Date of Conferral
4-7-2025
Date of Award
April 2025
Degree
Ph.D.
School
Criminal Justice
Advisor
Marisa Bryant
Abstract
Emergency management in correctional facilities is a critical aspect of institutional safety and security. Natural disasters and public health crises have exposed significant gaps in preparedness, leaving incarcerated individuals and staff vulnerable during emergencies. This qualitative study was conducted to examine prison staff members’ perspectives on the effectiveness of emergency operations plans (EOPs) in responding to natural and human-made disasters. Guided by social vulnerability theory and policy implementation and effectiveness theory, this study employed a phenomenological approach to explore staff experiences. Through 12 in-depth interviews, participants described challenges related to resource limitations, training deficiencies, and breakdowns in communication between agencies. Thematic analysis was used to identify patterns in how staff perceive the strengths and weaknesses of existing emergency management policies. Findings indicate that many correctional institutions lack fully developed or regularly updated EOPs. Staff participants reported inconsistencies in disaster response efforts, inadequate coordination with external agencies, and limited access to training and resources. These challenges contribute to delays in response times and preventable harm to incarcerated individuals. This study highlights the need for policy changes to improve emergency preparedness in correctional settings. Strengthening planning, communication, and staff training can enhance disaster response and safety outcomes. Addressing these issues will help correctional institutions fulfill their ethical and legal responsibilities while ensuring more effective emergency management, which can have implications for positive social change.
Recommended Citation
Chapman, Nyhrie love, "Emergency Operations Plan to Sufficiently Support Prison Disaster Preparedness" (2025). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 17575.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/17575