What does the research say?
@whatresearchsays.bsky.social
Writer. Criminology researcher. Researching what works and what doesn’t in criminology.
I posted my last article on solitary confinement. It covers some of the research from 2020 and later. Check it out! #criminology #criminaljustice #solitaryconfinement #research
Solitary confinement research part 2: post 2020
What the recent research says about solitary confinement
whatdoestheresearchsay.substack.com
July 11, 2025 at 1:40 AM
I posted my last article on solitary confinement. It covers some of the research from 2020 and later. Check it out! #criminology #criminaljustice #solitaryconfinement #research
Have a look at my latest post summing up the research pre 2020 on the effects of solitary confinement on inmates. #criminology #criminaljustice #solitaryconfinement
Solitary confinement research part 1: pre-2020
There is a vast library of research around solitary confinement and its effects.
whatdoestheresearchsay.substack.com
June 12, 2025 at 2:56 AM
Have a look at my latest post summing up the research pre 2020 on the effects of solitary confinement on inmates. #criminology #criminaljustice #solitaryconfinement
Just read an article researching the rate of behavioural infractions of inmates who were in extended solitary confinement. They found misconduct was way below baseline when inmates were in solitary. Ok, but they don’t account for the fact that of course it’s lower? They’re in solitary with nothing.
May 14, 2025 at 8:20 AM
Just read an article researching the rate of behavioural infractions of inmates who were in extended solitary confinement. They found misconduct was way below baseline when inmates were in solitary. Ok, but they don’t account for the fact that of course it’s lower? They’re in solitary with nothing.
Watching Law and Order really hits different once you start flirting with prison abolition.
May 10, 2025 at 9:09 AM
Watching Law and Order really hits different once you start flirting with prison abolition.
Reposted by What does the research say?
Really interesting thread, on the eugenic history of three-strike laws.
I remember being surprised when I realized that Hayes of Bordenkircher v Hayes was convicted under a 3-strike law that predated the “tough-on-crime” era, but didn’t think more abt it.
There was clearly a lot more abt it.
I remember being surprised when I realized that Hayes of Bordenkircher v Hayes was convicted under a 3-strike law that predated the “tough-on-crime” era, but didn’t think more abt it.
There was clearly a lot more abt it.
I always thought that habitual offender laws and three strikes laws emerged in the 1990s as part of the tough-on-crime era. But then I was looking through old state codes and I saw a three strikes law from 1923. Then I found dozens from around this time, and wondered (naively) what was going on.
May 7, 2025 at 3:03 PM
Really interesting thread, on the eugenic history of three-strike laws.
I remember being surprised when I realized that Hayes of Bordenkircher v Hayes was convicted under a 3-strike law that predated the “tough-on-crime” era, but didn’t think more abt it.
There was clearly a lot more abt it.
I remember being surprised when I realized that Hayes of Bordenkircher v Hayes was convicted under a 3-strike law that predated the “tough-on-crime” era, but didn’t think more abt it.
There was clearly a lot more abt it.
Shame I didn’t learn about this during my degree.
Broken Windows/ Quality of Life policing is making a come back. We should keep in mind it's toxic origins. www.gothamgazette.com/authors/130-...
The Neoconservative Roots of the Broken Windows Theory
Professor Alex Vitale traces the neoconservative roots of Broken Windows policing, a philosophy and practice championed by NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton.
www.gothamgazette.com
May 7, 2025 at 6:14 AM
Shame I didn’t learn about this during my degree.
Absolutely disgusting
What. The. Utter. Fuck
www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
NSW police told woman to remove tampon in illegal strip-search, court hears
Police admit strip-search of Raya Meredith in July 2018 was illegal in a class action being heard in NSW supreme court on behalf of 3,000 alleged victims
www.theguardian.com
May 7, 2025 at 4:19 AM
Absolutely disgusting
Reposted by What does the research say?
It’s interesting that some version of this article haw been written every year since 2011. Shows you the lure of predictive policing. theconversation.com/predictive-p...
Predictive policing AI is on the rise − making it accountable to the public could curb its harmful effects
AI that anticipates where crimes are likely to occur and who might commit them has a troubling track record. Democratic accountability could shine a light on the technology and how it’s used.
theconversation.com
May 6, 2025 at 4:04 PM
It’s interesting that some version of this article haw been written every year since 2011. Shows you the lure of predictive policing. theconversation.com/predictive-p...
Knew this would be crazy expensive but didn’t quite guess $500 per prisoner
May 6, 2025 at 2:28 AM
Knew this would be crazy expensive but didn’t quite guess $500 per prisoner
Reposted by What does the research say?
