This paper addresses the serious problem of prison riots and investigates the various factors that contribute to their emergence. While it underscores that inadequate living conditions are the primary catalyst, it also analyzes additional factors such as stringent policies, overcrowding, trial delays, the denial of parole for the prisoners awaiting trial, restrictions on family visits, abrupt discontinuation of available facilities for inmates, insufficient medical care, lack of rehabilitation and mental health resources, and the delivery of inadequate or contaminated food in unhygienic environments.

The situation is exacerbated by the severe measures employed by prison authorities, which intensify tensions. The violent March 2020 riot at Dum Dum Correctional Home in West Bengal, which resulted in casualties, exemplifies these pressing concerns. The paper calls for heightened awareness and action to address critical issues in correctional facilities, emphasizing the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment while advancing meaningful reforms. A compassionate approach is crucial for addressing the basic needs in prisons. This involves dealing with overcrowding, improving infrastructure, constructing new facilities, providing parole options for undertrial inmates, ensuring comprehensive medical services for addiction and mental health issues, and boosting staffing levels.
 
Introduction:
A prison or jail riot is a disruptive and violent incident that takes place inside a correctional institution. It usually involves many inmates flouting rules and causing property damage, often clashing violently with one another or with prison personnel. Controlling such scenarios poses a significant difficulty in preserving order and safeguarding the well-being of all individuals present within the facility. The chaos of a riot can escalate quickly, making it imperative for authorities to respond swiftly and effectively to restore calm.

The American Correctional Association's manual on the Causes, Preventive Measures, and Control Methods for Prison Riots and Disturbances describes a prison riot as an incident where a group of inmates might attack a staff member, damage state property, unite to resist authority, refuse to return to their designated cells or wards, or partake in any actions that disrupt the smooth functioning of the facility (1970:87). These situations can quickly become significant challenges for prison management and safety, highlighting the need for effective prevention and control strategies.
 
Prison riots can occur for various reasons, including overcrowding, poor living conditions, inmate conflicts, lack of resources, mistreatment by staff, or dissatisfaction with institutional policies. While the specific triggers may vary from one riot to another, they often stem from deeper issues within the prison system.
 
The nature of prison riots can differ greatly. In certain instances, inmates may release manifestos, while in others, they may behave like an uncoordinated mob. Some riots feature inmates turning on one another, while others are marked by organized political motives or demands. Conversely, there are riots with disarrayed leadership and internal conflicts resulting in violence. In particular situations, prisoners may cause harm to hostages, but in others, they may care for hostages by providing them with food and bedding, and there are cases where inmates abstain from taking hostages altogether, even when the option arises (A Theory of Prison Riots, Bert Useem and Peter A Kimball, Department of Sociology, University of Illinois at Chicago, January 1987).
 
The aftermath of a prison riot can be dire, resulting in injuries or fatalities for both inmates and staff, escapes, extensive property destruction, and major interruptions to the institution's regular functions. Effectively managing and resolving these disturbances necessitates a collaborative approach that includes prison officials, police, inmates, and occasionally, outside organizations. The complexity of these situations demands prompt and organized action to restore order and ensure the safety of all individuals involved. By working together, the various parties can help mitigate the damages and prevent future incidents, fostering a more secure environment within the correctional facility.
2. Key Issues:
 
The safety of prison personnel, inmates, and surrounding communities, coupled with the financial consequences of prison riots, highlights the essential need for effective prevention and management of such events. Significant issues include the management and command protocols during disturbances, racial dynamics in the correctional setting, planning and renovating facilities, staffing guidelines, and methods to enhance personnel resources during riots. Addressing these concerns is vital to ensure the well-being of all involved and to mitigate the adverse effects associated with violent outbreaks within correctional institutions. Proactive strategies are necessary to maintain order and foster a secure environment.
 
Literature Review: 
According to Useem and Kimball (1989:4), a prison riot occurs when authorities lose control over a large segment of the inmate population for a significant duration within a specific area of the facility. Riots can take place in various settings, making it challenging to pinpoint and prioritize the factors contributing to a specific incident (Adams, 1994:195). Common factors identified in case studies of prison riots suggest that "Attica is every prison, every prison is Attica."
 
Coyle (1991:141) discusses prison riots in Scotland during the late 1980s, noting that no single cause can be identified. Instead, multiple contributing factors often align, with one catalyst triggering the disturbance.
 
