York State Prison Research Articles

Chicana(O)/Latina(O) Prisoners: Ethical and Methodological Considerations, Collaborative Research Methods and Case Studies

This essay compares major social science studies on the experiences of Chicanas(os)/Latinas(os) incarcerated in New York and California state prisons. It reviews researchers' motivations for conducting the studies, major questions posed, research methods, findings and conclusions, and their interrelationship. The discussion highlights ethical and methodological dilemmas confronted by researchers. A main objective is to help scholars formulate the most effective methods for carrying out institutional case studies of Chicana(o)/Latina(o) prisoners in the US that simultaneously yield the type of information most useful to all seeking to change oppressive conditions inside and outside the walls. Underlying questions are: What impact do pre-prison experiences have on imprisoned Chicanas(os)? What effect does imprisonment have on pintas(os)' and their barrios? How do prisons reproduce and, therefore, reinforce, differential power relationships existing on the outside? The essay concludes with a brief review of the major findings and a commentary on the methodologies most likely to generate the desired information.

Improving Access to Mental Health Services for New York State Prison Inmates

This article describes a multidisciplinary, multiagency approach to improve access to mental health services in individuals incarcerated within the New York State Department of Correctional Service...

Staphylococcus aureusColonization and Infection in New York State Prisons

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is increasingly responsible for staphylococcal outbreaks in prison. There is limited information on the source of the outbreak strains, risk factors for infection, and transmission of these strains within a prison. We conducted a survey to determine the prevalence of nasal colonization with S. aureus in 2 New York State prisons. S. aureus isolates from clinical cultures collected from all New York State prisons during a 6-month period were compared with the colonizing strains. Analyses were conducted to determine whether prison-level characteristics were associated with colonization or infection with S. aureus. The colonization rate was 25.5% (124/487); 10.5% of the isolates were methicillin resistant, all were staphylococcal chromosomal cassette (SCC)mec type IV, and 61.5% were Panton Valentine leukocidin (PVL) positive. Surprisingly, 21.6% of the methicillin-susceptible isolates were also PVL positive. Of the clinical isolates, 48.3% were methicillin resistant, with 93.1% of the latter being SCCmec type IV and 48.3% being PVL positive. The predominant clone was USA 300. Prison-level risk factors for infection included the proportion of inmates with drug offenses, the length of inmate stay, and the jail from which inmates originated. This study suggests that both new and long-term inmates act as sources of S. aureus strains, with the more virulent of the latter preferentially being selected as pathogens.

Inmate Suicide and Time Spent in Special Disciplinary Housing in New York State Prison

This study examined the number of days that prisoners spent in a special disciplinary housing unit in New York State prison before a suicide occurred. Suicides that occurred between 1993 and 2003 were reviewed. A total of 32 suicides occurred in one-person special housing cells during the 11-year period. Inmates spent a median of 63 days in a special disciplinary housing cell before committing suicide. The aggregate median sentence these inmates were serving in special housing at the time of suicide was 298.5 days. Because most suicides in a special housing unit occurred within eight weeks of placement, enhanced observation of special housing inmates is warranted in that period at a minimum.

Inmate Suicide and Time Spent in Special Disciplinary Housing in New York State Prison

Objective: This study examined the number of days that prisoners spent in a special disciplinary housing unit in New York State prison before a suicide occurred. Methods: Suicides that occurred between 1993 and 2003 were reviewed. Results: A total of 32 suicides occurred in one-person special housing cells during the 11year period. Inmates spent a median of 63 days in a special disciplinary housing cell before committing suicide. The aggregate median sentence these inmates were serving in special housing at the time of suicide was 298.5 days. Conclusions: Because most suicides in a special housing unit occurred within eight weeks of placement, enhanced observation of special housing inmates is warranted in that period at a minimum. (Psychiatric Services 58: 558–560, 2007)

Recent Incarceration History Among a Sheltered Homeless Population

This study examined incarceration histories and shelter use patterns of 7,022 persons staying in public shelters in New York City. Through matching administrative shelter records with data on releases from New York State prisons and New York City jails, 23.1% of a point-prevalent shelter populationwas identified as having had an incarceration within the previous 2-year period. Persons entering shelter following a jail episode (17.0%) exhibited different shelter stay patterns than did those having exited a prison episode (7.7%), leading to the conclusion that different dynamics predominate and that different interventionsare called for in preventinghomelessness amongpersons released from jail and from prison.

