Staff Opinions of Mentally Ill Offenders in a Prison Hospital: Implications for Training and Leadership

Abstract

Information from a staff survey of opinions about working with mentally ill prison inmates was used to enhance staff training and cooperation. The survey analysis used Attribution Theory to link the results with four dichotomous custody-therapy policy models typically applied in criminal justice settings: punishment as incarceration, the traditional medical treatment model, education and habilitation, and reparation as restitution. Security and support staff embraced incarceration and traditional treatment, whereas treatment staff supported habilitation. Within groups, all staff favored habilitation over other policies. Differences and shared opinions were used to improve understanding and cooperation between security and treatment roles.