ABSTRACT
The comparative analysis provided in this chapter identifies significant differences between prisons and jails, particularly how they are managed and the resultant inmate cultures. This also has a significant impact on the way Violent Extremist Offenders (VEOs) cope in the various correctional systems and the extent to which they may or may not radicalise other inmates. Even prisons or jails within the same country often have different objectives and standards from one another. To add support to the findings from our primary research described in chapters six and seven, we first undertake a comparative analysis of other international prison systems holding VEOs. The countries selected for the analysis in Asia-Pacific include Australia, the US, Canada, and Indonesia. These countries were chosen to reflect a cross-section of correctional models, ranging from modern western prisons with tight security regimes and a low ratio of VEOs, to outdated prisons in Southeast Asia with more lax, overcrowded conditions and a higher number of VEOs. We have focussed more attention on the Australian correctional system than other countries in this comparison, due to the dual strategy of dispersal and segregation in the two main states holding VEOs. We identify the role of several common interrelated prison characteristics that may act to either undermine or, in some cases, promote VEOs’ efforts to radicalise and recruit other prisoners. The characteristics include the prison regime, inmate culture, inmate moral code, patriotism, racism, social barriers, and basic survival needs. These characteristics become particularly relevant when VEOs are integrated into a mainstream prison population.
