Corrections in Crisis

Hayden P. Smith is a professor of criminology and criminal justice at the University of South Carolina. He is a national and international expert on self-injurious and suicidal behaviors occurring in incarcerated populations. Other areas of study include mental health programs in jail and prison, officer wellness and resiliency, the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA), reentry initiatives, and best practices in evaluating corrections-based programs. He holds a Ph.D. in public affairs and an M.A. in criminal justice from the University of Central Florida.

"Corrections in Crisis is an invaluable resource for policymakers, practitioners, and academics alike. I especially appreciate the comprehensive analysis and practical insights provided in the book, which address pressing issues within the corrections system. I value the detailed case studies and examples that bring the real-world understandings of the greatest challenges confronting the correctional system. I commend Dr. Smith's dedication and expertise in the field, which are evident throughout the book. The proposed strategies for improving rehabilitative programming, reducing recidivism, and enhancing overall system efficiency are both visionary and actionable." Frank Ferdik, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Austin Peay State University "The text offers a comprehensive and insightful analysis of the current challenges facing the corrections system, making it an invaluable resource for my students. Dr. Smith's ability to blend rigorous research with practical, pragmatic solutions gives a balanced perspective that is both informative and thought-provoking. The in-depth case studies and real-world examples included in the book will help my students understand the practical implications of the proposed reforms and the importance of evidence-based approaches in the field of corrections. [...] Dr. Smith's work will undoubtedly serve as a catalyst for meaningful discussions and a deeper understanding of the corrections landscape." Creaig A. Dunton, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology, Director of Women's and Gender Studies Minor, Western New England University "Corrections in Crisis by Dr. Hayden Smith is a groundbreaking work that addresses many of the pressing issues facing prison systems, in particular, and corrections, in general. From the issues of gang influences in prisons to the increasing dependence on staff from vulnerable populations who receive little formal training and make low wages, he outlines many of the issues that underlie potential disorder and the lack of effective rehabilitation in our correctional systems." Roberto Hugh Potter, Professor of Criminal Justice, University of Central Florida "Smith meticulously details the events leading up to the riot, highlighting chronic understaffing, inadequate mental health care, and the overall neglect of inmate welfare that culminated in the crisis. By incorporating firsthand accounts from inmates and correctional officers, Smith paints a vivid picture of the daily struggles and systemic failures within the prison system. This approach humanizes these issues and provides a more nuanced understanding of the challenges faced by those within the system." Jill Viglione, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Criminal Justice, University of Central Florida "The book provides a comprehensive analysis of collective violence in U.S. prisons, highlighting the experiences of incarcerated individuals and addressing critical issues of staffing and wellness. Grounded in theory and empirical evidence, it is a crucial read for those in the corrections field." Dr. Geoffrey Alpert, University of South Carolina "Professor Hayden Smith effortlessly combines a theoretically rich, empirically grounded assessment of the roots of collective violence with a case study of a prison riot brought to life through foregrounding the voices of incarcerated individuals and their lived experience." Dr. Natasha A. Frost, Northeastern University "A definite page-turner, yet still informs on the crisis of staffing and wellness in prisons. Although a U.S. case study, the book has international relevance and resonates with prison living and working experiences internationally. Dr. Rosemary Ricciardelli, Memorial University, Canada