Penitentiary Research Articles

Foreign Experience in Ensuring the Security of the Penitentiary System and the Possibility of its Use in Future Practice

The article discusses the foreign experience of penitentiary systems in countries such as Norway, the USA, New Zealand, Australia, Spain, Portugal, Belarus, Great Britain, Canada, Germany and the possibility of its application in the modern penitentiary system of Georgia. Taking into account the analysis of international legal documents, the author of the article positively evaluates the penal practice of foreign countries and formulates a recommendation about its perception in Georgia. The material of the scientific article can later be used in the practical activities of the penitentiary institutions of the penitentiary system, as well as in the educational organizations of the Penitentiary Service of Georgia. Keywords: penitentiary security, penitentiary system, public safety, convicts, differentiation of convicts, correctional institutions.

Abstract 4118402: National Burden, Trends, and Racial Disparities in Cardiovascular Mortality Among Incarcerated Individuals in the United States from 2000-2019

Background: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. Mass incarceration is a national public health issue, with the US having the highest incarceration rate in the world. However, there is a paucity of data on cardiovascular mortality among incarcerated individuals, or how the racialization of mass incarceration contributes to cardiovascular health inequities. The aim of this study was to evaluate the burden of cardiovascular mortality, trends in cardiovascular deaths, as well as racial differences in cardiovascular death and receipt of care among those incarcerated in U.S. state prisons from 2001-2019. Methods: We utilized the database “Mortality in Correctional Institutions: ICD-10 Diagnosis Codes for Natural Deaths Occurring in State Prison or Local Jail Custody, 2000-2019” from the United States Bureau of Justice Statistics. This database collects inmate death records from each of the nation’s 50 state prison systems. We extracted all deaths related to cardiovascular causes to evaluate the epidemiology of individuals with cardiovascular death, trends in cardiovascular death rates, and differences between racial groups. Results: From 2000-2019, there were a total of 18227 (28.0%) deaths secondary to cardiovascular causes among those incarcerated in US state prisons. The rate of CV death increased from 71.3 per 100,000 persons in 2001 to 94 per 100,000 persons in 2019. Black individuals who died while incarcerated had higher rates of death related to a cardiovascular cause than White individuals (30.9% vs. 27.8%, p<0.0001). Black individuals had higher rates of death due to ischemic heart disease (23.2% vs 21.9%) and hypertensive-related cardiovascular deaths (3.71% vs. 2.96%) as compared to white counterparts (p<0.001). Black incarcerated individuals who died from a cardiovascular cause were less likely to be evaluated by a medical provider in prison (78.6% vs. 81.9%; p<0.0001), were less likely to have a diagnostic test performed (65.3% vs. 69%, p<0.0001), were less likely to receive medications (68.1% vs 72.6%, p<0.001), as well as treatment other than medications (49.1% vs 52.8%, p <0.0001) for the condition which caused death as compared to White counterparts. Conclusions: Deaths due to cardiovascular causes are high among patients incarcerated in US state prisons. Combined with decarceral efforts to address mass incarceration, strategies to ensure quality and equitable cardiovascular care for this population are needed.

Motherhood and humanization in the prison system

Motherhood is one of the most important and transformative moments in a woman’s life. It is a period that requires extreme care and attention from the mother in order to promote the physical, psychological and social well-being of her baby. The representation of a favorable environment for pregnancy in which the mother finds herself in a situation of tranquility and well-being while nurturing a new life is not the reality in the prison system. In addition, there is the fear of separation from the child, which can be painful and harmful for both incarcerated mothers and their babies. Considering all these frustrations, fears and the history of these women, it is essential that there be a space for listening, sharing and counseling within prisons.

“I don’t like guns but having one in Winnipeg right now would feel safer”: Crime, liquor theft, and online fantasies of punishment and control

In 2018–2019, there was a surge of local news media coverage in Winnipeg, Canada about what news media described as “brazen” liquor store theft. Online discussion and social media platforms provided segments of the public with opportunities to assert claims about the causes and consequences of this putative crime wave as well as potential solutions within and outside the penal system. These online fora allowed internet communities to imagine new methods of crime control and vocalize a range of emotions about crime and punishment. Employing a thematic analysis of reader comments across several online and social media platforms, we argue that these online discussions about liquor theft provide an empirical case study of the new digital media logic that facilitates highly volatile and short-lived moral panics or “firestorms.” We draw upon cultural criminology scholarship to highlight the centrality of emotion in online discussions on liquor theft. By making emotion central, online discussions provide a clearer glimpse into the displaced rage that is thought to set moral panics in motion. We argue that online platforms constitute an important medium to understand how people imagine and envision punishment and control, as well as how they construct/conceive of offenders and the purported problems underlying crime.

