Publication Date

5-2016

Date of Final Oral Examination (Defense)

3-7-2016

Type of Culminating Activity

Thesis

Degree Title

Master of Arts in Criminal Justice

Department

Criminal Justice

Major Advisor

Danielle J. Murdoch, Ph.D.

Advisor

Laura King, Ph.D.

Advisor

Robert L. Marsh, Ph.D.

Abstract

This study sought to understand how sheriff’s deputies at the Ada County Sheriff’s Office perceived the implementation of a remote video visitation program at the Ada County Jail, as well as what the deputies believed to be the strengths and weaknesses of the system in terms of how it affects their daily job, and inmates and their families. Anecdotal evidence suggests that video visitation can positively impact the work of sheriff’s deputies by decreasing the amount of time they spend processing visitors into the facility and moving inmates around the facility. An exploratory secondary data analysis was conducted by reviewing data collected during interviews with 10 sheriff’s deputies. Five main themes emerged from the data: the challenges of in-person visitation, the transition from in-person visitation to video visitation, the effect the use of video visitation has had on deputies, the effect deputies believe video visitation has had on inmates and their families, and the improvements the deputies hope to see in the future. According to the deputies, the transition from in-person to video visitation was relatively smooth and has taken away most of the visitation responsibilities from the deputies while providing greater access to visitation for inmates and their families. Overall, the sheriff’s deputies reported that they are satisfied with the use of video visitation as a replacement for in-person visitation.

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