Convict criminology is a new research perspective in criminology led by ex-convicts who are now academic faculty. They especially focus on how the problem of crime is defined, the solutions proposed, the correctional policies enacted, and the devastating impacts of those decisions on the men and women confined in prison. Stephen C. Richards and Jeffrey Ian Ross coined the term convict criminology in 2001, and 2 years later published an edited book, Convict Criminology, that included nine chapters by ex-convict professors. This was the first time ex-convict academics appeared in a book together discussing their own criminal convictions, time in prison, and experiences in graduate school and as professors at universities.

Next came the New School of Convict Criminology, informally organized as a writing and activist collective. Comprising this group are ex-convict professors, graduate students, undergraduate students, and "non-con" critical colleagues and friends including non-con academics who have contributed in many ways to the formation, growth, and activities of the group.

Convict criminology also includes ex-convicts or "non-convicts" who work outside of academia in government agencies, private foundations, or community groups, where they do research or administer criminal justice programs. Although these members do not hold full-time positions at universities, they may teach part-time or write research reports that contribute to academic publications or criminal justice policy.

The Convict Criminology Group also includes a growing group of men and women behind bars who hold advanced degrees and have published academic work about crime and corrections, often coauthored books and academic articles with "free world" academics. Presently, the group includes male and female ex-con academics from North America, Europe, United Kingdom, Scandinavia, Australia, and New Zealand. The United States, with the largest prison population in the world, contributes the most members.

Individuals voluntarily decide to associate with the group, which has no formal membership or leadership roles. Different members of the group lead or take responsibility for assorted functions, as lead author on an academic article or monograph, collaboration on a research proposal, organizing sessions at regional and national conferences, conducting program assessment, mentoring students or junior faculty, or developing media contacts.

The Convict Criminology Group helps organize and support numerous groups and activities related to criminal justice reform, provides consulting services, and organizes workshops for criminal defense attorneys, correctional organizations, and universities. Collectively, the group has published books, journal articles, and book chapters using "autoethnographic" or "insider" perspectives. The group continues to grow as more prisoners exit prison to attend universities, hear about the group, and decide to contribute. Convict criminology, in fact, is now taught in universities and prisons.

References:

1) Irwin, John. 2005. The Warehouse Prison: Disposal of the New Dangerous Class. Los Angeles: Roxbury.

2) Richards, Stephen C. and Jeffrey Ian Ross. 2001. "The New School of Convict Criminology." Social Justice, 177-90.

3) Ross, Jeffrey Ian and Stephen C. Richards. 2002. Behind Bars: Surviving Prison. New York: Alpha/Penguin.

4) Ross, Jeffrey Ian and Stephen C. Richards. 2003. Convict Criminology. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth.

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