| Title: | Between formal control and relational support : explaining prison security climate in Serbia |
|---|
| Authors: | ID Milićević, Milena (Author) |
|---|
| Files: |  RAZ_Milicevic_Milena_2026.pdf (723,57 KB)
MD5: F8A4A341E6E346D3E8D2B727EE2F759B
 https://www.fvv.um.si/rv/arhiv/2026/2026-07-Milicevic-E.html
|
|---|
| Language: | English |
|---|
| Work type: | Scientific work |
|---|
| Typology: | 1.01 - Original Scientific Article |
|---|
| Organization: | FVV - Faculty of Criminal Justice and Security
|
|---|
| Abstract: | Purpose: The study examined how institutional factors and perceived support from staff and inmates predict security-related dimensions of the Measuring the Quality of Prison Life (MQPL) framework among male prisoners in Serbia. The aim was to identify institutional and relational factors that shape perceptions of safety, adaptation and order in a Southeast European prison context. Methods: Data were collected from 525 male prisoners (mean age 40 years) across four prisons. A series of standard multiple regression analyses was conducted with prison regime (closed/semi-open), extended cell lockdown, disciplinary measures, and perceived support from treatment staff, security staff, and inmates as predictors of five MQPL-based security-related outcomes. Findings: Prison regime and support from security staff consistently predicted all security-related MQPL outcomes. Semi-open regimes and greater perceived support from security staff were associated with more favourable perceptions of safety, adaptation, and institutional order. Extended cell lockdowns negatively affected adaptation and safety. Support received from prisoners and treatment staff contributed positively across several models. Research Limitations/Implications: Findings rely primarily on self-report data and only reflect individual-level perceptions. The sample comprised male prisoners, limiting generalisability to women, juveniles, or open-type institutions. Future research should incorporate multilevel analyses and broader populations. Practical Implications: Results show the need to reduce reliance on closed regimes, minimise extended lockdowns, and strengthen staff training focused on communication, relationship-building, and proactive problem-solving. Originality: As the first empirical evidence on predictors of prison security climate in Serbia, the article addresses a major geographical gap and offers context-specific insights concerning prison management and policy development. |
|---|
| Keywords: | prison climate, security, MQPL framework, Serbia, perceived support |
|---|
| Publication status: | Published |
|---|
| Publication version: | Version of Record |
|---|
| Publication date: | 29.05.2026 |
|---|
| Year of publishing: | 2026 |
|---|
| Number of pages: | str. 1-25 |
|---|
| Numbering: | Vol. 28 |
|---|
| PID: | 20.500.12556/DKUM-98276  |
|---|
| UDC: | 343.81(497.11) |
|---|
| ISSN on article: | 2232-2981 |
|---|
| COBISS.SI-ID: | 280087555 |
|---|
| Publication date in DKUM: | 02.06.2026 |
|---|
| Views: | 203 |
|---|
| Downloads: | 7 |
|---|
| Metadata: |    |
|---|
| Categories: | Misc.
|
|---|
|
:
|
Copy citation |
|---|
| | | | Average score: | (0 votes) |
|---|
| Your score: | Voting is allowed only for logged in users. |
|---|
| Share: |  |
|---|
Hover the mouse pointer over a document title to show the abstract or click
on the title to get all document metadata. |
