Venezuela, Corrections in

Pérez Santiago, N; Birkbeck, CH

Abstract

The correctional system of Venezuela is best understood as a system of internment. The inmate population doubled between 2008 and 2015, and overcrowding is at 270%. Remand and sentenced inmates are usually not segregated and most centers are in a very poor physical state. Control over the interior of facilities is largely in the hands of inmates and rates of violence are very high. Early release mechanisms are a longstanding “benefit” sought by inmates but access to them has been restricted in recent years, leading to widespread and varied forms of protest. The government has recently attempted to improve conditions within internment centers, but the outcome is uncertain.

• Publication Date: Aug 1, 2017
• Deposit Date: Feb 7, 2017
• Pages: 1041-1048
• Book Title: The Encyclopedia of Corrections
• ISBN: 9781118845424
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/9781118845387.wbeoc189
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/9781118845387.wbeoc189
• Related Public URLs: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/9781118845387