Tales from prison: reflections on a decade of offender research

Daniel Briggs

doi:10.1108/17578041111185695

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Tales from prison: reflections on a decade of offender research

Document Information:
Title:	Tales from prison: reflections on a decade of offender research
Author(s):	Daniel Briggs, (Senior Lecturer in Criminology and Criminal Justice in the School of Law, University of East London, London, UK)
Citation:	Daniel Briggs, (2011) "Tales from prison: reflections on a decade of offender research", Safer Communities, Vol. 10 Iss: 4, pp.31 - 35
Keywords:	Offenders, Prisons, Reflections, Research
Article type:	Viewpoint
DOI:	10.1108/17578041111185695 (Permanent URL)
Publisher:	Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Abstract:	Purpose – This paper aims to present the author's reflections on prison research studies undertaken over the last ten years. Design/methodology/approach – Some reflections come from personal diaries while others are lasting memories, which made a significant impact on the author as a young researcher. Findings – The reflections highlight several important aspects of researching prisons: that people in prison may be quite selective about information they disclose if interviewed; that prisons, rather than prisoners, can act as significant barriers for researchers – operationally as well as institutionally; that this why the researcher should try to go beyond “the interview” at all opportunities and look to engage as much as possible with interviewees – even if it means walking around the wing, playing pool with them or seeing their cells. Originality/value – The short paper will be useful for any researchers entering custody with the task of undertaking quick-fire research studies.