Sexually Integrated Prisons: Advantages, Disadvantages And Some Recommendations

Abstract

The effectiveness of sexually integrated corrections programs was evaluated from three different perspectives. The opinions of employees and inmates were studied using questionnaire and anecdotal data, and co-corrections facilities were compared with other federal institutions incarcerating convicted felons at similar security levels. Some of the benefits of co-corrections which were determined by the current research included: safety from violence, more normal male/female relationships, greater employment opportunities for women, and administrative flexibility. On the other hand, some of the disadvantages included : increased need for surveillance, broad areas of staff discretion, and problems arising from opposite-sex staff members supervising inmates' living quarters. Despite the shortcomings, staff and inmate responses were in general agreement with the statement: "For the most part the co-corrections institution is an agreeable place."