The Tasmanian government says the closure of the troubled Ashley Youth Detention centre will be delayed until early 2028, instead of the planned time frame of next year.
Breaking: Ashley Youth Detention Centre closure delayed again, to 2028
The Tasmanian government says the closure of the troubled Ashley Youth Detention centre will be delayed until early 2028, instead of the planned time frame of next year.
www.abc.net.au
May 5, 2025 at 1:58 AM
The Tasmanian government says the closure of the troubled Ashley Youth Detention centre will be delayed until early 2028, instead of the planned time frame of next year.
Reposted by What does the research say?
56% of people in state prisons have a mental health problem, yet only 26% have received professional help since entering
Prisons & jails are not made to accommodate serious mental health needs, yet law enforcement & courts continue to respond to mental illness like it’s a crime
Prisons & jails are not made to accommodate serious mental health needs, yet law enforcement & courts continue to respond to mental illness like it’s a crime
May 4, 2025 at 1:15 PM
56% of people in state prisons have a mental health problem, yet only 26% have received professional help since entering
Prisons & jails are not made to accommodate serious mental health needs, yet law enforcement & courts continue to respond to mental illness like it’s a crime
Prisons & jails are not made to accommodate serious mental health needs, yet law enforcement & courts continue to respond to mental illness like it’s a crime
Reposted by What does the research say?
Who Should Care for Incarcerated Seniors? prisonjournalismproject.org/2025/05/01/w...
Who Should Care for the Elderly in Prison?
When prisons double as nursing homes, elder care often comes down to fellow residents. But without training and support, what can we do?
prisonjournalismproject.org
May 4, 2025 at 3:31 PM
Who Should Care for Incarcerated Seniors? prisonjournalismproject.org/2025/05/01/w...
Reposted by What does the research say?
Lynton Ryan, 31, died after being found unresponsive in his cell. His grieving family fear it will be years before they are told how he died.
Grieving mother pleads for answers on how son died in WA jail
Lynton Ryan, 31, died after being found unresponsive in his cell. His grieving family fear it will be years before they are told how he died.
www.abc.net.au
May 4, 2025 at 11:18 PM
Lynton Ryan, 31, died after being found unresponsive in his cell. His grieving family fear it will be years before they are told how he died.
Reposted by What does the research say?
I work outside the university system but use academic papers a lot. I agree with this. I’ve never been refused. And what Jo Wolff says is true. They are grateful to be asked. I wish the system was different but until then don’t hesitate to ask.
Every now again it’s useful to repeat advice about accessing papers that are behind a paywall that excludes you. Email the author. My estimate is that 90% of academics are so thrilled that a living, breathing, possibly even reading, person shows interest that they will swiftly send you a copy.
May 3, 2025 at 8:16 PM
I work outside the university system but use academic papers a lot. I agree with this. I’ve never been refused. And what Jo Wolff says is true. They are grateful to be asked. I wish the system was different but until then don’t hesitate to ask.
Wouldn’t this be very expensive to do?
It's just...an absolute kaleidoscope of the most cruel and also the dumbest also the improbable ideas imaginable.
apnews.com/article/trum...
apnews.com/article/trum...
Trump says he will reopen Alcatraz prison
President Donald Trump says he is directing his government to reopen and expand Alcatraz, the notorious former prison on a California island that has been closed for more than 60 years.
apnews.com
May 5, 2025 at 12:46 AM
Wouldn’t this be very expensive to do?
Reposted by What does the research say?
I can’t stop thinking about this essay reframing “incels” into “vocels” (voluntary celibates) as a way to recognize that men who have chosen to hold violent ideologies about women made an agentic choice.
www.jphilll.com/p/volcels?pu...
www.jphilll.com/p/volcels?pu...
Volcels
Men who are choosing to be alone — whether they realize it or not
www.jphilll.com
May 4, 2025 at 8:16 PM
I can’t stop thinking about this essay reframing “incels” into “vocels” (voluntary celibates) as a way to recognize that men who have chosen to hold violent ideologies about women made an agentic choice.
www.jphilll.com/p/volcels?pu...
www.jphilll.com/p/volcels?pu...
This is not the way to address the issue. It seems like such an escalation.
This is an outrageous policy change. Also, if you’re gonna do this then you gotta do it for drivers, too right? Given those are obviously far far more dangerous vehicles.
nyc.streetsblog.org/2025/05/02/p...
nyc.streetsblog.org/2025/05/02/p...