As a result, both scholars and practitioners have acknowledged the inevitability of prison riots (Adams, 1994). In their analysis of American prison riots, Useem, Camp, and Camp (1996:16) found that even thorough planning cannot prevent all incidents. Freeman (1996:11) states that emergency planning must operate under the assumption that crises can happen unexpectedly. Therefore, the only reliable way to prevent riots may be to implement a secure environment akin to a "lock-down," a strategy largely opposed by many prison professionals in Europe and North America.
 
Numerous studies on prison riots highlight poor conditions as a factor, yet such conditions aren't solely responsible. Some prisons with dire conditions have avoided riots, while others with recent improvements faced disturbances. Post-World War II, North American prisons improved, yet this era also saw a rise in riots and hostage incidents.
 
Despite being prominent in media and having serious consequences, research on prison riots remains limited, as indicated by Wilsnack (1976), Useem and Kimball (1989), and Adams (1994). Martin and Zimmerman (1994) point out the lack of agreement among various theories regarding riots. Wallack (1953) suggests that riots can serve a necessary purpose in confronting inhumane treatment, although some argue that such actions shouldn't be needed. He believes riots address the harsh realities of penal institutions.
 
Ohlin (1956) notes that prison riots often provoke increased public concern. There is a strong correlation between prison violence and inmates’ mental health issues, particularly in the U.S., where such incidents are on the rise, partly due to the confinement of mentally disturbed inmates in harmful settings (Toch & Kupers, 2007). Research shows that overcrowding is linked to higher violence and suicide rates (Paulus, 1988; Thornberry & Call, 1983).
 
Statistically, inmates with emotional disturbances or those receiving mental health services are more prone to violent behavior (Ditton, 1999; James & Glaze, 2006; Toch & Adams, 2002). The importation model focuses on how inmates’ backgrounds and social connections influence their behavior, while recent studies emphasize the importance of specific social and environmental factors in prisons (Bottoms, 1999).
 
Boin and Van Duin (1995) examine the riots that took place at the Attica and New Mexico prisons, proposing a distinct relationship between the quality of living conditions and the frequency of riots. Barak-Galantz (1983) defines a riot as an event involving many inmates resulting in significant destruction, a view echoed by Mark Colvin (1982).
 
Vernon Fox (1973) notes that U.S. prison riots from 1940 to 1970 typically involve violence and chaos, with scholars agreeing that they encompass violence and property damage. Contributing environmental factors can include overcrowding, idleness, insufficient resources, and poor administrative practices (American Correctional Association, 1981; Barak-Galantz, 1985; Dillingham & Montgomery, 1985). Ohlin (1956) also cites harmful decentralization of authority among riot-prone institutions.
 
A crucial aspect of any prison system is its operation with the implicit consent of inmates (Clemmer, 1940; Sykes, 1958; Mattick, 1972; Irwin, 1980). Inmates could potentially seize control if they choose to take that risk, particularly in environments where a small supervisory staff oversees a large inmate population, leading to the development of an informal inmate hierarchy and social structure.
 

Jail Breaks/Escapees/Clashes/Riots in Indian Prisons:

In 2022, India saw a notable surge in prison escapes, with a total of 257 inmates breaking free from their confinement. Out of these:

• 98 individuals escaped from police custody
• 159 evaded the judicial system

Fortunately:

• 113 fugitives were successfully recaptured during the year
• There were 4 recorded jailbreak incidents
• 45 clashes or riots occurred inside correctional facilities

State-wise clashes:

• Punjab: 27 incidents
• Maharashtra: 7 incidents
• Haryana: 6 incidents

Consequences:

• 115 individuals were injured (106 prisoners and 9 jail staff members)
• 1 inmate died
• No incidents of gunfire were reported in prisons nationwide

(Source: Prison Statistics India, 2022, BPR&D, New Delhi)

The reasons for jailbreaks, escapes, clashes, and riots in Indian prisons include:

• Overcrowding and cramped living conditions
• Poor prison management and corruption
• Inadequate staffing and outdated infrastructure
• Harsh treatment from prison staff
• Limited access to necessities and judicial delays
• Gang rivalries and external criminal influences
• Lack of effective rehabilitation programs

Addressing these issues requires comprehensive prison reform efforts.

Causes of Prison Riot:

• Overcrowding leads to competition for resources and unrest
• Substandard food, lack of contact with family, poor medical care, and unsanitary conditions
• Gang violence and internal power struggles
• Staff mistreatment and excessive use of force
• Restrictive policies regarding family visits
• Presence of contraband such as drugs and weapons
• Poor communication between inmates and authorities
• Delays in court proceedings and parole
• Communal tensions and lack of grievance redressal

(Clockwise from top) Smoke billows out of the Dumdum Correctional Home; debris being cleared after the incident; an inmate struggles with cops on 21 March 2020, (Source: Times of India).

