The contribution of long-term prisoners to violence in Canadian penitentiaries.

Abstract

The law pertaining to capital punishment in Canada saw significant changes during the 1960-70 period and culminated in 1976 with the abolishment of capital punishment and its replacement with life sentences for what is known now as first and second degree murder. Individuals incarcerated for these "life sentences" have created a complex managerial dilemma for correctional officials. This study showed that institutions that house long term offenders were indeed disproportionately involved in incidents of violence however it was unclear as to whether that was due to the presence of long term inmates or other factors. This relationship became further in doubt when the second hypothesis revealed that short term not long term inmates were disproportionately involved in incidents of violence and escapes. This finding was consistent with other research done in this area. Finally, a number of distinguishing characteristics were found amongst the long term offender population which might begin to provide a basis for which to predict institutional behavior. Not surprisingly, the distinguishing factors related primarily to age at time of offence and previous convictions and incarcerations. A system of dispersal-concentration appears to most accommodate the findings that the data provides. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)