With research funded by the National Institute of Justice, a research arm of the U.S. Department of Justice, the study followed more than 1,000 federal white-collar offenders over nine years to track their adjustment to incarceration and recidivism.
While most offenders experience a period of initial shock and adjustment difficulties, the study finds that white-collar criminals are, overall, about as successful as other types of offenders at adapting to the prison environment and refraining from future crime.
In some ways, white-collar criminals are uniquely disadvantaged by prison life. They are more likely to be placed in solitary confinement, where they are deprived of human contact and meaningful activity, and they are often targeted for extortion, violence and sexual abuse by other inmates who view them as weak and vulnerable.
On the other hand, most white-collar criminals are older, better educated and in better physical health than other inmates, which may help them to cope with the challenges of prison. They are also more likely to have supportive family and friends on the outside who can provide emotional and financial support.
"Although white-collar offenders certainly don't have an easy time in prison, they are ultimately about as successful as other types of offenders at adjusting to incarceration and refraining from future crime," said Heather Vovak, lead author of the study and assistant professor in the Department of Criminal Justice at the University of Cincinnati.
The study's findings have implications for the management of white-collar criminals in prison. While it is important to ensure the safety of all inmates, it is also important to avoid unnecessarily harsh or restrictive policies that may hinder their adjustment and rehabilitation.
"The findings of this study can help correctional administrators develop more effective policies and programs for managing white-collar offenders in prison," Vovak said. "By understanding the unique challenges and needs of this group of offenders, we can better help them to adjust to prison life and reduce their risk of recidivism."
