Delaware Department of Correction: Perspectives on Prison Climate Evidence and Action
This study delves into the insights of individuals working in prisons, highlighting the importance of community involvement and empowerment in conducting research and addressing social justice issues. Examining staffing challenges, the research aims to innovate solutions through participatory action research methods.
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Delaware Department of Correction Perspectives of Persons Who Work in Prisons on Prison Climate: Evidence and Action Delaware Dan O Connell, Darryl Chambers, Christy Visher, Emalie Rell, and Chelsi Lamberton. University of Delaware. Dayna Belfiore, Delaware Department of Correction
Allows Allows people who work and live in people who work and live in prison to prison to act as experts and not just act as experts and not just people who are studied people who are studied Empowers the Empowers the community community researchers researchers (allows for control of the (allows for control of the narrative) narrative) Social Justice Based Response Social Justice Based Response Research + Social Activism = PAR Research + Social Activism = PAR PARTICIPATORY ACTION RESEARCH 2
PEOPLE WHO WORK IN PRISON CLIMATE SURVEY Administered by UD researchers in Administered by UD researchers in December 2021 December 2021 422 staff were on the grounds during the week of data collection 248 uniformed and non-uniform people who work at the prison completed the survey Response rate: 248/422 = 59% Note: Non-security persons working at the prison includes people who work in counseling, substance abuse, behavioral health, culinary, mental health, medical, education, and maintenance 3
INTO ACTION The GOAL is innovation PAR method = population becomes part of the solution SRC worked through data Chose areas of focus for innovation (We ll look at one) Brainstorming sessions about what can be changed and how to bring it about Firm understanding of the limits of institution 4
STAFFING CHALLENGES Shortages of people working in prisons, freezing, and turnover impact the work force in many ways. Staffing challenges are the number one concern of people working in the prison and DOC leadership. Impact of people shortages on People Working in the Prison Lowers morale among those working in the prison Increases job related stress Increases stress in personal life Impact of working person shortages on project Dominates discussion during SRC meetings Decreased security presence at SRC meetings 5
WITHIN THE SCOPE OF PRIN PAR methodology uses the voices of the population to identify issues, work on innovations, and incorporates the power of decision makers. Forged forward to identify areas PRIN can influence Used the survey data to understand how shortages are impacting the workforce SRC Meetings became increasingly difficult, so we are doing Walkabouts --- Like a data walk except we take the data to the staff. Refocused on the impact of staff shortages, rather than the cause 6
Percent Agreeing that Shift Freezing Impacts My ________ (Among Those Percent Agreeing that Shift Freezing Impacts My ________ (Among Those Eligible for Shift Freeze). Eligible for Shift Freeze). 100% 100% 93% 93% 89% 89% 90% 90% 80% 80% 70% 70% 60% 60% 50% 50% 40% 40% 30% 30% 20% 20% 10% 10% 0% 0% Job related stress Job related stress Stress in my personal life Stress in my personal life Note: PRIN Staff Survey Results, December 2021 7
Stress is Related to Environment and Climate, Not Structural The stress I feel on my job is related to _________ (Percentages) 70% 65% 61% 56% 60% 53% 50% 43% 40% 38% 40% 33% 30% 30% ENVIRONMENT DUTY RELATED 17% 20% 11% 7% 10% 0% Work environment Staff Interaction Workload Deadlines Total Security Non-Security 8
Consistent with correctional research Correctional officers experience higher Correctional officers experience higher rates of stress related health conditions rates of stress related health conditions Causes of CO stress Causes of CO stress (Correctional Officer Wellness Project) (Correctional Officer Wellness Project) Stress related Stress related condition condition High blood pressure Obesity Diabetes Heart Disease In US In US Among Among CO s CO s 77% 41% 40% 31% 70 60 31% 30% 10% 4% 50 40 30 20 10 0 CALIFORNIA CORRECTIONAL OFFICER WELLNESS PROJECT Administrators, policies, procedures Other Correctional Officers Incarcerated population Other Causes of CO stress Correctional Officer Wellness Project 9
People Working in the Prison Are Supportive of Team Building Activities Promoting and implementing team building activities outside of work would Promoting and implementing team building activities outside of work would improve interactions among people working at the prison improve interactions among people working at the prison 57% 57% 60% 60% 50% 50% 45% 45% 36% 36% 40% 40% 30% 30% 18% 18% 17% 17% 16% 16% 20% 20% 10% 10% 0% 0% Team Building AT Work Team Building AT Work Team Building OUTSIDE of Work Team Building OUTSIDE of Work Total Total Security Security Non-Security Non-Security 10
Morale Building Events and Activities SRC Innovations to Relieve Stress Innovations are centered on improving morale and team building Team Building Events and Activities Physical Wellness Interventions 11
Creating a System Creating a System for Staff Morale for Staff Morale POLICY SUGGESTS POLICY SUGGESTS Appointment of Wellness Leader Formation of a Wellness Committee SRC WILLING TO TAKE ON ROLE Coordinate health related activities Social events Mental health trainings Identify physical health programs 12
SRC Proposed Interventions for Morale and Team Building Team and Morale Building Celebrations Procedures on how/when Being put into place Group Activities Pick-up basketball Starting Soon Physical fitness within HRYCI Food trucks outside Scheduling them- also Prison food events. Updated Fitness Center Working On It 13
PRIN Focus on Climate centered responses can have real impact PRIN CANNOT change the overall structure of the institution or the nature of the work CAN change things that improve the climate and work day and build team morale. (Changes the Culture) Important to interact in non-work related activities that support the overall effort- Create a we that is positive. When You Change the Culture, You Change the Culture For Everyone. 14
Lessons from the Field PRIN model of PAR utilized PAR at the Committee levels for people who live and work in the institutions Steering and Executive committees designed as approval and implementation committees Administration and leadership are part of the culture of the institution. THEY ARE PART OF THE COMMUNITY UNDER STUDY. We plan to include the steering committee further upstream in data interpretation, innovation planning and implementation. 15
