Corrections in Crisis
Learning from the 2018 Lee Prison Riot
(First Edition)
©2025, 352 pages
Paperback list price: $89.95
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Corrections in Crisis: Learning from the 2018 Lee Prison Riot examines the events surrounding the riot at Lee Correctional Institution in Bishopville, South Carolina, on April 15, 2018, the largest prison riot in 25 years. Utilizing a blend of theory, methodology, and evaluation, the book dissects this incident—a microcosm of broader systemic issues within the United States' criminal justice system—and considers historical, political, and social influences. The narrative guides readers through the complexities of the riot, touching on topics including prison culture, gang violence, mental illness, and the well-being of correctional staff.
The book is structured into three parts across 12 chapters, progressing from the history and background conditions leading up to the riot, through an exploration of its underlying causes, to a consideration of policy solutions. This approach synthesizes theories of punishment, correctional theory, and the reality of prison gangs with a focus on measurable outcomes and evidence-based practices. It includes statistical visuals and case studies to provide context and facilitate understanding of the core concepts and their application. Notably, the book also highlights the lived experiences of inmates who witnessed or were involved in the riot, providing readers with a novel and rare perspective from a key population.
Corrections in Crisis is appropriate for upper-level undergraduate and graduate courses in corrections, as well as for supplemental reading in criminal justice programs.
The book is structured into three parts across 12 chapters, progressing from the history and background conditions leading up to the riot, through an exploration of its underlying causes, to a consideration of policy solutions. This approach synthesizes theories of punishment, correctional theory, and the reality of prison gangs with a focus on measurable outcomes and evidence-based practices. It includes statistical visuals and case studies to provide context and facilitate understanding of the core concepts and their application. Notably, the book also highlights the lived experiences of inmates who witnessed or were involved in the riot, providing readers with a novel and rare perspective from a key population.
Corrections in Crisis is appropriate for upper-level undergraduate and graduate courses in corrections, as well as for supplemental reading in criminal justice programs.
Hayden P. Smith is a professor of criminology and criminal justice at the University of South Carolina. He is a national and international expert on self-injurious and suicidal behaviors occurring in incarcerated populations. Other areas of study include mental health programs in jail and prison, officer wellness and resiliency, the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA), reentry initiatives, and best practices in evaluating corrections-based programs. He holds a Ph.D. in public affairs and an M.A. in criminal justice from the University of Central Florida.
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"Corrections in Crisis is an invaluable resource for policymakers, practitioners, and academics alike. I especially appreciate the comprehensive analysis and practical insights provided in the book, which address pressing issues within the corrections system. I value the detailed case studies and examples that bring the real-world understandings of the greatest challenges confronting the correctional system. I commend Dr. Smith's dedication and expertise in the field, which are evident throughout the book. The proposed strategies for improving rehabilitative programming, reducing recidivism, and enhancing overall system efficiency are both visionary and actionable. Overall, I highly recommend Corrections in Crisis to anyone committed to understanding and improving the corrections landscape. I'm confident Dr. Smith's work will inspire and guide future efforts to create a more just and effective system."
Frank Ferdik, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Austin Peay State University
"I am excited to adopt Dr. Hayden Smith's Corrections in Crisis for my class. The text offers a comprehensive and insightful analysis of the current challenges facing the corrections system, making it an invaluable resource for my students. Dr. Smith's ability to blend rigorous research with practical, pragmatic solutions gives a balanced perspective that is both informative and thought-provoking. The in-depth case studies and real-world examples included in the book will help my students understand the practical implications of the proposed reforms and the importance of evidence-based approaches in the field of corrections. The book's clear and accessible presentation of complex issues makes it suitable for a wide range of learners, from those new to the field to more advanced students. By incorporating Corrections in Crisis into my curriculum, I aim to inspire my students to think critically about the corrections system and to consider innovative solutions for its improvement. Dr. Smith's work will undoubtedly serve as a catalyst for meaningful discussions and a deeper understanding of the corrections landscape."
