Prison Violence, a staff perspective: An initial exploration of the identified themes within adult male prisons within the Midlands Region

Bushell, Ashley Stephen ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5967-2069 (2025) Prison Violence, a staff perspective: An initial exploration of the identified themes within adult male prisons within the Midlands Region. In: Criminal Justice and Society: Diverse Perspectives on Crime and Solutions, 16th May 2025, University of Worcester. (Unpublished)

Abstract

This paper reflects of the difficulties and insights of an experienced offending manager, applying an insider perspective to prison violence. Prison violence is an epidemic. Violence of the years has significantly increased, and prisons are reported to be getting worse. This research explores the normalisation and acceptance of violence amongst prison staff.

The researcher underpins the acceptance and normalisation of violence, the shared experience faced by prison staff, vicariously and physically. The research will discuss the interpretation from a dual approach of violence management from a prison operational perspective and that of academia.

The research is being collected within adult male prisons in the Midlands Geographical area. Data collection will be analysed utilising a thematic analysis approach. Some initial themes have begun to present.

The paper contributes to broader discussions within criminology on the importance of reflexivity, reflective practice and the link between academia and practice, particularly at a time where prisons are facing significant challenges and increasing violence levels.

It is established within prisons, that violence is part of the prison make-up. However, the response and acceptance of violence is dependent, the paper will aim to discuss and critique the intersections of the constructed prison environment and its linked to increased violence and risk behaviour.

The casual link between academic perspectives on prison violence and the lived experience connects the practice and academic perspectives through an identified pracademic lens.

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