Managing Violent Individuals in Correctional Settings

Data are presented on the character and distribution of violent incidents in correctional settings. It is suggested that there are subgroups of offenders who are particularly violence-prone in prisons. Preventing prison violence may hinge on how well these offenders are managed in terms of classification and placement across custody settings. The special problems that crowding presents for the management of offender populations are highlighted. Findings on the relationship between crowding, inmate turnover, and violence suggest that efforts should be made to reduce the flow of inmates into and out of institutions. The article concludes with a discussion of implications for correctional policy and practice.