RT Article
T1 “How are we gonna get them off the drugs if they’re allowed to stay on it?” correctional officer perspectives on Overdose prevention sites in prisons
JF Criminal justice studies
VO 37
IS 1
SP 39
OP 58
A1 Ricciardelli, Rose 1979-
A1 Whitten, Cindy
A1 Johnston, Matthew
A2 Whitten, Cindy
A2 Johnston, Matthew
LA English
YR 2024
UL https://krimdok.uni-tuebingen.de/Record/1881426629
AB Despite growing support for Overdose Prevention Sites (OPS) in global communities, there is less international support for their implementation in prisons. To interpret the contexts shaping positionalities on and challenges associated with OPS in prisons, in the current study, we analyze interpretations of federal correctional officers (COs) in Canada (n = 134) on OPS in prison and associated harm reduction measures. Data were collected through a longitudinal, semi-structured interview research design. Results indicate how many participants support OPS, especially when caveated as a preference over the Prison Needle Exchange Program (PNEP). Still, participants described challenges and complications with OPS policy, implementation, and safety concerns; namely, that OPS hinder correctional rehabilitation, recovery from substance misuse, and effective reintegration post release. While some COs express understanding and support for harm reduction initiatives such as OPS, they called for clear directives and policies, which will support hesitant staff in facilitating this public health measure in prison settings. We untangle policy requirements and raise a number of key questions to support the successful implementation of prison OPS from the perspective of officers, specifically around issues related to needle possession, liability of officers, substance confiscation and the prison economy, and the health and rehabilitation of incarcerated people.
K1 Prisons
K1 Correctional Officers
K1 Harm Reduction
K1 people who use drugs
K1 Overdose prevention sites
DO 10.1080/1478601X.2023.2275795