Research in criminal justice settings: a critical reflection approach

This chapter discusses the complex ethical and trustworthiness issues inherent in conducting research in the criminal justice system, particularly within prison settings. We highlight the unnatural environment of prisons, which presents unique challenges for researchers, prompting a critical examination of conventional ethical principles such as confidentiality, respect, informed consent, and social justice. The discussion extends to how security protocols and entry conditions may intersect with ethical responsibilities and potentially affect the trustworthiness of research findings. Strategies for maintaining ethics and trustworthiness in prison-based qualitative research are explored, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging the unique dynamics of prison cultural and environmental contexts. Finally, the chapter highlights the need for researchers to remain mindful of these dynamics to ensure the integrity and originality of knowledge creation within this challenging context. Implications for criminal justice social work in carceral settings are discussed.