| Four sets of prison literature are addressed using statistical syntheses (i.e., meta- analysis) and narrative review techniques. The areas covered are a) the predictors of prison misconducts, b) treatment programs designed to reduce prison misbehaviours, c) management strategies for managing prisons better, and d) the relationship between length of time served and recidivism. The prediction and treatment results demonstrate a remarkable congruence with what has been found in the offender prediction and treatment literature regarding "what works". Secondly, some strategies are nominated by corrections management experts much more frequently (e.g., strategies directed toward management and inmate) than others. Finally, there is evidence that prisons may be "schools of crime"; length of time served is associated with increased recidivism regardless of the risk level and age of the offenders.
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Updated 05/20/2006