in adult male prisoners. If successful, this study will inform prisoner policy with respect to nutrition and by inference contribute to a broader community approach to preventative mental health practices.Trial registrationAustralian New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry (ANZCTR) ACTRN12618001665224. Registered on 10 October 2018.

Help-seeking behavior of inmates in norwegian prisons

IntroductionWhile prison inmates have an increased risk of mental illness, psychiatric services are often less accessible and insufficient for this group. A low level of awareness or a fear of becoming stigmatised could also influence the help-seeking behaviour of some inmates.ObjectivesTo study the knowledge and beliefs regarding mental health and mental illness as well as the help-seeking behaviour of inmates in Norwegian prisons.MethodsWe describe a study of help-seeking behaviour and mental health literacy of prisoners. This is a qualitiative study involving in-depth interviews with inmates in prisons in North Norway.ResultsRecruitment and data collection is ongoing. Central topics in the interviews are inmates’ associations regarding positive mental health and how they can enhance their own well-being while in prison, and how other external factors can contribute to increased well-being. Furthermore, the inmates are asked about their attitudes, beliefs, and knowledge regarding mental illness, and what they think might be factors that can contribute to the development of mental illness. Moreover, we cover topics such as the inmates’ beliefs regarding the treatment of mental illness, strategies for handling such health problems, and sources of information regarding mental health and mental illness.ConclusionsThe study will increase knowledge about how prisoners think about mental health and mental illness and the help-seeking behaviours of prison inmates. In a next step, this understanding can be utilized in improving information about well-being, mental illness, and psychiatric services to prisoners.

Changes in the Polish Prison Subculture and Its Impact on the Security in Penitentiary System

The security in penitentiary system depends a lot on prison subculture. This subculture consists in adopting values, norms and principles that facilitate to fulfil one’s own needs in conditions of imprisonment. However, very often informal groups base their activities on patterns derived from the criminal subculture. The prison subculture often depreciates human dignity, being one of the most important factors disturbing the process of institutional rehabilitation. At the same time, there is a lack of scientific researches that can help to develop the field of behavioural studies in informal structures culture which have a significant influence on the state security due to the efficiency of penitentiary system and its rehabilitation function. To mitigate the gap in current investigations in this field, this research deals with prison subculture in Polish penitentiary system based on survey of penitentiary service officers. Our findings allow to conclude the significant changes in prison subculture during last decade. The most important are: increase of authority among inmates with a better material situation (23%), a greater degree of implementation of rehabilitation programmes by inmates (18.8%), as well as blurring the differences between prisoners mainly due to their joint participation in group activities (17%). To strengthen the further positive effect of penitentiary system on social norms and behaviour of prisoners it is advisable to eliminate potential sources and possibilities for obtaining, accumulating and transferring illegal income by convicted persons. This action defined as main tool to mitigate the subculture phenomenon and its impact of the rehabilitation process in penitentiary institutions.

Examining factors that affect staff performance in Lesotho Correctional Service

Staff performance remains critical in every organization’s and indeed country’s’ performance hence factors critical for ensuring high performance must always be interrogated. Using conclusions from survey data from 700 Lesotho Correctional Service employees, the study sought to examine the factors that affect performance, assessing the extent to which variables; leadership style, employee participation, working environment, organizational culture and motivation impact on employee performance. The research sample consisted of Correctional Service employees picked from six departments/units out of 13 using a probability one’s stage cluster sampling design. The subjects were randomly selected from a target population of 1000 employees to understand the factors that affect employee performance. The sample included the civilian staff, senior management, middle management and subordinate level staff mainly to balance views. The use of questionnaires, semi structured interviews and researchers’ observations was utilized to collect research data for analysis. The study reviewed departmental policies and published literature on Correctional and Prison services staff performance, behavior and satisfaction as a theoretical base to endorse study independent variables. Data revealed that work environment was perceived to have the greatest influence on Lesotho Correctional Service employee performance (mean=4.88). Other factors include organizational culture (mean=4.77), employee participation (mean=4.22), leadership style (mean=3.51), employee empowerment (mean=3.67), employee motivation (mean=3.65) and employee training (mean =3.89) indicated as affecting employee performance. The study revealed that the style of management, low salaries and allowances, flawed legislation, lack of appropriate human resource policies, and limited development opportunities affect staff performance. Regression estimation using n450 responses between study dichotomous dependent variable (employee performance) and independent variables; leadership style, employee participation, working environment, organizational culture and motivation proved all the independent variables significant in explaining employee performance. The five independent variables studied explain 67.4% of the staff performance in the Lesotho Correctional Services as represented by the R2. The study recommended institutionalization of the performance reward system, incentivizing ethical conduct to enhance professional conduct amongst the officers, enhancement of team work, pioneering leadership training and revising and strengthening the current performance management system as amongst strategies that can enhance Lesotho Correctional Service employee performance.