La situation des auteurs d'infractions souffrant de troubles psychiatriques dans les systèmes judiciaire et pénitentiaire de la ville de New York (États-Unis)

Over the last few years, a growing number of mentally ill offenders has been involved in New York City criminal justice system (NY, USA). The effects of de-institutionalization and the enforcement of a “zero tolerance” policing, are among other reasons, responsible for the criminalization of this population, leading to a massive incarceration of mentally ill offenders in New York city jails and state prisons. The importance attached to health and social care within the correctionnal facilities show the attention heeded to “mentally ill” offenders in general. The lack of discharge planning in the city jails and the persistence of the “revolving door” phenomenon have yet given rise to innovative approaches, making the New York experience a place worthy of serious study.

Factors related to suicide in New York state prisons

Objective Examine factors related to prison suicides to aid prevention. Method Review the mental health records of all 76 suicides that occurred between 1993 and 2001 in New York State Department of Correctional Services (NYSDOCS) prisons that had some contact with mental health services during their incarceration. (This represented 84% of all NYSDOCS suicides.) Extract data from the psychological autopsies for a sample of 40 of these suicides. Results Of the suicide victims with some mental health contact, 95% had a substance abuse history, 70% displayed agitation or anxiety prior to the suicide, and 48% had a behavioral change. Common stressors preceding the suicide were inmate-to-inmate conflict (50%), recent disciplinary action (42%), fear (40%), physical illness (42%), and adverse information (65%) such as loss of good time or disruption of family/friendship relationships in the community. Forty-one percent had received a mental health service within 3 days of the suicide. Compared to the about 7200 inmates actively receiving mental health services in state prison, African-Americans and patients with a Major Mood (Bi-polar or Major Depression) were under-represented. Adjustment Disorder, Schizophrenia, and Personality Disorder diagnoses were over-represented. Suicide victims were more likely to have been incarcerated for a violent crime. Conclusion Mental illness, anxiety/agitation, behavior change, stressors, history of substance abuse, and non-African-American were important risk factors.

Health Status in US and Russian Prisons: More in Common, Less in Contrast

It has been 17 years since I began working in correctional health care. During that time, I managed the health services at Rikers Island (New York City's jail), supervised the health services for New York State's prison system, and, for the past io years, had a consulting practice focused on public policy, public health, and quality of health services in US jails, prisons, and juvenile facilities. I have examined the conditions of confinement and health services in more than ioo correctional facilities in 27 states. My work is about assuring access to high-quality health care for the 2.2 million people in US prisons and jails (i), protecting public health through prevention and early intervention, and assuring vital health services linkages for the 95% of inmates who return home to their communities. Reading the Bobrik et al. paper about the health status and health care for inmates in Russian prisons (2), it is easy to imagine the conditions: cells packed tightly with 30 sweaty bodies, milling aimlessly; hungry folks; rank odors and clamor; and air that is still and dank, all the more disagreeable with airborne droplets so likely to be carrying Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Not pleasant thoughts. Tuberculosis in Russian prisons is redolent of conditions in prisons in the United States a century ago. In 1894, Dr. Julius Ransom, a prison physician, reported that 25% of the 1,ooo inmates at the prison in Dannemora, NY, had active tuberculosis (3). In his report to Congress in 1907, the rates were unchanged, with high mortality, more than half of which was attributed to tuberculosis (4). One

