PolPenEventiCritici-XXIII The prison police facing critical incidents
November 1st, 2023
The PolPenEventiCritici-XXIII survey, titled “The prison police facing critical incidents”, analyzes some of the most significant issues raised in the previous two studies, PolPen XXI and PolPen XXII, using qualitative research methods - specifically, through field observations conducted at three correctional facilities: Ivrea, Torino, and La Spezia. In particular, it delves into the experiences of preventing and managing critical incidents and their impact on the working conditions of prison officers.
The ability to directly observe the operations of the Prison Police in the field has helped to understand the significant impact that a critical incident can have on daily relational dynamics and, more generally, on the well-being of those working in prisons. In particular, a sense of frustration, loneliness, abandonment, and constant alertness were observed among prison staff, elements that directly affect their daily work and operations.
The study also gathered proposals from the officers on how to improve the prevention and management of critical incidents and, more broadly, their working conditions.
The research was promoted by Prof. Roberto Cornelli and the Department of Law at the University of Milano-Bicocca in collaboration with the Regional Office of the Penitentiary Administration for Piedmont, Liguria, and Valle d’Aosta, and it was carried out by Agata Mazzeo, Luca Sterchele, Oriana Binik, Chiara Chisari, Roberto Cornelli, and Lorenzo Natali.