CONFLICT MANAGEMENT
Nowadays the situation in correctional facilities becomes more and more complicated. It is explained by multiple reasons simultaneously: criminalization of previously non-criminal activities, lengthening of sentences, which consequently lead to overpopulation of prison population.
Mentioned overcrowding of jails and correctional facilities is dangerous not only for the state budget, which bears the burden of funding them, but is also hazardous as criminogenic environment. In other words, there are many internal and external areas, which are likely to trigger potential conflicts with results of unpredictable gravity.
Among the most common external fields of possible conflicts is undoubtedly the lack of contact with other world, which usually turns out to transform into the inability of adaptation with new rapid world for previous prisoners after their release. Moreover, the negative external influence frequently is made by social stereotypes linked with offenders, as even those of them who were completely rehabilitated, face contempt and disrespect, difficulties in the restoring of personal and professional life. All these problematic areas make prisoners more vulnerable; hence, they are more likely to take part in conflicts with this external social circle.
In addition, there are several internal areas, which tend to transform into environment of conflict. To begin with, to such areas undoubtedly belongs the sphere of cohabitation with other prisoners, who frequently represent very different values and ways of expressing themselves. The endless distinctions of people, who are forced to cohabit together under not so favorable conditions and in extremely limited space, usually evoke serious and abusive conflicts – both psychological and physical. The sphere of communication between prisoners and their wardens (prison staff, administration, and other people, who are professionally engaged in working with prisons’ inmates) is also a problematic one, as lack of patience from any side may lead to unpredictable conflicts. Furthermore, there are many points to be considered if researching general causes and solutions to institutional violence, e.g. overcrowding, idleness, presence/ absence of incentives for good behavior, inmate and facility security etc (Carlson, Garrett, 1999).
However, all this hazardous points are able to be managed and effectively resolved if appropriate conflict resolution approaches are enacted. Their importance is irreplaceable for safe environment within correctional facilities as well as for adaption of wrongdoers for normal life in society as law-abiding and successful members. Moreover, the application of professional correctional work will inevitably lead to decrease of crime rate.
Obviously, the most common approach is communication in all diversity of its possible forms – from individual consultations to group meetings. Such form as analysis of conflict consequences with particular parties of this very conflict and professional psychologist (or any other expert in this field) is possible too. To the most effective measure belong also precautionary gatherings, with those prisons’ inmates, who prone to conflicts, as such correctional work in advance is usually more effective than any post factum activities. Apart from common gatherings, the victim-offender mediations are applicable too, when impartial third party encourages parties to direct or indirect communication, deeper understanding and tangible reparation (Foresee Research Group, 2010). Meetings with staff on principles of behavior with prisoners are workable and rather efficient as well.
Additionally, simultaneously with aforementioned approaches, creative methods are desirable to be applied. For instance, there may be some role plays, entertainment programs etc, which propagandize peaceful resolutions of misunderstandings. Another way out is encouragement of art work of prisoners, aimed at alternative resolutions of conflicts, as such activity both develops creative traits of personality and acts as deterrence from misbehaviour. Moreover, genuine letters of apology may be written, which will ease and relieve both victim and offender (Foresee Research Group, 2010).
Different conflict management approaches are the most efficient if used in their variety, as each of them plays very special deterrent role.
Works Cited
1. Foresee Research Group and the National Institute of Criminology. (2010). Resolution of Conflicts Involving Prisoners. Budapest: Muheli.
2. Carlson, P. M., Garrett, J. S. (1999). Prison and Jail Administration: Practice and Theory. Maryland: Aspen Publishers.
