TYPES AND DETERMINANTS OF VIOLENT CRIMINAL OFFENSES IN PRISONS: CRIMINOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Abstract

The article examines violent crime in penal institutions in Ukraine as a serious and systemic problem, which is largely related to the prison subculture, informal hierarchy among prisoners, and inadequate control by the administrations of the institutions. The author notes that in recent years, Ukraine has seen an increase in the number of cases of torture and ill-treatment in penitentiary institutions. In 2023, the UN Human Rights Office reported systematic violations in places of detention, including torture and inhuman treatment. It is worth noting that a significant number of cases of torture are related to Russian aggression and the occupation of the territories of Ukraine. Overall, the statistics of torture in places of detention remain alarming, indicating the need for increased monitoring to ensure respect for human rights. The author identifies the following main determinants of violent criminal offenses in prisons: socio-psychological, organizational and regime, criminal law, individual, material and household determinants and external criminogenic influences. A general description of the determinants of violent crime in prisons allows us to conclude that this is a multi-level system of interrelated factors that cover both the inner world of the convict and the external environment in which he or she is kept. The combination of personal traits, psycho-emotional state, life experience, conditions of detention, influence of criminal subculture, social isolation, lack of resources and control, as well as the influence of the external environment (including the political, socioeconomic situation in the state, activities of criminal groups, etc.) creates a tense environment. The author concludes that violent crime in places of detention is the result of a complex interaction of many causes and conditions, which can only be overcome through systemic reform of the penitentiary system, taking into account individual, organizational and social aspects.