On Penitentiary Crime in the Russian Federation: Analyzing Specifics of Crime Commission, Determinants and Problematic Aspects of Prevention
Baumshtein A.B. On penitentiary crime in the Russian Federation: analyzing specifics of crime commission, determinants and problematic aspects of prevention. Penitentiary Science, 2026, vol. 20, no. 2 (74), pp. 142–151. doi 10.46741/2713-2811.2026.74.2.004.
the article is devoted to the comprehensive analysis of penitentiary
crime in the Russian Federation, identification of its features, causes and unresolved
preventive problems in the context of modern reforms of the penal system.
Methods: statistical, systemic, criminological, formal and logical, as well as
the method of comparative legal comparison. The data of official statistics of the
Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia for 2020-2024 are analyzed. The empirical
base consisted of data on 3,829 registered crimes in penitentiary institutions and
612 disciplinary investigations against staff. Results: it has been established that
the stability of penitentiary crime is determined by institutional factors (overload
of institutions, staff shortage, closeness), criminal subculture, and psychological
maladaptation of convicts. The analysis shows that convicts’ violent acts account
for 57% of crimes, and employees’ corruption offenses account for 11%.
Five typical risk profiles for target differentiation of control are identified. Individualized
risk assessment, expansion of psychocorrective programs, development
of re-socialization, open public control and betterment of personnel training
are required. Conclusion: effective reduction of penitentiary crime requires humanization
of the penal system, introduction of personalized preventive models,
comprehensive psychological assistance, openness of institutions and interdepartmental
interaction. The proposed set of measures can be integrated into the
regulations of the Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia without significant costs,
providing a measurable reduction in latency and recidivism by expanding public
monitoring and improving organizational culture.
Keywords: crime; imprisonment; penitentiary system; penitentiary crime; crime prevention; penitentiary crime determinants.
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