Информационная гигиена как фактор успешной профессиональной деятельности сотрудников уголовно-исполнительной системы

The article examines the issues of information hygiene as a factor of successful professional activity of employees of the penal correction system in the context of digital transformation. The insufficiency of research on information hygiene in the psychology of professional activity of specialists is emphasized. Information (digital) hygiene is a certain set of norms and rules that ensure optimal interaction with information of various kinds, which, in turn, ensures the preservation of professional health, personal resources, professional and personal identity and is one of the factors of success of professional activity in the context of digital transformation. Recommendations on the observance of information hygiene in the official activities of employees of the penitentiary system are given. The directions of the official activity of employees of the penal enforcement system in which the use of information hygiene is significant are highlighted: interaction with various information tools and software service products; organization of interdepartmental electronic interaction with law enforcement agencies and other federal executive authorities; information support for the activities of the Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia; information security and protection of information resources of the Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia; implementation of various projects of digital transformation of the Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia. Two approaches are proposed in training to improve the level of development of digital hygiene by employees of the penitentiary system: within the framework of higher and additional professional education. Considering information hygiene as a complex professionally important quality and a factor of successful performance of employees of the penal enforcement system, it is quite natural that these aspects can serve as the basis for taking into account and developing criteria for the success of professional activity in the future, an expanded description and characterization of generalized labor functions of professional standards by position, clarification of occupational and psychograms, optimization of procedures for professional selection and professional certification of employees of the penitentiary system in the dynamics of the professional path.

Современные перспективные тренды профессиональной подготовки сотрудников уголовно-исполнительной системы в условиях цифровизации образования

The article examines the current promising trends in the professional training of employees of the penitentiary system. The conducted express review of modern aspects of professional training of employees of the penal enforcement system allows us to identify the following trends: the use of distance learning technologies, along with traditional training, and a competent combined version of their use and "necessary castling" in the textbook of academic disciplines; regular interactive interaction of subjects of the educational process through an electronic information and educational environment; the use of multimedia technologies as additional learning tools in modern education; additional classes with students on digital hygiene in interaction with various information systems and software products; the use of electronic textbooks, audio-visual aids and interactive courses as alternatives to traditional textbooks, teaching aids in printed form; the use of webinars as an effective form of interactive classes with students; the possibility of developing cognitive processes (attention, memory, thinking, etc.) in students through the use of intelligence simulators - on the example of professional training of psychologists of law enforcement agencies; personalized training. The relevance and discussion of relatively new concepts in modern education, psychology and pedagogy, which are designated as "digital engagement" and "digital professionalism", is noted. Today, the digital transformation of scientific and educational activities sets guidelines for the key areas of development of modern Russian education, taking into account the values for both students (students, cadets, employees of the penal correction system) and the state as a whole.

High Security and Special Regime in the Albanian Penitentiary System

The Albanian penitentiary system underwent significant transformation in 2020, increasingly reflecting the implementation of a progressive treatment approach aligned with the social risk posed by the convicted individual and aimed at their re-education for the purpose of rehabilitation and reintegration into society. Through this paper, we aim to present an overview of the Albanian penitentiary system according to the provisions of Law No. 81/2020 "On the Rights and Treatment of Convicted Prisoners and Detainees," with a broad focus on the analysis of legal provisions regulating high-security penitentiary institutions and the implementation of the special regime in high-security institutions. This regime, similar to the 41 bis regime provided by Italian legislation, is closely linked to the penal policy pursued by the Albanian state in the context of combating and preventing organized crime. The adoption of this regime aims to maintain order and security by fundamentally preventing leaders and members of organized crime from having contact with their organization and other criminal organizations operating in Albanian territory, thereby inhibiting them from issuing orders from the penitentiary institution where they are held. Received: 21 July 2024 / Accepted: 24 October 2024 / Published: 05 November 2024

Epidemiology of HIV infection in penal system institutions

Aim. To assess the medical and statistical indicators of the health status of persons with the disease caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), among suspects, accused, and convicts held in institutions of the penal system. To develop proposals for improving work in the field of countering the spread of HIV infections. Materials and methods. The structure and dynamics of morbidity and mortality from HIV infection in penal institutions from 2014 to 2022 was analyzed using official statistical data. Calculations were carried out using MS Excel application packages and the R software environment version 3.6.2.Results. The peak HIV incidence in penal system institutions was recorded in 2015, followed by its gradual decrease by 2020. HIV mortality decreased by 52.1% since 2014, amounting to 84.6 per 100,000 people in 2022. The mortality rate of people living with HIV (PLHIV) decreased by 61.5% in 2014. This dynamics showed a decreasing trend starting from 2015. The antiretroviral therapy coverage in this group of patients reached a maximum value of 94.5% by 2022. Conclusions. The HIV mortality and mortality rates during the study period show a downward trend. The antiretroviral therapy coverage in 2022 reached a historic maximum. However, this does not exclude the low adherence of patients to treatment, which indicates the need to develop new methods of sanitary education and therapeutic and preventive work in penal system institutions.

