Incarcerated in a Pandemic: How COVID-19 Exacerbated the “Pains of Imprisonment”

Abstract

Although the exact toll of COVID-19 in U.S. prisons and jails is relatively undetermined, estimates show that deaths due to the virus in the nation's correctional facilities are approximately six times higher than deaths in the general population. During the pandemic, jail and prison structures as well as significant overcrowding made it virtually impossible to institute protective measures against infection in correctional settings. Jail and prison administrators suspended in-person visitation, leaving those incarcerated even further isolated, and their friends and family in fear for the health and safety of their loved ones. The present study examines narratives of individuals who spoke about their experiences while incarcerated during the pandemic. The data for the study were gathered from prison reform advocacy organizations that featured individuals’ stories. The narrative findings provide insight into the traumatic experiences that incarcerated people endured, how institutional failures exacerbated their mistrust of the criminal legal system, and their efforts to cope.

Vaccination against emerging and reemerging infectious diseases in places of detention: a global multistage scoping review

“…Furthermore, it is important to note that in some cases, not all people living in a prison receive vaccines, but rather, only those in affected living units ( 21 ). Vaccines are recognized as one of the most effective preventive measures for reducing the incidence, morbidity, hospitalization, and mortality associated with infectious diseases within correctional facilities ( 69 ). However, relying solely on vaccination as a responsive strategy during crises could undermine its overall effectiveness in mitigating the health and financial burdens of infectious diseases in prison settings.…”

“It Makes Him Feel Even Farther Away”: Disruptions in Communication Among Families Impacted by Incarceration During the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…The social isolation of both incarcerated people and families on the outside may have specific implications for the experiences of familial incarceration and secondary prisonization. Incarcerated people experience lengthy lockdowns and isolation from family as a result, which can heighten the pains of imprisonment due to decreased autonomy and control (Craig et al, 2023;Iturri et al, 2020). Family members on the outside simultaneously experienced isolation from their loved ones on the inside as a result of inconsistent access to communication (McDonald et al, 2022).…”

Suicide Risk Screening and Assessment before and after the COVID-19 Pandemic in New Inmates

“…The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened distress and the pain of imprisonment [ 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 ]. In a Swiss prison, even with reduced overcrowding, there was a 57% increase in suicide attempt risk during the pandemic period [ 29 ].…”