Tackling Correctional Corruption

This book explores the often-overlooked issue of corruption in prisons, examining its causes and proposing strategies to promote correctional integrity, ultimately aiming to improve the rehabilitation of ex-prisoners.

Tackling Correctional Corruption delves into the often-overlooked issue of corruption within prison systems, shedding light on the criminality and misconduct that can occur behind closed doors. The authors, Andrew Goldsmith, Mark Halsey, and Andrew Groves, emphasize that the challenges of correctional corruption extend beyond isolated incidents, affecting the overall integrity of correctional institutions and the reintegration prospects of former inmates. They advocate for a comprehensive approach that promotes what they term correctional integrity, rather than merely addressing corruption in isolation.

The book explores various systemic, structural, and cultural factors that contribute to corruption in prisons, including the influence of drugs, resource limitations, and punitive political climates. The authors raise important questions about the balance between building trust with inmates and maintaining professional boundaries. Their analysis synthesizes concepts of correctional integrity and trustworthiness, providing a framework that incorporates values, actions, and outcomes essential for effective corrections.

Through a thorough examination of the complexities surrounding correctional corruption, the authors present a range of proposals aimed at fostering integrity within the system. Their insights draw from diverse data sources and sociological analysis, making the book a vital resource for policymakers, practitioners, and scholars alike. By illuminating the pervasive nature of corruption in corrections, Tackling Correctional Corruption serves as a call to action for reform and a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by correctional institutions worldwide.