Some Instances of Prison Riots:

• Carandiru Massacre (1992) - São Paulo, Brazil:
  Police intervention after a gang fight led to 111 inmate deaths and 37 injuries in a riot involving 2,069 prisoners against 15 guards.
• La Sabaneta Prison Riot (1994) - Maracaibo, Venezuela:
  At least 108 inmates died due to poor conditions and gang rivalries. Some sources report over 150 fatalities.
• Pulau Senang Settlement (1963) - Singapore:
  A riot led to the deaths of the superintendent and three officials. The trial ended in 18 murder convictions.
• New Mexico State Penitentiary Riot (1980) - Santa Fe, USA:
  Inmates killed 33 fellow prisoners, injured over 200 others, and held 12 officers hostage. Seven officers were seriously injured.

 
Dumdum Central Correctional Home (2020) - West Bengal, India:
On March 21, inmates at Dum Dum Central Jail clashed with officials using makeshift weapons amid frustrations over COVID-19 restrictions. The unrest led to 5 reported deaths, 28 injuries, and extensive property damage, including an attempted prison break and fire-setting, prompting a large police response. The facility, meant for 3,000 inmates, housed approximately 3,900, exacerbating tensions. These events highlight the volatility and consequences of prison uprisings across different contexts.
 
The riot at Dumdum Correctional Home stemmed from a combination of systemic issues and specific triggering events. A pivotal factor, in my opinion, was an unexpected directive from higher authorities that revoked visitation rights for inmates, severing their ties with family members waiting outside. This abrupt change incited considerable emotional turmoil and frustration among the prisoners.
 
Firefighters try to put out a fire at Dum Dum Correctional Facility on March 21, the first day of a two-day standoff between inmates and security personnel| PTI
 
Additionally, the facility was plagued by severe overcrowding, housing nearly four thousand inmates in an environment ill-equipped to manage such numbers. This situation was further exacerbated by the fact that approximately 75% of the population were undertrial prisoners who were not granted parole during the COVID-19 pandemic, as per existing rule, while convicted inmates enjoyed temporary releases.
 
The poor infrastructure of the correctional home compounded these issues, making it difficult to maintain basic living standards and escalating tensions among the inmates. The suspension of regular court hearings during the pandemic intensified frustrations, particularly for undertrial prisoners, who felt trapped in a stagnant legal situation, leading to profound feelings of helplessness and anger.
 
In this context, the sudden termination of prisoner-family meetings became a critical flashpoint that ignited the unrest. The inability to connect with loved ones during such a traumatic and uncertain period likely pushed existing frustrations to a breaking point, resulting in a violent rebellion. This incident underscores the urgent need for effective communication and support systems for prisoners, especially in times of crisis, to prevent such escalations from occurring.
 
Lessons Learnt from The Riot at Dumdum Correctional Home:
 The uprising at the Dumdum Correctional Home provides several vital lessons for prison administration and the broader correctional system. These lessons underscore the importance of proactive measures, transparent communication, and systemic reforms to mitigate the chances of such incidents occurring in the future.

• Importance of Effective Communication and Understanding Inmate Needs: Sudden and unilateral decisions, such as the abrupt cancellation of visitation rights, can lead to emotional distress and escalate tensions. Maintaining open lines of communication about any policy changes, along with offering alternatives like virtual family visits during crises, could help prevent unrest. It is essential for prison authorities to recognize the importance of maintaining inmates' connections with their families, particularly during challenging periods, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
   
• Tackling Overcrowding Issues: The issue of severe overcrowding was a significant factor in the Dumdum riot, as the facility held 3,900 inmates while its designed capacity was only 3,000. This overpopulation exacerbates tensions, complicates effective inmate management, and worsens living conditions. Urgent measures must be implemented to address overcrowding, including expediting trials, expanding parole options, and considering alternative sentencing for non-violent offenders.
   
• Ensuring Fair Parole Policies: The disparity in the treatment of convicted prisoners granted temporary parole, in contrast to undertrial prisoners who comprised 75% of the inmate population, created feelings of unfairness and resentment. It is crucial to revise parole policies to promote equity and consistency, particularly during emergencies, to prevent divisions among the inmate population.
   
• Infrastructure Enhancements: The recent unrest was primarily driven by inadequate infrastructure, as substandard facilities fail to provide the essential conditions for humane living. To avert similar incidents and safeguard the well-being of inmates and staff alike, it is imperative to invest in modernizing prisons, improving sanitation, and enhancing security protocols.
   
