Prisons: The Good, the Bad, the Mad and the Sad

Description A fascinating memoir of a former sociologist/criminologist with over 40 years of experience in criminal justice. Van Groningen’s experience includes working as a prison officer, juvenile corrections officer, researcher, policy analyst, lecturer, consultant as well as being in supervisory, management and executive positions in the United States and Australia. Rather than a chronological memoir, this book provides anecdotes and accounts, often serious, sometimes funny, about life in the prison system. Listen to a fascinating podcast ‘The Crime Couch’ with Rochelle Jackson, talking to John van Groningen: rb.gy/51l9kj ‘He always demonstrated a deep commitment to making prisons better. Early in his career he realised that treating prisoners with respect achieved much better outcomes than resorting to humiliation, the default prevailing method of maintaining control. The revolving door of recidivism is ample evidence of our ongoing failure to interrupt the trajectory of so many prisoners’ lives … John has never stopped trying to deliver dramatic change to our prisons. This book explains why and how, and will be welcomed by anyone else who cares as much as he does.’ – Jon Faine About the author: John Van Groningen is a sociologist/criminologist with experience in criminal justice in both the US and Australia. He holds degrees in sociology and criminology. He has lectured extensively and conducted research in areas such as sentencing, police culture, mental health, gambling, drug use, and corrections. His consultancy work includes projects for government agencies and law reform commissions. He served as Secretary of the Victorian Sentencing Committee and advised the Victorian Attorney General and Minister for Corrections. He was appointed as Superintendent of HM Prison Pentridge in 1974, as Director-General of Corrections in 1992 and as Commissioner of Corrections (Victoria, Australia) in 1994.