Creaig A. Dunton, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology, Director of Women’s and Gender Studies Minor, Western New England University
"Corrections in Crisis by Dr. Hayden Smith is a groundbreaking work that addresses many of the pressing issues facing prison systems, in particular, and corrections in general. From the issues of gang influences in prisons to the increasing dependence on staff from vulnerable populations who receive little formal training and make low wages, he outlines many of the issues that underlie potential disorder and the lack of effective rehabilitation in our correctional systems. Dr. Smith's comprehensive analysis and innovative solutions provide a much-needed roadmap for reform. The book's strength lies in its ability to blend rigorous research with practical insights, making it an invaluable resource for policymakers, practitioners, and academics alike. Dr. Smith's expertise and dedication to the field are evident throughout the book. The detailed case studies and real-world examples bring the challenges and opportunities within the corrections system to life. The proposed strategies for improving inmate rehabilitation, reducing recidivism, and enhancing overall system efficiency are both visionary and actionable. Corrections in Crisis is a must-read for anyone committed to understanding and improving the corrections landscape. Dr. Smith's work will undoubtedly inspire and guide future efforts to create a more just and effective system. I highly recommend this book to all those interested in criminal justice reform."
Roberto Hugh Potter, Professor of Criminal Justice, University of Central Florida
"Hayden Smith's Corrections in Crisis: Learning from the 2018 Lee Prison Riot offers a comprehensive and insightful analysis of the systemic issues plaguing correctional institutions in the context of the 2018 Lee Prison Riot. This work is a significant contribution to the corrections field and provides valuable lessons for practitioners and policymakers alike. Smith meticulously details the events leading up to the riot, highlighting chronic understaffing, inadequate mental health care, and the overall neglect of inmate welfare that culminated in the crisis. His thorough examination of these factors underscores the urgent need for reform in correctional facilities to prevent similar incidents in the future. One of the strengths of this work is the emphasis on the human aspect of corrections. By incorporating firsthand accounts from inmates and correctional officers, Smith paints a vivid picture of the daily struggles and systemic failures within the prison system. This approach humanizes these issues and provides a more nuanced understanding of the challenges faced by those within the system. Furthermore, Smith's recommendations for reform are practical and evidence-based. The call for increased staffing, better mental health services, and improved correctional officer training are grounded in the realities of the current system. These recommendations, if implemented, have the potential to significantly improve the conditions within correctional facilities and reduce the likelihood of future crises."
Jill Viglione, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Criminal Justice, University of Central Florida
"In Corrections in Crisis, Professor Hayden Smith delves into the complexities of prison riots, focusing on a U.S. case study while discussing global implications. The book provides a comprehensive analysis of collective violence in U.S. prisons, highlighting the experiences of incarcerated individuals and addressing critical issues of staffing and wellness. Grounded in theory and empirical evidence, it is a crucial read for those in the corrections field."
Dr. Geoffrey Alpert, University of South Carolina
"Corrections in Crisis is not simply a book on a single prison riot in a single state, it is a compelling and comprehensive history of collective violence in U.S. prisons. Professor Hayden Smith effortlessly combines a theoretically rich, empirically grounded assessment of the roots of collective violence with a case study of a prison riot brought to life through foregrounding the voices of incarcerated individuals and their lived experience."
Dr. Natasha A. Frost, Northeastern University
"Professor Hayden Smith writes an eloquent, accessible book that speaks to the realities of the prison riot – a case study – grounded empirically in data yet in a manner that advances theoretical knowledge. A definite page-turner, yet still informs on the crisis of staffing and wellness in prisons. Although a U.S. case study, the book has international relevance and resonates with prison living and working experiences internationally.
Dr. Rosemary Ricciardelli, Memorial University, Canada
Frank Ferdik, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Austin Peay State University
"I am excited to adopt Dr. Hayden Smith's Corrections in Crisis for my class. The text offers a comprehensive and insightful analysis of the current challenges facing the corrections system, making it an invaluable resource for my students. Dr. Smith's ability to blend rigorous research with practical, pragmatic solutions gives a balanced perspective that is both informative and thought-provoking. The in-depth case studies and real-world examples included in the book will help my students understand the practical implications of the proposed reforms and the importance of evidence-based approaches in the field of corrections. The book's clear and accessible presentation of complex issues makes it suitable for a wide range of learners, from those new to the field to more advanced students. By incorporating Corrections in Crisis into my curriculum, I aim to inspire my students to think critically about the corrections system and to consider innovative solutions for its improvement. Dr. Smith's work will undoubtedly serve as a catalyst for meaningful discussions and a deeper understanding of the corrections landscape."