• Ongoing Judicial Proceedings: The disruption of court hearings during the pandemic left numerous undertrial detainees in a troubling legal limbo. It is essential to maintain consistent access to the judicial system, even in times of crisis. Implementing virtual court sessions could serve as an effective solution to address this concern.
   
• Preventive Conflict Resolution Strategies: The recent riot underscores the importance of recognizing and addressing inmate grievances before they escalate into violence. Establishing grievance resolution mechanisms and engaging trained counsellors to mediate disputes while providing psychological assistance can significantly mitigate the risk of conflict.
   
• Learning from International Incidents: Analyzing incidents like the La Sabaneta Prison Riot in Venezuela underscores the global repercussions of ignoring prison conditions. The Dumdum riot starkly illustrates the grave consequences that can arise when problems such as overcrowding, insufficient infrastructure, and poor management are disregarded. These events serve as critical reminders that failing to address the realities within correctional facilities can lead to significant unrest and violence. The implications extend beyond individual prisons, emphasizing the urgent need for reform in the prison system to ensure safety and improve living conditions for inmates worldwide. Recognizing and addressing these issues is essential for preventing future crises.

Leveraging these insights, prison officials can create a more empathetic and effective correctional framework. This approach aims to minimize the risk of future disturbances while promoting an atmosphere that supports rehabilitation and enhances safety. By prioritizing understanding and improvement within the system, authorities can address the root causes of unrest, leading to a more harmonious environment for inmates and staff alike. Ultimately, fostering a culture of compassion and efficacy within correctional facilities not only benefits the individuals incarcerated but also contributes to the overall safety and integrity of society as a whole.
 

Dumdum Prison Riot, 21 March 2020 (Source: Times of India)

The findings from the executive inquiry into the riot at the Dumdum correctional facility have not yet been made public. As a result, I am unable to provide any specific details from the report pertaining to this incident. The absence of available findings restricts my capacity to communicate any insights or conclusions drawn from the investigation. Until the official release of these findings occurs, I am unable to furnish further information regarding the event or its related contexts. Consequently, I await any updates that may allow for public disclosure. My analysis is based on my own research, a survey of relevant literature, reports from both print and digital media, as well as my personal experiences and conversations with officials from the prison department who observed and experienced the riot firsthand.
 
Tackling Prison Riots: 
An essential strategy for effective riot control in prisons is fostering open communication between inmates and officers. Trained negotiators can employ de-escalation techniques to promote peace during disturbances.
 
In the event of a riot, implementing emergency response plans is crucial for ensuring safety. Collaboration between law enforcement and emergency services, including specialized teams, is vital. A successful method for managing violence involves isolating rioters by sealing off affected areas while containing other sections.
 
Rather than resorting to excessive force, it is better to utilize non-lethal methods and seek assistance from fellow correctional and police officers, particularly those with specialized training. If necessary, a third-party mediator can facilitate fair negotiations. Addressing underlying issues like overpopulation and substandard living conditions is also critical for long-term stability.
 
Following an incident, a thorough review can reveal shortcomings in prison management, paving the way for comprehensive reforms and improved crisis intervention training for staff. Regular drills will better prepare personnel for proactive responses, and collaboration among prison officials, police, and stakeholders is essential for an effective response.
Preparation should involve designing comprehensive riot plans and establishing a command structure. Training programs must include strategic tactics and mental readiness, focusing on effective monitoring by trained staff and differentiating between types of unrest.
 
Conflict resolution can be achieved through both direct force and patient negotiation. After a riot, it's essential to enhance staff morale, provide emotional support, and learn from past experiences to refine security strategies.
 
Prevention of Prison Riots: 
Throughout my more than four years of service as the Special Inspector General, followed by my role as Inspector General of Police in the prisons department of West Bengal, I engaged in numerous in-depth discussions with experienced colleagues regarding critical matters related to the custody and treatment of prisoners.

From these conversations, a common understanding emerged: the utmost importance of fostering a tranquil environment within prisons. Ensuring order is vital, not only to fulfill public expectations but also to establish a supportive setting that promotes rehabilitation initiatives. In the absence of peace, it becomes exceedingly challenging to engage productively with inmates and facilitate their reintegration into society.
 
We noted a significant mistake by some prison authorities regarding their method of suddenly dismantling the semi-official self-governing systems in overcrowded prisons, where inmate numbers have become unmanageable. These semi-official systems serve as informal mechanisms of control and oversight, often directed by influential inmates, and frequently receive implicit backing from prison staff. Such governance structures typically arise in facilities beset by overcrowding and inadequate management, where insufficient staffing and limited resources hinder the formal administration's capacity to maintain discipline and order. The abrupt removal of these informal systems can exacerbate existing challenges in these struggling institutions.
 
