Prison corruption: an ecological framework

This chapter examines some key dimensions of prison corruption-inappropriate relationships, trafficking and contraband and the misuse of prisoner information. It argues that prison corruption needs to be understood in terms of the ecology of prisons. An ecological approach looks at how corruption arises as a consequence of the interaction of environmental as well as institutional and individual factors. Each form of corruption considered is examined in light of the contribution of these factors. The final section looks at how we might respond to prison corruption in ways that acknowledge this ecology. As well as looking at who, and how officers are recruited, we must also take into account the pressures on their work arising from overcrowding and prisoner populations with complex needs. Officers need support to do the right thing. The roles played by prison administrators, governments and the public are also important in contributing to the operational integrity of modern prisons.