Myths or Facts
Although the images presented in Prison Break and 60 Days In about prison and prison related issues are indeed problems faced by many correctional institutions, the represented images were sensationalized. In terms of escape, Peterson, Fera and Mellow (2016) stated that escapes have received little attention from academia in the past 15 years despite its popularity in the media, including television shows, movies, and print and televised news. Peterson et al. (2016) further added that the lack of empirical study has led to the misinterpretation that escapes are often sensational and violent events. Additionally, findings from the study that suggested that more than 92% of all inmates are captured after they escape. Thus, most …show more content…
Indeed, correctional institutions are not immune to violence. Crime and violence can still occur inside the jail or prison system. There are many factors contributing to violence in prison including but not limited to history of violence, substance abuse, overcrowding, gang involvement, and poor prison management. According to research, these factors were found to be associated with increased levels of prison misconduct. However, there are mixed findings on the effects of gang involvement and violence. Nonetheless, as stated by Tongeren, et al (2010), prison can be an environment that requires a multitude of coping skills in order to make a successful adaptation to a very unique subculture. Often, inmates must confirm to the convict code in the process of prisonification or institutionalization in order to survive or lessen the pains of imprisonment (GrIffIn and HepBurn, 2013; Rocheleau, 2015; Tongeren, et al., 2010). For example, Rocheleau (2015) argued that some prisoners might choose to use violence to solve a problem. Correctional officers were not immune to this. Also related to corruption, Crewe (2011) noted that Intimidation and unprovoked aggression were used to punish prisoners and ensure compliance. Though violence does occur in correctional …show more content…
This is in part caused by poor prison management, often resulting in inmates gaining access to illegal substances and ultimately abusing them. Drug abuse is also often associated with violence and other criminal behavior (Crittenden and Koons-Witt, 2015; Swopes, Davis, and Scholl, 2015; Tasca, Mulvey and Rodriguez, 2016). Similarly, Crittenden, and Koons-Witt ( 2015) argued that men and women offenders frequently have extensive drug involvement and a family history of substance abuse and criminality. Thus 60 Days In representation of drug problems facing correctional institution is consistent with research. Though neither shows mentioned mentioned rehabilitation opportunities for drug offenders, previous research on this topic indicate that drug treatment programs are available. For example, Crittenden, and Koons-Witt ( 2015) stated that almost 37% of all inmates (36.1% of males, 41.2% of females) participated in some form of substance abuse
Although the images presented in Prison Break and 60 Days In about prison and prison related issues are indeed problems faced by many correctional institutions, the represented images were sensationalized. In terms of escape, Peterson, Fera and Mellow (2016) stated that escapes have received little attention from academia in the past 15 years despite its popularity in the media, including television shows, movies, and print and televised news. Peterson et al. (2016) further added that the lack of empirical study has led to the misinterpretation that escapes are often sensational and violent events. Additionally, findings from the study that suggested that more than 92% of all inmates are captured after they escape. Thus, most …show more content…
Indeed, correctional institutions are not immune to violence. Crime and violence can still occur inside the jail or prison system. There are many factors contributing to violence in prison including but not limited to history of violence, substance abuse, overcrowding, gang involvement, and poor prison management. According to research, these factors were found to be associated with increased levels of prison misconduct. However, there are mixed findings on the effects of gang involvement and violence. Nonetheless, as stated by Tongeren, et al (2010), prison can be an environment that requires a multitude of coping skills in order to make a successful adaptation to a very unique subculture. Often, inmates must confirm to the convict code in the process of prisonification or institutionalization in order to survive or lessen the pains of imprisonment (GrIffIn and HepBurn, 2013; Rocheleau, 2015; Tongeren, et al., 2010). For example, Rocheleau (2015) argued that some prisoners might choose to use violence to solve a problem. Correctional officers were not immune to this. Also related to corruption, Crewe (2011) noted that Intimidation and unprovoked aggression were used to punish prisoners and ensure compliance. Though violence does occur in correctional …show more content…
This is in part caused by poor prison management, often resulting in inmates gaining access to illegal substances and ultimately abusing them. Drug abuse is also often associated with violence and other criminal behavior (Crittenden and Koons-Witt, 2015; Swopes, Davis, and Scholl, 2015; Tasca, Mulvey and Rodriguez, 2016). Similarly, Crittenden, and Koons-Witt ( 2015) argued that men and women offenders frequently have extensive drug involvement and a family history of substance abuse and criminality. Thus 60 Days In representation of drug problems facing correctional institution is consistent with research. Though neither shows mentioned mentioned rehabilitation opportunities for drug offenders, previous research on this topic indicate that drug treatment programs are available. For example, Crittenden, and Koons-Witt ( 2015) stated that almost 37% of all inmates (36.1% of males, 41.2% of females) participated in some form of substance abuse