A GARANTIA DA SAÚDE MENTAL NO SISTEMA PRISIONAL : DESAFIOS E RESPONSABILIDADES DOS ENTES FEDERATIVOS A PARTIR DA PNAISP

The present study aims to analyze the challenges and responsibilities of federal entities in the implementation of the National Policy for Comprehensive Health Care for Persons Deprived of Liberty (PNAISP), focusing on ensuring mental health care for inmates. It is a bibliographic research that seeks to understand the impacts of this policy in the context of the Brazilian prison system. The methodology involves the selection of scientific articles, legislation, and manuals from the Ministry of Health, available in databases. The results indicate that PNAISP has been implemented slowly and gradually, facing obstacles such as low municipal adherence and insufficient coverage by Family Health Teams, with a predominantly curative focus. It is concluded that, despite significant advances over previous administrations, the full implementation of PNAISP depends on greater coordination among federal entities and active participation of civil society through health councils, in addition to the implementation of concrete actions that ensure access to mental health care in the prison system.

Обеспечение безопасности пенитенциарной системы в условиях режима военного положения (организационно-правовой аспект)

The article is devoted to the legal and organizational problems of the functioning of the penitentiary system under martial law. The author notes that the complexity of the organization of activities under this legal regime is associated with insufficient legal regulation, which leads to a decrease in the quality of ensuring their safety. Hence, the author suggests measures to improve legislative regulation by making amendments to federal laws, as well as the creation of a special regulatory legal act that regulates the procedure for the actions of employees of penitentiary institutions.

AUDIÊNCIA DE CUSTÓDIA E RISCOS À SEGURANÇA:ANÁLISE CRÍTICA DO DIREITO PUNITIVO

This article examines custody hearings from the perspective of the right to punish and public security challenges, highlighting their role in protecting detainees' fundamental rights and reducing unnecessary pretrial detention. The analysis reveals the complex relationship between punitive law and prison overcrowding, which undermines the effectiveness of the penal system and creates inhumane incarceration conditions. Additionally, resocialization is discussed as a core goal of the penal system, emphasizing that punishment should go beyond mere imprisonment to promote social reintegration. The study also explores how public perception and media influence trust in custody hearings, impacting public opinion and criminal policies. The conclusion advocates for reforms in punitive law to balance public security with respect for human rights, aiming for a more just and humane justice system.

FORMAL AND NON-FORMAL EDUCATION IN SPACES OF RESTRICTION OF FREEDOM: A BRIEF ANALYSIS OF THE STATE OF SÃO PAULO

This article aims to analyze the structure and organization of formal and non-formal education in prisons in the state of São Paulo, identifying how education is systematized and implemented within the prison system. The methodology included the review of official documents and data, such as the Penal Information Report (RELIPEN) and the Joint Guidance Documents of the Secretariats of Education and Penitentiary Administration. The results indicate that, although the state of São Paulo continues to invest significantly in the prison system, the lack of information on available resources and persistent overcrowding indicate critical challenges for the effective implementation of educational activities.

Prospectively predicting violent and aggressive incidents in prison practice with the Risk Screener Violence (RS-V): Results from a multisite prison study.

Preventing in-prison violence and maintaining a safe environment is an important goal within prison settings. Screening for violence risk may provide a valuable addition to reach this goal. Within the Dutch prison system, the Risk Screener Violence (RS-V) has become an important new element in overall risk management. Prior research shows that RS-V scores are a sound predictor of institutional violence and aggression of incarcerated persons. Whereas previous studies predominantly analyzed retrospective file-based data, the present study includes RS-Vs rated by prison employees in real-life prison practice shortly after implementation. The RS-Vs of 956 detained individuals from 25 Dutch prisons were analyzed. Disciplinary reports were consulted to measure violent and aggressive incidents during 4 months after the screening. In addition, detention duration (length of stay in prison before the screening) was included as an additional variable. Results of the present prison practice study show good predictive values of the RS-V ratings for violent and aggressive incidents during prison stay. The predictive validity was similar for prisoner-to-prisoner assault as well as prisoner-to-staff assault. In addition, the predictive validity of the RS-V scores did not differ between individuals with a longer detention duration versus individuals with a shorter detention duration. This multisite prison practice study is an important step in the further validation of the RS-V and shows that the RS-V is a valuable tool in determining who is more likely to show institutional violence. Nonetheless, it remains important to continually monitor the implementation and correct application of the RS-V in prison practice. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Exploring Coping Strategies of Homeless Former Prisoners in Chow Kit Road, Kuala Lumpur

