A Pre-PREA Survey of Inmate and Correctional Staff Opinions on How to Prevent Prison Sexual Assault

Abstract

This study is a content analysis of inmate and staff free responses to a question about good ways to prevent prison sexual assault. Data from 1,094 inmates and 373 correctional staff were abstracted from a 1998 survey of Midwestern prisons. A total of 2,689 distinctive ideas (1,830 from inmates and 859 from staff) were distributed across 12 prevention categories. Inmates’ top solutions were classification of inmates and increased sexual outlets. Staff’s top choices were increasing security and hiring more and better staff. Similarities and disparities in inmate and staff solutions are discussed in light of Prison Rape Elimination Act–based policies.