Abstract
The majority of current research on inappropriate relationships between correctional staff and inmates involves a qualitative approach. This study sought to provide a quantitative analysis of these boundary violators by self-report data, which was provided by male inmates in a southern prison system. Building upon research by Allen and Bosta (Games criminals play. Susanville, CA: Rae John Publishers, 1981) and Marquart et al. (Justice Quarterly 18:877–910, 2001) the inmates were divided into two distinct categories: Inmates who indicated “No relationship”, and those inmates who were “boundary violators”. This study examined the differences between these two categories utilizing demographic characteristics, custody level, and attitudes and prison behavior. Significant differences were found in boundary violator attitudes about female correctional officers and the behavior they exhibit in the presence of females.
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Acknowledgments
The authors gratefully acknowledge the assistance and support of countless Texas Department of Criminal Justice employees for making this research possible. The authors also acknowledge the valuable input of staff on local prison units. Finally, we deeply appreciate all of the staff members in executive Services for facilitating this research project in countless ways form beginning to end. This research was coordinated in part with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (Research Agreement #236-R99). The contents of this paper reflect the views of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
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Dial, K.C., Worley, R.M. Crossing the Line: A Quantitative Analysis of Inmate Boundary Violators in a Southern Prison System. Am J Crim Just 33, 69–84 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12103-007-9015-x
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12103-007-9015-x