In spite of the widespread use of objective classification systems as a tool for effective prison management, little is known about the relationship between the classification label and inmate behavior. This study uses an experimental design to assign inmates to either maximum security (control group)or medium security (experimental group). Inmate disciplinary activity was monitored for a period of 1 year. Results indicate that there is no statistical difference between the experimental and control groups for disciplinary activity. These findings suggest that the classification label may be a determinant of behavior rather than a reflection of inmate characteristics.
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