While the choice to eliminate these semi-official self-governing structures may seem reasonable, a more cautious approach would be to involve key staff members and important prisoners in the transition, ensuring there are sufficient prison officers to manage the large inmate population before starting the process of dismantling the previous system, particularly in central prisons. Including prisoners in the process of dismantling the old system could facilitate a more seamless and beneficial outcome. By upholding a secure prison environment and closely supervising influential inmates, authorities can mitigate the chances of future disturbances. This strategy would create a regulated atmosphere that minimizes the risk of predatory behavior among inmates while improving formal governance and oversight.
 
To promote a peaceful atmosphere, improving living conditions in prisons is essential. This involves alleviating overcrowding through the construction of additional facilities and increasing the capacity of current ones. It is vital to provide sufficient medical and mental health care and to treat all inmates with respect. Measures should also be implemented to reduce misconduct by prison staff, coupled with adjusting staffing levels according to the inmate population. Furthermore, ensuring access to nutritious food, clean drinking water, and proper bathing facilities is critical for maintaining the well-being of all individuals in prison.
 
Improving communication between inmates and officials is crucial. This includes organizing regular personal and digital meetings for prisoners with their family members, offering quality free legal aid for those who cannot afford it, and allowing fines to be paid on behalf of low-income prisoners. Additionally, establishing recreational facilities, creating more open prisons for both genders, and facilitating regular family visits are important steps. Finally, ensuring timely court hearings and treating undertrial prisoners with the same privileges as convicts, such as the possibility of parole, would greatly enhance prison security.
 
Post Prison Riot Steps: 
When a riot occurs in a jail, the immediate priority is to restore order and prevent future incidents. This can be achieved by implementing strict security protocols, such as confining inmates to their cells, conducting thorough searches for contraband, and keeping track of each prisoner's whereabouts. Urgent medical responses are essential, including the swift evacuation of individuals needing advanced care.
 
A crucial component of dealing with the aftermath of the riot is conducting a thorough investigation that includes interviews with inmates and staff members. It is essential to identify and hold accountable those inmates involved in the violence, while also examining any instances of staff misconduct or mismanagement. Additionally, offering counseling and support is imperative to create an environment that promotes healing and recovery for all affected individuals. This multifaceted approach aims to address accountability, ensure justice, and facilitate a path toward rebuilding trust and restoring a sense of safety within the facility.
 
To effectively tackle the underlying causes of unrest, significant reforms in the prison system are needed. This includes addressing overcrowding issues and ensuring rehabilitation programs are in place. Maintaining open lines of communication among prison staff and all parties involved is essential during this transition. Additionally, emergency plans should be reviewed, and staff should receive training in crisis management, conflict resolution, and de-escalation techniques.
 
To ensure that reforms are enduring, it is crucial to ground them in comprehensive analysis and to maintain ongoing evaluation of their effectiveness. By identifying emerging challenges and implementing proactive strategies, the aim should be to foster an environment that emphasizes rehabilitation and security. Through the thoughtful execution of these organized approaches, the correctional facility can develop a solid plan for restoring stability after any disruptions. Continuous oversight combined with strategic planning will ultimately support the overarching goal of creating a safer and more rehabilitative atmosphere for all involved.
 
Conclusion: 
Prison riots highlight a significant issue surrounding the instability in correctional facilities, primarily stemming from overcrowding, poor living conditions, and instances of abuse among inmates and between staff and inmates. To protect the welfare of all individuals involved, it is crucial to address the root causes and introduce solutions aimed at preventing future disturbances. Effective preventive measures should focus on reducing overcrowding, building new correctional facilities, increasing staff numbers, and ensuring fair treatment of inmates.

Moreover, it is essential to enhance rehabilitation programs, provide treatment for drug addictions and mental health issues, facilitate bail for those awaiting trial, and expand opportunities for open prisons. A comprehensive strategy is necessary, balancing the management of conflicts with the need to confront the underlying issues of unrest. This perspective is supported by Austin MacCormick's statement that meaningful prison reform can only be achieved through systemic improvements in the prison environment. By implementing these strategies, we can work towards a safer and more humane correctional system that benefits both inmates and staff.
 
References:

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Written By: Md.Imran Wahab, IPS, IGP, Provisioning, West Bengal
Email: imranwahab216@gmail.com, Ph no: 9836576565