Violence Interruption in Prison: Post-Riot Resilience and Institutional Wellness in a High-Risk Environment

Abstract

Prison violence is often managed through staff-led strategies, yet little research examines incarcerated people's role in prevention. This study explores peer-driven violence interruption in a high-security prison after a major disturbance. Drawing on interviews with 24 incarcerated men and ethnographic observation, findings highlight four themes: creation of an alternative unit, continuous “temperature checks,” credibility-based intervention, and structural constraints such as lockdowns and staff mistrust. Violence interruption emerged as a staged, situational process requiring judgment about engagement and withdrawal. The research underscores incarcerated persons as active agents in co-producing safety, and offers implications for correctional policy and peer-led prevention.

Keywords

prison violence peer intervention conflict mediation qualitative research institutional safety

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