SJC Exchange Library

Originally posted by Diana Spahia on 05/17/2024

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To understand the factors driving inequity in jail culture, CUNY ISLG funded Justice System Partners to partner with Wellbeing & Equity Innovations (WEI) through the Safety and Justice Challenge (SJC) Research Consortium to conduct a mixed-methods study in an SJC site using community-based participatory research methods. This study employed a Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) process to uncover policies and practices that perpetuate bias and then develop, implement, and refine interventions that reform these problem areas.

"Change Teams," or workgroups comprised (separately) of jail residents and staff, led this effort, identifying issues and devising recommendations for review other staff, residents, and administrators who were not a part of the workgroups. WEI then suggested an implementation plan to jail leadership to promote action and sustainability of the reforms. Key findings for this project include:

Examples of Perceived Drivers of Racial Inequities

• Staff and incarcerated persons experienced a pervasive sense of injustice within the jail, and members of minoritized groups felt that there was little accountability for staff's racist behavior or misconduct. Conversely, some white staff and residents downplayed or overlooked the existence of racism
• Inequity is compounded by intersectionality. Female residents, particularly female residents of color, felt their specific hygiene and wellness needs were unmet, and residents with disabilities or who spoke languages other than English felt their needs were not considered.
• Power redistribution that is central to racial equity work is complicated in the context of the jail, an environment characterized by powerlessness.

Examples of Proposed Solutions for Achieving Racial Equity

• Increasing Transparency and Accountability: Staff and residents highlighted transparency and accountability as crucial. They recommended appointing an external group to oversee jail operations and handle staff and resident complaints and internal affairs investigations.
• Focus on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI): Recognizing the ongoing need for DEI, staff suggested creating a full-time position dedicated to these efforts within the jail.
• Support for Mental Health: Both staff and residents identified mental health support as critically necessary. Participants noted additional stressors for individuals of color and a comparative lack of prioritization in resource allocation. They emphasized the need for equitable mental health support for staff and programming for residents.

To learn more about this study, visit CUNY ISLG's webpage dedicated to the project here where you can download the full report, methods brief, and implementation guide.

For more information about other SJC Research Consortium projects, visit the newly launched SJC Research Consortium webpage on CUNY ISLG's website.
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Diana Spahia
Senior Research Associate
Institute for State and Local Governance