Subsisting on the streets requires homeless former prisoners to execute coping strategies, which were suggested in three major categories, namely, problemsolving-focused, emotion-focused, and avoidance. A lack of understanding exists regarding the coping strategies that homeless former prisoners utilise in navigating extremely challenging life conditions on the streets. Three strategies were selected and scrutinised in the current study to explore the key coping mechanism frequently employed by homeless former prisoners in tackling subsistence problems or challenges on the streets. A qualitative approach was administered by interviewing 30 homeless former prisoners to identify personal preferences for coping strategies. The findings revealed that the coping mechanisms were regularly employed simultaneously depending on the circumstances. Particularly, a higher tendency was demonstrated in applying avoidance coping operations, including drug abuse, solitude, pleasure-seeking activities, and worship, amongst homeless former prisoners. Nevertheless, homeless former prisoners also applied problem-solving focused coping strategies by searching for potential methods of higher income generation to improve their survival prospects. Summarily, formerly incarcerated individuals implemented coping strategies either collectively or interchangeably, subject to their current situations with varying suitabilities when subsisting on the streets. The implementation of these enhancements, along with greater integration of collective coping, will contribute to the advancement of significant intervention research. Research into coping strategies among homeless former prisoners can shed light on how these individuals adapt to life outside the prison system, how they develop survival skills, and how these skills may influence their behaviour and attitudes after release. Studying coping mechanisms post-release can offer insights into the challenges these individuals face when transitioning back into society

A Relationship of Monoamine Oxidase-A with Serotonin in Violent Antisocial Behavior in Iraqi Prisoners

It is thought that the monoamine oxidase-A (MAOA) enzyme, which catalyzes key brain signaling chemicals like serotonin, noradrenaline, and dopamine, indirectly influences antisocial behavior by disrupting the neurotransmitter balance in brain regions and neural networks. This study aims to assess the MAOA enzyme level in serum and serotonin linked to antisocial behavior in cases in the prison of Baghdad City, Iraq. Blood samples were collected from (63) prisoners and (27) control groups, ages 18 years to 65 years, with a mean ± SD of 37.8 ± 8.8, all males, with different prison terms and different crimes for prisoners in the prison at Baghdad City, Iraq. MAOA and serotonin levels were measured in serum in prisoners and healthy men, and the results showed the serum levels of MAOA enzyme and serotonin were decreased in prisoners compared to the healthy (11.5 IU/ml vs. 19.5 IU/ml) and (79 IU/ml vs. 439 IU/ml), respectively, with the observed difference being significant (P < 0.001(. The results of the relationship between education and social violence were: illiterate 11.1%, primary school 27%, secondary 52.4%, and university 9.5%. The median serum level of MAOA and serotonin in the age group 18–39 years was (11.3 IU/ml, 68.3 ng/ml), respectively, and in the age group 40–65 years was (13 IU/ml, 139 ng/ml), respectively.

Otherness Within the Otherness: Discrimination of Muslim Female Prisoners in the Prison System of Habsburg Bosnia

Otherness Within the Otherness: Discrimination of Muslim Female Prisoners in the Prison System of Habsburg Bosnia

Barriers to and Facilitators of Opioid Substitution Therapy in Penal Institutions: A Qualitative Study from Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany

