Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine if inmates who participated in the Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP) had a reduction in behavioral misconduct based on archival data (Central Files) contained in the Disciplinary file at California State Prison (CSP) Solano. In addition, it was the purpose of this study to determine if the level of participation (Basic, Advanced, and T4T) in AVP programs indicates differences in misconduct reports. Methodology: This study was a causal-comparative ex post facto design that compared the number of infractions reported in the Central Files of participants in the Alternatives to Violence Project workshops. Data were collected on 195 level II inmates. Data were gathered through information collected from each participant's Central File and attendance statistics retained through the AVP. The AVP files contained names of participants, their CDCR number, educational levels, the date the participant attended the workshop, how many workshops were attended, and ethnicity. All of the data gathered were calculated and categorized. The findings were compared to the literature to ascertain those supported by the literature and identify those not found in the literature. Final findings and arguments derived from the data analysis were presented in a narrative and table format. Findings: When all of the analyses are considered together, it would appear that the AVP workshops are effective in reducing behavioral misconduct for those who previously had disciplinary infractions during their incarcerations and among the more educated inmates. Conclusions: The study data did in part support the hypothesis that attending AVP workshops will reduce the amount or frequency of infractions among inmates housed at CSP-Solano. There was a reduction of inmate behavioral misconduct or violent behavior at CSP-Solano for inmates participating in the AVP program who have previously had disciplinary infractions. Recommendations: Further research is advised. Further research of a more longitudinal nature may be necessary to prove or disprove the effectiveness of reducing behavioral misconduct for all inmates.