The impact of the coronavirus on the prisoners’ contacts – Challenges and organizational answers : Empirical study of the use of video calls by prisoners

Abstract

The COVID–19 epidemic has significantly influenced and transformed personal, human interactions, as well as forms of private and official communication. This was particularly true for the Prison Service, where epidemiological measures have, on the one hand, restricted prisoners in the reception of visitors and, on the other hand, introduced a number of measures as compensation. One of the key tools was the development and extension of the video calling system (Skype). The purpose of my presentation is to demonstrate the results of the research aiming the perception of the prisoners and the personnel about the use of Skype during the pandemic. In an empirical study we analysed three main data sets: basic statistical data on inmates' use of Skype, the results of a text analysis on staff perceptions, and data from a questionnaire survey of prisoners with more than 500 respondents. The results show that there was a fundamentally positive reception of Skype use among both staff and detainees, so we suggest that it may be beneficial to incorporate this form of contact into the system of the prison service even after the epidemic situation.