Myths and Realities of Prison Violence: A Review of the Evidence

In order to distinguish prison myth from reality, the authors examine both official and unofficial estimates of the violence and disorder in prison, as well the dual issues of whether drug abuse and gang activity in prison can be directly linked to the level of violence and disorder in correctional institutions. Based on this review, current responses to prison violence and disorder are examined; the authors argue that the key to reducing the current level of prison violence and disorder is to determine the appropriate tipping point between formal and informal social control mechanisms. The authors conclude by highlighting three distinct strategies for reducing violent incidents in prisons: (1) demand transparency, (2) require evidence-based practice, and (3) implement innovative measures of prison performance and quality.     

Dissent and Strategic Leadership of the Military Professions

One of the central difficulties to a right understanding of American civil-military relations is the nature of the U.S. military. Are our armed forces just obedient bureaucracies like most of the Executive branch, or are they vocational professions granted significant autonomy and a unique role in these relationships because of their expert knowledge and their expertise to apply it in the defense of America? To a large measure, the answer to this question should determine the behavior of the strategic leaders of these professions, including the uncommon behavior of public dissent. Using the “Revolt of the Generals” in 2006 as stimulus, the author develops from the study of military professions the critical trust relationships that should have informed their individual decisions to dissent. After doing so, he makes recommendations for the restoration of the professions’ ethic in this critical area of behavior by the senior Officers who are the professions’ strategic leaders.     

South Africa: Touched by the vengeance of AIDS 1

The HIV/AIDS epidemic in South Africa is at a critical phase. Until now, the spread of HIV/AIDS has not been controlled, and the government has yet to adopt a coherent policy. The National AIDS Plan, developed in 1994, is largely unimplemented, despite having been praised as an innovative programme. Complicating the situation are the politics between government and various non‐governmental organisations (NGOs) over the control of resources on one hand, and the control of turf on the other. Perceived incompatibilities in agendas cause infighting between NCOs themselves and between NCOs and government. A successful HIV/AIDS policy in South Africa must include the efforts of government, NCOs and communities.