Creaig A. Dunton, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology, Director of Women’s and Gender Studies Minor, Western New England University
"Corrections in Crisis by Dr. Hayden Smith is a groundbreaking work that addresses many of the pressing issues facing prison systems, in particular, and corrections in general. From the issues of gang influences in prisons to the increasing dependence on staff from vulnerable populations who receive little formal training and make low wages, he outlines many of the issues that underlie potential disorder and the lack of effective rehabilitation in our correctional systems. Dr. Smith's comprehensive analysis and innovative solutions provide a much-needed roadmap for reform. The book's strength lies in its ability to blend rigorous research with practical insights, making it an invaluable resource for policymakers, practitioners, and academics alike. Dr. Smith's expertise and dedication to the field are evident throughout the book. The detailed case studies and real-world examples bring the challenges and opportunities within the corrections system to life. The proposed strategies for improving inmate rehabilitation, reducing recidivism, and enhancing overall system efficiency are both visionary and actionable. Corrections in Crisis is a must-read for anyone committed to understanding and improving the corrections landscape. Dr. Smith's work will undoubtedly inspire and guide future efforts to create a more just and effective system. I highly recommend this book to all those interested in criminal justice reform."
Roberto Hugh Potter, Professor of Criminal Justice, University of Central Florida
"Hayden Smith's Corrections in Crisis: Learning from the 2018 Lee Prison Riot offers a comprehensive and insightful analysis of the systemic issues plaguing correctional institutions in the context of the 2018 Lee Prison Riot. This work is a significant contribution to the corrections field and provides valuable lessons for practitioners and policymakers alike. Smith meticulously details the events leading up to the riot, highlighting chronic understaffing, inadequate mental health care, and the overall neglect of inmate welfare that culminated in the crisis. His thorough examination of these factors underscores the urgent need for reform in correctional facilities to prevent similar incidents in the future. One of the strengths of this work is the emphasis on the human aspect of corrections. By incorporating firsthand accounts from inmates and correctional officers, Smith paints a vivid picture of the daily struggles and systemic failures within the prison system. This approach humanizes these issues and provides a more nuanced understanding of the challenges faced by those within the system. Furthermore, Smith's recommendations for reform are practical and evidence-based. The call for increased staffing, better mental health services, and improved correctional officer training are grounded in the realities of the current system. These recommendations, if implemented, have the potential to significantly improve the conditions within correctional facilities and reduce the likelihood of future crises."
Jill Viglione, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Criminal Justice, University of Central Florida
"In Corrections in Crisis, Professor Hayden Smith delves into the complexities of prison riots, focusing on a U.S. case study while discussing global implications. The book provides a comprehensive analysis of collective violence in U.S. prisons, highlighting the experiences of incarcerated individuals and addressing critical issues of staffing and wellness. Grounded in theory and empirical evidence, it is a crucial read for those in the corrections field."
Dr. Geoffrey Alpert, University of South Carolina
"Corrections in Crisis is not simply a book on a single prison riot in a single state, it is a compelling and comprehensive history of collective violence in U.S. prisons. Professor Hayden Smith effortlessly combines a theoretically rich, empirically grounded assessment of the roots of collective violence with a case study of a prison riot brought to life through foregrounding the voices of incarcerated individuals and their lived experience."
Dr. Natasha A. Frost, Northeastern University
"Professor Hayden Smith writes an eloquent, accessible book that speaks to the realities of the prison riot – a case study – grounded empirically in data yet in a manner that advances theoretical knowledge. A definite page-turner, yet still informs on the crisis of staffing and wellness in prisons. Although a U.S. case study, the book has international relevance and resonates with prison living and working experiences internationally.
Dr. Rosemary Ricciardelli, Memorial University, Canada