Conjugal Visits in Prisons Discourse: Is it Even an Offender Rehabilitation Option in Africa?

Conjugal rights issue in prisons is indeed an old debate. This article reviewed the literature on the genesis of prisoners’ conjugal visits programme, its global prevalence and the scholarly debate for and against its provision to understand if it can be a rehabilitation option in African countries’ prisons. It has been noted that conjugal visits programme was haphazardly started in the 1900s in Mississippi before becoming an official programme in 1989. Though they were discontinued later in 2014 in Mississippi, conjugal visits are still provided in many penitentiary facilities in America, Europe, Asia and Africa. Studies have revealed that conjugal visits are capable of reducing the problems of homosexuality, sexual assaults and physical violence in prisons. It has also been observed that, apart from the fact that denial of conjugal rights to the prisoners’ spouse could be a form of punishment to innocent victims, conjugal visits can be incentives for good prisoners’ behaviour and rehabilitation in prisons. However, apart from the fact the programme is likely to be expensive and costly to African countries whom their general strife is prisoners’ overcrowding, most of the arguments against conjugal visits are moral-based such as that the programme is likely to perpetrate one-parent family system and is prone to abuse by both prisoners and prison staff. It has, therefore, been concluded that it cannot hurt anybody if legally married prisoners and their spouses are provided with a right to enjoy conjugal visits especially in those jurisdictions which have embraced rehabilitation philosophy.

More evidence or stronger political will: exploring the feasibility of needle and syringe programs in Ukrainian prisons

IntroductionIn 2007, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended for prison authorities to introduce prison needle and syringe programs (PNSP) if they have any evidence that injecting drug use is taking place in prisons. This article presents descriptive evidence that injecting drug use takes place in Ukrainian prisons, it discusses how (denial of) access to injection equipment is regulated in the current system and what changes should be considered in order to implement PNSP.BackgroundUkrainian prisons still live by the laws and policies adopted in the Soviet Union. Besides laws and regulations, these legacies are replicated through the organization and infrastructure of the prison’s physical space, and through “carceral collectivism” as a specific form of living and behaving. Inviolability of the prison order over time helps the prison staff to normalize and routinely rationalize punishment enforcement as a power “over” prisoners, but not a power “for” achieving a specific goal.MethodsThe Participatory Action Research approach was used as a way of involving different actors in the study’s working group and research process. The data were gathered through 160 semi-structured interviews with prison health care workers, guards, people who inject drugs (PWID) who served one or several terms and other informants.ResultsThe “expertise” in drug use among prisoners demonstrated by prison staff tells us two things—they admit that injecting use takes place in prisons, and that the surveillance of prisoner behavior has been carried out constantly since the very beginning as a core function of control. The communal living conditions and prison collectivism may not only produce and reproduce a criminal subculture but, using the same mechanisms, produce and reproduce drug use in prison. The “political will” incorporated into prison laws and policies is essential for the revision of outdated legacies and making PNSP implementation feasible.ConclusionPNSP implementation is not just a question of having evidence of injecting drug use in the hands of prison authorities. For PNSP to be feasible in the prison environment, there is a need for specific changes to transition from one historical period and political leadership to another. And, thus, to make PNSP work requires making power work for change, and not just for reproducing the power itself.