Self-reported and observed rule-breaking in prison: A look at disciplinary response

Abstract

Research on rule-breaking and disciplinary response in correctional institutions usually examines the official record of charges and penalties. This study uses inmate self-reports of rule violations and guard self-reports of observed inmate rule violations as well as the official records. Data come from the Federal Correctional Institution at Fort Worth, Texas, which is distinctive in having large proportions of both sexes constituting its inmate population. Major findings include: (1) Inmates are much more extensively involved in rule-breaking than is usually presumed from official institutional records; (2) Guards claim to observe nearly the same number of violations admitted by inmates; (3) Guards report very few of the violations that they observe; (4) These findings have little relationship to sex or race of inmates. The institution's desire for stable control seems to make guards reluctant to report fully the infractions of inmates for whose conduct they are held responsible; this gives inmates considerable power over guards.