Exploring Prison Misconduct and the Factors Influencing Rule Infraction in Northern Ireland

Abstract

Research has linked prison misconduct to reoffending and re-entry experiences, yet no studies have sought to examine the factors influencing misconduct in Northern Ireland or if these factors operate differently for separated prisoners (those claiming their offences are politically motivated and demanding to be held separately to the rest of the prison population) compared to the general prison population. This study addresses this gap by examining the characteristics related to misconduct in Northern Ireland. Using a cross-sectional sample of 892 imprisoned adult men, the findings indicate that increased involvement in misconduct is associated with multiple needs. Younger age, racial/ethnic identity, accommodation issues, addiction, impairments, property offences, previous incarceration, prison complaints, not having a drug test and engagement/suspected engagement in serious self-harm while imprisoned increased the risk of misconduct. Reporting a nationality other than British, Irish or Northern Irish, passing prison drug tests and prison visitation lowered the risk of misconduct. Factors were found to operate in a similar manner for both the general prison population and separated prisoners, with the exception of prison complaints. Given the link between misconduct and reoffending, it is argued that specialist supports are required to address the multiple needs of those who frequently engage in misconduct if efforts to reduce recidivism are to be enhanced.

Probing dual harm and non‐violent misconduct among imprisoned adult men in Northern Ireland

“…Consequently, using separate processes and procedures to address these behaviours may not only fail to meet the needs of those involved but may risk worsening self‐harm. Another concern is while rehabilitative services and supports are available in prison, access to these programmes depend on eligibility criteria and perceptions of manageability (Bosma et al, 2018; Butler et al, 2021a). Bosma et al (2018) argue that those who are more challenging to manage may be less likely to get access to these programmes.…”

“…Research has identified a number of risk factors for misconduct, including individual characteristics and experiences people import into prison, as well as prison conditions and the nature of the prison regime (Steiner et al, 2014). For instance, age, race/ethnicity, deprivation, history of imprisonment, convictions, substance use, head injury/epilepsy and impairments have been identified as possible risk factors for misconduct (Butler et al, 2021a; Steiner et al, 2014). Other risk factors include the submission of prison complaints, prison visitation, first experience of imprisonment, and using drugs (Butler et al, 2021a, 2021b; Steiner et al, 2014).…”

“…For instance, age, race/ethnicity, deprivation, history of imprisonment, convictions, substance use, head injury/epilepsy and impairments have been identified as possible risk factors for misconduct (Butler et al, 2021a; Steiner et al, 2014). Other risk factors include the submission of prison complaints, prison visitation, first experience of imprisonment, and using drugs (Butler et al, 2021a, 2021b; Steiner et al, 2014). Past studies indicate that a small number of people can be responsible for a disproportionate amount of misconduct (Butler, Caudill, et al, 2021; DeLisi, 2003; Trulson et al, 2010).…”

Investigating dual harm and misconduct in Northern Ireland: A 1‐year follow‐up

“…Demographic, medical histories, past convictions, and in‐prison experiences as at time 1 were also captured and included in the analysis due to being identified as known risk factors for misconduct (e.g. Bosma et al, 2020; Butler et al, 2023b; Dâmboeanu & Nieuwbeerta, 2016; Drury & DeLisi, 2011; Lahm, 2009; Steiner et al, 2014; Steiner & Wooldredge, 2009). Demographic characteristics included age, a dummy variable indicating if the men were from a minority ethnic background, a categorical measure of nationality comprising of four groups (Northern Irish, Irish, British, and other), and a categorical measure of religion collapsed into three groups (Catholic, Protestant, and other religion).…”

“…Research indicates that while most people will engage in misconduct during their imprisonment, relatively few are involved in multiple incidents of misconduct (Butler et al, 2023b; DeLisi, 2003; Trulson et al, 2010). Explanations for involvement in misconduct vary but commonly focus on the prison environment, characteristics, and experiences people import into prison and how people respond to the strains associated with imprisonment (Blevins et al, 2010; Irwin & Cressey, 1962; Sykes, 1958).…”