HOMELESS SHELTER USE AND REINCARCERATION FOLLOWING PRISON RELEASE*

Research Summary:This paper examines the incidence of and interrelationships between shelter use and reincarceration among a cohort of 48,424 persons who were released from New York State prisons to New York City in 1995–1998. Results show that, within two years of release, 11.4% of the study group entered a New York City homeless shelter and 32.8% of this group was again imprisoned. Using survival analysis methods, time since prison release and history of residential instability were the most salient risk factors related to shelter use, and shelter use increased the risk of subsequent reincarceration.Policy Implications:These findings show both homelessness and reincarceration to be substantial problems among a population of released prisoners, problems that fall into the more general framework of community reintegration. They also suggest that enhanced housing and related services, when targeted to a relatively small at‐risk group among this population, have the potential to substantially reduce the overall risk for homelessness in the group.

Reducing suicides in New York State correctional facilities.

In an effort to identify modifiable risk factors for suicide in New York State prisons, the authors reviewed available statistical data and also examined a series of 40 psychological autopsies conducted on suicides of inmates who had received mental health services during their incarceration. Factors associated with suicide included substance abuse, history of prior suicide attempts, mental health treatment prior to incarceration, recent "bad news," recent disciplinary action, and manifestation of agitation and/or anxiety. This review led to changes in certain clinical policies and procedures, environmental modifications and hazard reduction in observation cells, and an improved process for quality assurance reviews of suicides.

You don't see us doin' time

An invisible population exists which is doing time with prisoners serving sentences in New York state prisons. Mothers, fathers, wives, husbands, sisters, brothers, and children of prisoners suffer the same isolation, discrimination, and financial and emotional burdens that the prisoners do. The writer, who once served as a chaplain to prisoners receiving care in hospital, tells of her experiences, including her marriage to a prisoner who died within the walls. She discusses his medical care, death, and how she was able to set him free at last. While most of society believes prisoners to be dangerous sociopaths, another segment recognizes their similarities to the rest of us and loves them. Finally, the author calls for understanding and compassion and a restorative approach to justice.

Building an HIV continuum for inmates: New York State's criminal justice initiative.

The benefits of public health, corrections, and community-based organization (CBO) collaboration to meet HIV prevention needs of inmates are recognized. Each year over 100,000 inmates, most of whom have a history that put them at HIV risk, pass through the New York State (NYS) prison system. The NYS Department of Health AIDS Institute, the NYS Department of Correctional Services, the NYS Division of Parole, and a statewide network of CBOs collaborate to meet HIV prevention and support services needs of inmates and parolees through a continuum of interventions and services. This article describes the evolution of the prevention, supportive services, and transitional planning continuum within the NYS prison system. It identifies other agencies involved, obstacles to service delivery, describes approaches to overcome them, discusses ways to meet capacity building and technical assistance needs of CBOs, identifies challenges remaining, and provides practical advice from actual experience in NYS.

Central New York psychiatric center: an approach to the treatment of co‐occurring disorders in the New York State correctional mental health system

Central New York Psychiatric Center operates a maximum security inpatient treatment hospital and outpatient mental health services for all of the 72 New York State prisons. In this article prevalence data, patient characteristics, and interventions offered to inmates diagnosed with co-occurring mental illness and substance abuse disorders in the New York State prison system are reviewed and discussed. Available interventions have resulted from the close collaboration of the State Department of Correctional Services and State Office of Mental Health. Aspects of current programs and plans for future service developments are discussed along with implications for the treatment of an offender population diagnosed with a co-occurring disorder.

Availability of HIV Prevention Services Within New York State Correctional Facilities During 1999-2000: Results of a Survey

This survey examined the extent of HIV prevention interventions available to approximately 70,000 inmates housed in the 69 correctional facilities that comprise New York State's prison system and explored barriers to offering prevention services. Specific HIV prevention interventions were selected. A written survey was used to ascertain their availability within the previous 12-month period at each correctional facility. Correctional facilities reported a high level of availability of HIV prevention interventions and services. All 69 (100%) reported prevention education, and 59 (86%) said they met or exceeded inmate demand. More than 90% reported individual and group counseling and more than three-quarters offered both English and Spanish. Support groups were reported as being offered at 50 (73%) prisons. Significant progress in meeting HIV prevention needs of New York State inmates has been achieved. The Criminal Justice Initiative is a highly effective service delivery model. Efforts to better meet needs of Spanish-speaking inmates should continue.

