More of the Same, Only Worse: COVID-19 and the Administrative Burdens Facing Loved Ones of Incarcerated Men. (14th June 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: McDonald, Alysha D; Berardi, Luca; Tetrault, Justin E C; Haggerty, Kevin D; Bucerius, Sandra M
• Is Part Of: British journal of criminology. Volume 63:Number 2(2023)
• Page Start: 444
• Page End: 460
• Publication Date: 2022-06-14
• Subjects: COVID-19 -- loved ones -- administrative burden -- communication -- bureaucracy; Criminology -- Periodicals; Crime -- Periodicals; Criminal justice, Administration of -- Periodicals; 364.05
• DOI: 10.1093/bjc/azac026
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-0955

Abstract

Abstract: Over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, officials have introduced measures to preserve the health of incarcerated individuals and prison employees. To understand the impact of COVID-related correctional policies on individuals with incarcerated friends and family members, we conducted 181 longitudinal interviews from April 2020 to January 2021 with 29 such 'loved ones.' Participants emphasized concerns about (1) health and safety; (2) unclear, unpredictable and untrusted communications; and (3) diminished personal intimacy. We analyze these findings using an 'administrative burden' framework and discuss possible reforms. We also suggest a wider applicably of this framework for studying individuals who have diverse encounters with the criminal justice system.