Exploring stakeholder perceptions of locating prisons in communities

1. Exploring stakeholder perceptions of locating prisons in communities Beverly-Jean Daniel, Ph.D., Jeanine Webber, Ph.D., RSW, Amber Kellen B.S.W. & The John Howard Society – Toronto, Daniel Fowler, David Morales, & Camelia Plummer, School of Social and Community Services

2. Agenda

4. Project Overview • This joint research project between Humber College and the John Howard Society – Toronto, focused primarily on: • Conducting a preventative needs assessment to determine the impact of locating the Toronto South Detention Centre within the local South Etobicoke community • Identifying the preventative options that can be introduced to address stakeholder concerns • Determining actual safety concerns versus the subjective concerns of stakeholders to identify strategies for reducing the concerns amongst the stakeholders.

5. Methods • This research project utilized a mixed method approach, including: • Questionnaires • Focus groups • Community meetings • Quantitative data analysis using Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) • Qualitative data analysis – Grounded Theory Approach

6. Sample • Sample : 203 Respondents • Humber Students (n=80) • Residents (n=53) • Humber Staff (n=28) • Business Owners (n=23) • School Officials (n=10) • Social Agencies (n=9)

7. Results • The respondents indicated that they anticipate that there would be a reduction in the value of properties in the neighbourhood.

8. Results • The respondents also indicated that their perception of the neighbourhood would be significantly worse once the detention centre is opened.

9. Results • The respondents, particularly women, believed that the neighbourhood would become less safe when the detention centre opens.

10. Results • The following quotes highlight the respondents request for a heightened police and security presence to help reduce identified risk and safety concerns: • Respondent: “More police patrol, neighborhood watch, more cameras (CCTV)” • Respondent:“Better security; lighting at night, cameras & increased security presence”

11. Results • The following quotes highlight the respondents concern about the well-being of the releasees and support reintegration programs: • Respondent: “Communities to provide employment opportunities, educational opportunities, recreation opportunities, transitional help for inmates to the community” • Respondent: “Support groups, mental health support, drugs and alcohol supports, life skills support”

12. Limitations • With our research project there are two key limitations to the study: • Sample may not be fully representative of each of the stakeholder groups given small sample size for each group • Detention centre not yet operational therefore no comparison data available to identify differences between anticipated and real differences in neighbourhood safety, reputation, property rates etc.

13. Future Directions • There are several future indications for this research project: • Expand the study to include a larger and more representative population sample • Develop a longitudinal study that will facilitate the examination of the theorized versus the actual impact of the prison • Conduct an assessment on the efficacy of the development of a reintegration hub (as proposed by the John Howard Society – Toronto) and the resulting impact on the real differences in the area – real estate values; conception of the neighbourhood, etc.