Compassionate release from New York State prisons: why are so few getting out?

Author notes that the New York State compassionate release program, which permits the early release of dying inmates, has been ineffective due to both flaws in the statutory scheme and the program's implementation. He suggests changes to broaden the program without increasing risks to society.

An Interview with Eddie Ellis

Edwin (Eddie) Ellis is President of the Community Justice Center, Inc., an anti-crime research, education, and advocacy organization located on 125th Street in Harlem, New York. A target of the FBI's Counter Intelligence Program (COINTELPRO) for his Black Panther Party activities, Ellis served 25 years in various New York State prisons. While he was in prison, he earned a Masters degree from New York Theological Seminary, a Bachelor's from Marist College and a paralegal degree from Sullivan County Community College. Widely recognized as a writer, lecturer, and community activist, Ellis is credited with the successful public dissemination of the research findings of the Think Tank, a group of prisoners from Greenhaven Correction Facility which established that 75% of the prisoners in New York State come from seven neighborhoods in New York City. Eddie Ellis is a fellow of the Bunche Dubois Institute for Public Policy at Medgar Evers College/CUNY, serves on the Board of Directors of Center for Law and Justice in Albany, NY, is a member of the Drug Policy Task Force, The Vera Institute IRB, and the National Criminal Justice Commission. This interview took place in the offices of the Community Justice Center on August 6, 1997.

Prison Crime in New York State

The lack of attention devoted to crimes committed in prisons is striking given the important implications of the problem both for prison management and for public safety. This study examines reporting of crimes, referrals for prosecution and actual prosecution of crimes committed in New York State prisons. The authors find that there is no accurate means of tracking either prison crimes or prosecutions. But based on interviews, a review of state correctional department data, and a survey of prosecutors in more than one dozen counties where state prisons are located, they conclude that as many as 6,000 crimes may be committed annually in the New York State prison system. Yet few of these crimes are referred for prosecution or actually prosecuted.

Incidence of tuberculosis infection among New York State prison employees.

This study examined tuberculosis skin test conversions among 24,487 New York State prison employees in 1992. Conversions were analyzed by prison and by job category. The conversion rate was 1.9%. Employees in prisons with low and high numbers of prisoner cases had odds ratios for conversion of 1.67 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.27, 2.19) and 2.20 (95% CI = 1.69, 2.87), respectively, relative to employees in prisons with no prisoner cases. In prisons with cases, guards and medical personnel had odds ratios of 1.64 (95% CI = 1.11, 2.43) and 2.39 (95% CI = 1.40, 4.08), respectively, relative to employees with little prisoner contact. In 1992, approximately one third of new infections among New York State prison employees were due to occupational exposure.

New York inmates' HIV risk behaviors: the implications for prevention policy and programs.

The median incidence rate of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) among prisoners is 7 times higher than for the general population. Yet high-risk sexual activity and drug use in US correctional facilities remain unexamined. This study explores inmate perceptions of high-risk behavior in New York state prisons and New York City jails and seeks to generate hypotheses to inform policies and future research. Participants were 22 former New York state prisoners and 28 current New York City inmates. Participants attended one of six focus groups and completed an anonymous questionnaire. Audiotapes of the groups were transcribed and evaluated. A range of consensual and nonconsensual sexual activity occurs among inmates and between inmates and staff. Without official access to latex barriers, prisoners use ineffective makeshift devices, like rubber gloves and used plastic wrap, in attempts to practice safer sex. Prisoners also shoot drugs intravenously with used syringes and pieces of pens and light bulbs. The absence of harm-reduction devices behind bars may create a greater risk of HIV transmission there than in the community. Officials should consider distributing risk-reduction devices to prisoners through anonymous methods.