Policy Change: NYPD Will Write Criminal Summonses, Not Traffic Tickets, for Cyclists - Streetsblog New York City
Quietly, the NYPD has changed policy and will now make criminal cases against cyclists who go through red lights, a change that will have predictable and unpredictable ramifications.
nyc.streetsblog.org
May 3, 2025 at 2:21 AM
This is not the way to address the issue. It seems like such an escalation.
Interesting article. But unfortunately they’re looking at modelling after Queensland tough on crime laws which is just net widening and not working towards rehabilitation.
57 kids 'responsible' for half of youth crime across Tasmania, data shows
Just 57 Tasmanian children are responsible for half of all youth crime in the state, data shows, with a senior police officer saying the "therapeutic" approach won't work for some kids.
www.abc.net.au
May 3, 2025 at 2:10 AM
Interesting article. But unfortunately they’re looking at modelling after Queensland tough on crime laws which is just net widening and not working towards rehabilitation.
Do you think he’ll get paroled?
Youngest Snowtown murderer applies for release on parole
Follow the latest news headlines from Australia's most trusted source. Read in-depth expert analysis and watch live coverage on ABC News.
www.abc.net.au
May 3, 2025 at 2:04 AM
Do you think he’ll get paroled?
New post about supermax prisons, looking at if they achieve their goals. Please check it out and subscribe!
#criminology #criminaljustice #solitaryconfinement #supermax
#criminology #criminaljustice #solitaryconfinement #supermax
Evaluating Supermax Prisons
Solitary confinement was used before the start of the modern prison (early 19th century) and has gone in and out of favour over time.
open.substack.com
May 2, 2025 at 5:32 AM
New post about supermax prisons, looking at if they achieve their goals. Please check it out and subscribe!
#criminology #criminaljustice #solitaryconfinement #supermax
#criminology #criminaljustice #solitaryconfinement #supermax
My first post about the origins of solitary confinement is up. Check it out and please subscribe!
#criminology #criminaljustice #solitaryconfinement
#criminology #criminaljustice #solitaryconfinement
The origins of solitary confinement
The first lot of posts I will make are about solitary confinement.
open.substack.com
April 18, 2025 at 1:40 AM
My first post about the origins of solitary confinement is up. Check it out and please subscribe!
#criminology #criminaljustice #solitaryconfinement
#criminology #criminaljustice #solitaryconfinement
Interesting sentencing, where is all that mercy for the majority of offenders who aren’t high risk either?
Former Australian police officer Kristian White spared jail over death of 95-year-old Tasered in a nursing home | CNN
A former police officer who fatally Tasered a 95-year-old Australian woman after she refused his orders to drop a knife has been spared jail, with the victim’s family decrying the sentence as a “slap ...
amp.cnn.com
March 29, 2025 at 1:32 PM
Interesting sentencing, where is all that mercy for the majority of offenders who aren’t high risk either?
Reposted by What does the research say?
"I had not touched a cat in 15 yrs when an orange kitten wandered over to sit w/me in the grass one day. I was left without adequate words to describe that experience. It reminded me that I am alive. It instilled in me a raw, unbridled happiness that I had never felt before, not even as a child."
When Kittens Came to My Prison, I Had Not Petted One in 15 Years
I had not touched a cat in 15 years when an orange kitten wandered over to sit with me in the grass.
prisonjournalismproject.org
March 24, 2025 at 2:13 AM
"I had not touched a cat in 15 yrs when an orange kitten wandered over to sit w/me in the grass one day. I was left without adequate words to describe that experience. It reminded me that I am alive. It instilled in me a raw, unbridled happiness that I had never felt before, not even as a child."
Super important for politicians to understand Paul is correct. But I have the feeling that politicians will still legislate more of the same which is harming vulnerable and minority people.
Emmy, Peyton, and Grace are PAPA members as well as criminology lecturers. In this article for the Spinoff, they explain the evidence proving that everything Tamatha Paul said about the police is true.
thespinoff.co.nz/politics/28-...
thespinoff.co.nz/politics/28-...
Is Tamatha Paul in ‘la-la land’? Here’s what the evidence says
A history of negative experiences of policing will affect how some communities view the police – and it's crucial that the opinions of these communities are heard.
thespinoff.co.nz
March 27, 2025 at 11:05 PM
Super important for politicians to understand Paul is correct. But I have the feeling that politicians will still legislate more of the same which is harming vulnerable and minority people.
Great brief on juvenile crime
After expansion of adult court jurisdiction subsided, it is reemerging in several states around the U.S. I recently wrote a policy brief focused on these issues. scholars.org/contribution...
March 27, 2025 at 2:56 AM
Great brief on juvenile crime