BACKGROUND: Opioid use is prevalent throughout prison populations worldwide. To date, opioid substitution treatment (OST) is considered as one of the most effective treatments for reducing drug-related harm associated with opioid dependence. Yet, large gaps prevail in the access and availability of OST in detention facilities in Germany. We investigated the views and attitudes of health professionals working in prisons in the federal state of Baden-Wuerttemberg towards OST and identified barriers and facilitators to the implementation of prison-based OST.METHODS: We conducted semi-structured expert interviews with nine physicians and one psychologist working in prisons in Baden-Wuerttemberg. The data was analyzed in MAXQDA using a qualitative content analysis approach. RESULTS: A majority of study participants (90%) held positive attitudes towards OST. Our findings suggest that concerns about OST medication diversion and the co-consumption of illegal drugs, insufficient staff capacity, and difficulties in ensuring continuity of care post-release posed barriers to prison-based OST. Additionally, the prison setting, an adequate personnel infrastructure, and the availability of technical equipment were perceived as facilitating the implementation of OST. The participants highlighted the need for an increase in medical personnel capacities and for improved transition management between intra- and extramural treatment settings. CONCLUSIONS: To improve drug using prisoners’ health, intramural OST needs to be adapted more to the particularities of­­ the prison setting such as offering less-divertible medication options and ensuring continuity of care after imprisonment. Research is needed on the acceptance of new OST medications among incarcerated populations and actionable treatment approaches.

This Is Our Freedom: Motherhood in the Shadow of the American Prison System

This Is Our Freedom: Motherhood in the Shadow of the American Prison System

8.D. Scientific session: Equitable Immunization: Leveraging Prisons for Vaccination Equity in Europe

Abstract Addressing low vaccine coverage is a pressing public health concern in Europe, where pockets of unvaccinated individuals persist despite ongoing efforts. The European region sees an estimated 1.4 million individuals detained on any given day, with a significantly higher number passing through prisons annually due to high turnover rates. Those experiencing incarceration often come from socially marginalized and disadvantaged groups, facing a multitude of health challenges including non-communicable diseases, infectious diseases, mental illness, cognitive disabilities, and substance dependence. Despite their elevated health needs, individuals in prison frequently encounter barriers to accessing healthcare services, including preventive measures such as vaccination. Available but limited data suggest that individuals entering the prison system are often under-immunized, particularly against Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), influenza, measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), and pneumococci. Unfortunately, vaccination services within prisons are often insufficient, typically being provided according to national schedules or in response to outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs). It’s crucial to distinguish between the availability of vaccination services and actual coverage, as the modalities of vaccination offerings vary across the region. While individuals in prison are recognized as a target group for HBV vaccination, the methods of offering vaccines may differ based on factors such as age or risk group. Nevertheless, systematic implementation of HBV vaccination in prisons has shown clear benefits for both incarcerated individuals and the wider community. Given the significance of vaccinations in preventing diseases like HBV and human papillomavirus (HPV), which are linked to cancer, initiatives like the Europe Beating Cancer Plan and the European Council Recommendation on vaccine-preventable cancer emphasize their importance. Prisons can serve as a strategic point for delivering comprehensive healthcare and vaccination services to incarcerated individuals, yet routine data on vaccination coverage at entry and uptake during incarceration are often lacking, hindering effective health planning. To address this public health challenge, the ‘Reaching the hard-to-reach: Increasing access and vaccine uptake among prison population in Europe’ (RISE-Vac) project consortium has been formed. This collaborative effort brings together diverse expertise and established networks in the field of prison health, reflecting the varied epidemiological and structural landscapes across Europe. The objective of this workshop is to showcase recent research findings, evidence-based practices, and policy recommendations aimed at enhancing vaccination equity in the European region. By sharing insights and best practices, we aim to bolster efforts to improve vaccine access and uptake among incarcerated populations, ultimately contributing to broader public health goals. Key messages • Prison health is public health: vaccination services in prison are essential to achieve immunization targets in Europe. • Maximizing inter-sectoral collaboration is crucial for bridging the gap in vaccination access and uptake among people living in prison in Europe.

Domestic Violence in the Focus of Estonian Penal Policy and Implementation of the Law in the Light of the Istanbul Convention Requirements

Domestic violence is a multi-faceted phenomenon, encompassing social, psychological, medical and, certainly, legal aspects. Depending on the existing legal framework, it is the lawyers who have the possibility and even the duty to assist and protect the victim and to apply various sanctions against the perpetrator. The decision on the Principles of Criminal Policy until 2030, adopted by the Estonian Parliament, formulates the goal of the penal system as supporting law-abiding lifestyles and thus ensuring that the norms based on the values of our society are implemented, violations are responded to and conflicts are resolved fairly. These are goals that, if realised, could also contribute to reducing domestic violence in society. Estonia has ratified the Istanbul Convention and has made amendments to national legislation in accordance with the requirements of the Convention. Dealing with cases of domestic violence is nevertheless relatively problematic, especially from the perspective of the victim. The predominance of the settlement procedure or the practice of out-of-court restorative justice and conciliation in domestic violence cases, in the opinion of this author, tends to support the position of the perpetrator of violence.