Abstract
Correctional officers maintain control of the institutional environment by utilizing both formal and informal methods. Although
research focusing on informal methods of control is sparse, studies have indicated these methods are essential for facilities
to operate efficiently. This exploratory descriptive study examined differences in former jail and prison inmate perceptions
of nine methods of informal control. A limited number of the participants indicated that officers use these methods to punish
or control inmates, and from their perspectives, all methods examined were viewed as being effective means of control, to
some extent. Differences found between the two groups, as well as recommendations for future research are discussed.
research focusing on informal methods of control is sparse, studies have indicated these methods are essential for facilities
to operate efficiently. This exploratory descriptive study examined differences in former jail and prison inmate perceptions
of nine methods of informal control. A limited number of the participants indicated that officers use these methods to punish
or control inmates, and from their perspectives, all methods examined were viewed as being effective means of control, to
some extent. Differences found between the two groups, as well as recommendations for future research are discussed.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-20
- DOI 10.1007/s12103-011-9152-0
- Authors
- Saskia D. Santos, Criminology, Law and Society, University of Florida, 3219 Turlington Hall, P.O. Box 117330, Gainesville, FL 32611-7330, USA
- Jodi Lane, Criminology, Law and Society, University of Florida, 3219 Turlington Hall, P.O. Box 117330, Gainesville, FL 32611-7330, USA
- Angela R. Gover, School of Public Affairs, University of Colorado Denver, 1380 Lawrence Street, Suite 525, Denver, CO 80217-3364, USA
- Journal American Journal of Criminal Justice
- Online ISSN 1936-1351
- Print ISSN 1066-2316